SERVING ORGANIZED LABOR IN AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON SINCE 1900 INSIDE OUTSIDE PAGES NORTHWEST HE TOFFICIAL PUBLICBATION UOF LLETIN LABOR Amalgamated Transit Union PRESS Local 757 VOLUME 121, NUMBER 23 PORTLAND, OREGON DECEMBER 4, 2020

President’s Vice President’s Report Roundup Please be kind to one another

By Shirley Block By Jonathan Hunt out and getting into trouble when they normally Season’s greetings Sisters and Brothers, wouldn’t. I would like to encourage you to check in with Hello, Brothers and Sisters, I hope you are all able to have your fellow sisters and brothers! First, I want to say I hope everyone had a happy and safe Thanks - a safe holiday with your family. At this point in time it doesn’t appear we’re go - giving. I know this year has been hard on everyone and very dif - With so many things chang - ing to have regular Union Meetings for a while. ferent. I know that none of us thought we would still be dealing ing all around us, we need to However, we are having monthly check-ins and with this virus. And I know that it hits harder when it starts affecting give each other space. We need small Zoom discussions. Please reach out to me the holidays. Most folks that I know stayed home with the family to practice social distancing, but if your work group would like to have a Zoom they live with and relied on Zoom and phone calls to reach out to we also need to be kind to one meeting. everyone else. I hope that we can all band together and do what we another. Don’t allow someone Wishing you all success during these difficult have to do to get through this, so that we can all be with our fami - else’s chaos to become yours. Being in the union times. Be safe! You are heroes, and we appreciate lies, in person, again soon. is watching each other‘s back. I have seen too you! I have been working hard trying to kick TriMet in the teeth over many member against member cases; folks acting calling for impasse and going to arbitration. I have hosted six Town Hall meetings through the International leadership with their sup - port. We have ran ads on two radio stations, Z100 & 107.5. We will Secretary Treasurer’s Report continue all avenues of outreach that are available to us. But we will not be successful without your participation! If someone calls you about the CURRENT CAMPAIGN, PLEASE PARTICIPATE! Union elections will be held next year BARGAINING UPDATE: By Mary Longoria • We are still working with Walla Walla on attempting to the Election Committee or running for an Officer get a one-year rollover on their contract. We were able to get an Happy Holidays, Sisters and position that when it is time, they submit their pa - MOU in place so that they receive COVID hazard pay. Brothers, perwork in writing instead of showing up in per - • We have had two meetings with Yamhill County Transit. son. We will make sure that all voices are heard, This Holiday season and going and nominations are fair. If you are thinking about We have most of the language agreed on. Now comes the meat and into 2021 will be one that no one potatoes. Medical and wages. Of course, we expect them to cry running for office you should read ATU’s Bylaws here has lived through before — on Nominations, Election Committee, and the job broke, but we are prepared for that, and anything else they try to I don’t think anyone has anyway! throw our way. description of the position. Section 13 – Nomina - As the U.S. elections conclude tions, Section 14 – Elections, Section 15 – Elec - • As you all know, TriMet declared impasse and we are (hopefully soon), we should be likely headed to Interest Arbitration. The parties have each filed tions, and Sections – 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 which are the looking forward to our ATU 757 elections next elected positions job descriptions. ULP's against each other, so there will be a hearing prior to that ar - year. International has sent some guidance, which bitration. I will update you next month on the outcome of those This will be a challenging election cycle, but I basically is, elections must go on. We will be fol - hope everyone exercises their right to run for a ULP's! lowing our Bylaws, but we must also follow the The winter is fast coming on. As always, I want to stress to every - position and vote. Look fLoarb noorm Pinreastis ons and elec - state guidelines for COVID-19. We are currently tion information in the in February one give yourself plenty of time throughout the day and get enough looking at different venues to accommodate a safe rest to stay safe. Your paddle is only a guide. Don’t kill yourself and March 2021. space for the Nomination meetings where there I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and trying to make that paddle work. This is for every individual out will be social distancing and mask wearing, de - there behind the wheel of those buses and trains: Safety is the first a Happy New Year, with the hope that soon we pending on the Governor’s orders at the time. I do will be able to get together in person sometime thing you should be thinking of. NO RUNNING lights, NO encourage if anyone is interested in running for ROLLING THROUGH STOP SIGNS. Take your needed break. If next year. you’re late getting to the end of the line, notify your dispatcher\con - troller and then let them know when you are leaving. Do what you neeCdD toL ds:o. Yes, there is a waiver for CDL expirations, but it is almost up! Get in early! Appointments are already hard to get and will Santa Claus Won’t Be Visiting This Year only get harder!! Do NOT wait until the last minute! The best Christmas present for ATU would be that Doug Kelsey We’re sorry, but due to the pull his head out of his “Gluteus maximus” and pull Laird Cusack off the negotiation table and put someone there with common sense. Governor’s restrictions over Kim has the skills but scared to decide without Laird. Sam Desue is not allowed to participate. Now do the math. COVID-19, Santa Claus Kelsey is trying to break the union the wrong way. When we get won’t be visiting the Union mad, we fight. We are not scared to fight. Look at the bond measure that went down in flames because he couldn’t see he had thousands Hall this year. We hope to see of votes that voiced their opinion because they were SCREWING you all next year! ATU MEMBERS. What a big fool. PAGE 2 | December 4 , 2020 | ATU LOCAL 757 BULLETIN/NW Labor Press ATU LOCAL 757 OFFICER REPORTS

the workplace, then we have no choice started to flourish and thrive with diver - TriMet Powell First Student Portland but to work together in one accord. sity. Suddenly, TriMet pulls the plug. As reported by Do not allow for us to be demarcated. TriMet vehicles and equipment are Maintenance ANNA TOMPTE Stand firm, contest for more favorable made property-specific, no one person As reported by working conditions. Attend the Q & A could come off the street and start work - MIKE FRANCOIS Zoom meetings with ATU leadership, ing on TriMet equipment without proper send questions, check the ATU Facebook safety review, training, or review train - Hello, Brothers and Sisters, To all Union Brothers and Sisters, and website for updates, attend Shop ing. The training system was one of the I just want to wish everyone a blessed Stewards trainings, sign up to receive best in the country and to throw it out is I have filed two new grievances in the Holiday season and hope all is well for text notifications for updates, and partic - unwise. I have witnessed many of my co- last month. I have had one suspension for everyone. ipate in the campaigns. workers who graduated from the appren - a face mask violation. Sorry, but not a whole lot to report. If you have questions on how to join ticeship programs and have moved into We have had three people test positive We’ve had some Operators working, is - any of these events, please contact the management positions; Trainers, Train - for COVID-19 in the Powell Mainte - sues and meetings, and one termination. Union hall at 503-232-9144. Number one ing Supervisors, Engineers, Supervisors, nance and Yard Crew area, and a couple This is not the way any of us expected to threat to bosses are informed members! Managers, and Directors. There are prop - other people are quarantined for contact spend 2020, and I really hope it gets bet - erties all over the USA that are modeling with the positive people. I have been to ter. That’s all for now. In Solidarity. TriMet Light Rail their training/apprenticeship programs multiple meetings for time loss. It’s up to Maintenance after TriMet. It’s really unfortunate that you to manage your time. Call the Reed As reported by TriMet doesn’t see the value in their em - Group or there are people at TriMet that JOE RUFFIN III ployees and its communities anymore. can help you if you’re having problems Brothers and Sisters, let’s show re - with the Reed Group or COVID leave. Retirees’ Chapter Hello, Brothers and Sisters, spect for one another. We’re ALL ATU- One of our Assistant Supervisors has As reported by 757 members. We’re all in this together crossed over to the dark side to be a Su - DAVID R. KAY, Vice President I hope that you are all doing well. This and we all have a significant role, so let’s pervisor, good luck in your new adven - has been an unprecedented year for most get it done in a SAFE MANNER! ture. Still nothing new on our contract ne - of us on this Earth and trust me when I gotiations. Hello Brothers and Sisters! say, we will get through this. A lot of our TriMet Powell The new shop is coming along great. I A wish from the Retiree's Officers for Brothers and Sisters, friends and family Transportation hear we are supposed to start moving in a safe and wonderful Holiday time. members, are dealing with challenges As reported by February. Though it will be challenging, remember that we have never faced before. Let’s MARK HARRIS If you ever have any questions or con - to protect yourself and your loved ones, keep them in our thoughts and prayers cerns, get a hold of your Executive Board it will get better. There is nothing new to and extend a helping hand whenever pos - News From the Trenches: Officer and have a discussion with them report in the way of business as all busi - sible. before going to management. ness meetings are still cancelled. Hang in Brothers and Sisters, in all of my 25 Big Brother is not only watching, but I wish everybody Happy Holidays and there all, mind our Ps and Qs and we will years of working for the District I’ve he is also listening! I am dealing with a Happy New Year! In solidarity. move forward at the earliest possible safe never worked with or seen such a cold- cases now where Operators are being dis - date. hearted Labor Relations Department. ciplined, even suspended, for things they Lastly, the Medicare enrollment period The treatment toward our union mem - are saying out loud to themselves while is upon us, don't forget to forward your bers from that department is ridiculous! in the operator seat! I don’t know how cost statement to Benefits so your reim - Those folks are soulless when it comes these cases are going to turn out as I write Mulligan’s Stew bursement is accurate on your pension to implementing the discipline process this, so I have to warn you Brothers and As reported by check. In Solidarity. towards union employees. If you should Sisters: Watch what you say on the bus, TIM MULLIGAN find yourself in a disciplinary situation even if you’re just talking to yourself! with management, always invoke your There are managers in dispatch listening, TriMet Center Weingarten rights. so don’t say anything to a dispatcher that Happy Xmas, Transportation Negotiations have been like nothing you wouldn’t say to a manager! We must As reported by we have ever seen before. TriMet does always act as if a manager is standing I will be in Nayarit, warmer, drier and DARIN HAGEY not want to negotiate, they want to red - next to you, looking for any reason to run bluer! Fortunately, Donald did not win! line out and strip it all away. That is how you through with the sword of discipline! So my desire to venture to the KIND side Brothers and Sister, TriMet treats their heroes, having us take Stay updated on rule changes, espe - was not so urgent, since Joe/Kamala got Lately, I have heard a lot of my peers a long walk on a short pier. Kelsey wants cially COVID stuff, which seems to elected. USA will be a kinder place with asking “Where is the Union? What are it all! Let’s keep it real, he’s the General change weekly. TriMet expects you to be our new Pres/VP. Covid-19 will finally they doing on our behalf?” Brothers and Manager and he’s steering this ship. PERFECT at all times! get scientifically dealt with! I will miss Sisters in arms, WE are the Union; the Brothers and Sisters, I’ve been Is this an unfair expectation? Is it mi - the golf COFFIN DODGERS and all my fuselage of ATU 757. Unanimity is the through and have seen a lot in my time cromanagement? Is it ridiculous? YES! friends. Enjoy the holidays! most important component. It is a brace at TriMet, but the elimination of the Ap - It is also a sad reality right now. Your May 2021 be a whole lot better than underpinning our structure. Our involve - prenticeship Program is one of the crazi - Union is fighting for changes, but that is 2020. Take care bros and sistahs! Chat ment is principal, it enhances our mem - est. Training is the core value of a com - a process that takes time, energy, and pa - with y’all next year! Solidarity! Stand bership and benefits us individually. pany and training employees from the tience. Please participate in the cam - together not divided. Hasta la proxima! Along with my answer come some ground up is the only way to go. paigns. My best advice is avoid the trou - Peace! questions. Where are you? What are you As chair on the Rail JATC, I know the ble if you can. doing on your behalf? pros and cons of the programs. I also On a happier note, we always have There has never been a better time know how much this program means to things to be thankful for and things to cel - than now to unite, especially in these the communities that it serves. I have ebrate this time of year. Leave work stuff times. We have the right to speak out. seen people from all walks of life come at work and celebrate the Holidays the Join the campaign. Fight the good fight through this program, and I’m proud I best way you can! My wish for you is for and help support your peers. Settling for had a chance to work with them and see a good (if not different) Thanksgiving, mediocrity is not even an option. We are them through it. This apprenticeship has Christmas, Hanukkah, (insert your De - worth more and deserve better. changed and saved lives. I have seen the cember holiday here), and New Year! Turn to Page 11 If we want to see positive changes in programs grow and they have really Here’s hoping 2021 is better! NW Labor Press / ATU LOCAL 757 BULLETIN | December 4 , 2020 | PAGE 11 OFFICER REPORTS MMEEEETTIINNGG NNOOTTIICCEESS

From Page 2 By vote of the ATU 757 Executive Board, the virus as well. The run-cut for the fixed route is com - all Charter and Continuation Meetings are plete and moving forward to be bid on. C-TRAN The laydown will occur on 12-7-2020, canceled for the month of December. Please As reported by and bidding will begin on 12-14/2020. JAMES BENNETT As most of you are aware, there were a visit our website or Facebook page, or call few “hiccups” in the run-cut process that led to us moving the bid back a week. the Union Hall for any questions. Greetings and Salutations, Brothers and With the implementation of the new Tra - Sisters, peze software, there has been a push by C-Tran to limit our participation in the I hope everyone had a great Thanks - run-cut. Fortunately, we were able to giving Holiday, and I hope everyone is look at the current run-cut and make staying healthy and happy. 2020 is al - some much-needed changes to the week - most over, and like the rest of you, my day cut. Unfortunately, this is far from RETIREES ’ family and I are looking forward to 2021, RETIREES ’ over. This will probably be a fight, a hopefully we can soon put this pandemic tough fight. And in our eyes an unneces - behind us and get back to a life which sary fight. We feel like we are being bul - will hopefully be much closer to normal. CORNER lied into the new “status qou”. C-Tran CORNER I would like to emphasize to everyone has taken a new stance and does not be - how important it is to stay at home if you lieve we have an equal vote on approving feel sick. The number of people infected the run-cut, even though we have a clear with COVID-19 are again on the rise, and consistent history of 15 plus years of THE FOLLOWING RETIREES ARE CELEBRATING around the nation and in our own county. the practice, established within the CBA, Again, to protect our co-workers and DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS: which we have performed 3 times a year Edward Ackley, Luke Anavi, Joseph Bailey, Gregory Barber, Frank Bell, Roger Bell, their families please, if you are sick, stay for 15 plus years. A practice in which C- Ricky Booker, Barlar Boothe, Betty Boyce, Stephen Breaux, Douglas Brown, Scott home. Tran and the Union have agreed and Brown, Bobby Burden, Ben Butler, Rodney Chambers, Thomas Chambers, Larry I would like to congratulate the mem - widely accepted that the Language in the Chartier, Ralph Christensen, Carol Cochran, Ronald Codemo, Jack Combs, bers of the I.T department on ratifying CBA places us on equal ground and their first contract, we negotiated a lot of Ronald Dockter, Larry Douglas, Stephen Eckles, Sally Erickson, Holly Fitzgerald, gives each of us one vote to move the gains for a first-time contract. Job well Michael France, Christine Galan, Carole Graves, Charlene Green, Susanne Hall, run-cut forward. This new stance by C- done. Also, congratulations to the mem - Tran is unfortunate, this has been a pro - Nels Hansen, James Harlan, Mark Hartman, Harold Herbert, Floyd Hilyard, Jerry bers who are part of the combined con - ductive partnership that has worked well Hitchcock, Duane Howell, Linda Humiston, Ronald Jenkerson, Kenneth Jenson, tract, they just ratified a one-year rollover for both the operators and the Agency Cheryl Johnson, Terry Johnson, HENRY JONES , Larry Jones, Rick Jones, Dowell of their contract with a 2.7% raise. Again, through the past and present. C-Tran be - Kearney, Jack Kenaston, Scott Kendoll, Ralph Kerbs, David Kim, Burton Kindred, job well done to all the members and Of - lieves their new Trapeze software is a ficers who worked diligently to bring this Alvin King, Donald Klippstein, Douglas Langner, Robert Leblanc, Linda Leigh, panacea, although the software has the to completion. Mary Jo Lewis-Pierce, James Lind, Robert Loose Jr, Steven Lubitz, Karen Mal - capability to do some very good things, In recent months I have talked to sev - it is our opinion that it still needs consid - oney, Jeffery Mcmahan, Lori Miles-Christenson, W David Miller, Paula Montpelier, eral operators who have concerns and are erable work, especially in the run-cutting Brian Mosley, Deborah Moyle, LEONARD MUMMERT , Linda Murphy, Jack New - affected by the spray being used to sani - operations. The run-cut is going to al - berry, Richard Okamoto, Michael Owen, Terry Pellegrin, Donna Petty, David Pet - tize the buses. We are in conversations ways need real people looking at it. The tyjohn, David Pfeiffer, David Pickrell, William Pratt, Janice Reddaway, William Rice, with C-Tran concerning the best way to best way to do that is the current process, move forward regarding this situation. Joseph Riordan, Rod Ruffin, Michael Sanpedro, Tim Schmitz, Carol Shaff, Paul the long-term partnership throughout the Unfortunately, these conversations are on Sharp, John Smeenk, Paul Smith, Robert Smith, Eva Solberg, Chester Stauffer, run-cut process between ATU and C- hold due to an investigation being con - Tran has worked very well. We will be Keith Stratton, Kim Stuart, Stephen Subject, Earl Talevich, Doug Tilson, Rhoda ducted by L&I. As soon as we have the meeting in January with management to Tolle, Dennis Tong, Charles Vondrachek, Thomas Walker, Jerry Weddle, Marcia findings of this investigation, we will re - hopefully work through this. Weese, Eric Werner, William White, Kenneth Wiese, Duane Wight, William Wilson, sume the conversation and hopefully im - I would like to wish everyone a safe John Wood, and Henry Zenk. plement some changes that will address and healthy Holiday Season. Happy Hol - the concerns of operators affected by the Names in bold print/caps are our 50-year retirees – thank you for your idays everyone! spray, and keep everyone protected from service, sisters and brothers! Ever Forward. In Solidarity,

IN MEMORIAM: Michael Burdette, Susan Kassebaum, Virginia Simmons

The Retirees’ Chistmas Luncheon is canceled this year due to COVID- 19 restrictions and governor’s orders.

Amalgamated Transit Union - Division 757 Representing working men and women in Oregon and Washington at: TriMet • Lane Transit District • C-TRAN/C-VAN • Salem Area Mass Transit District • MV Canby • MV Salem • Rogue Valley Transportation District • Bend Extended Area Transit • Cascades East Transit • Tillamook County Transportation District • Valley Transit Association • First Transit Regions 1, 2 and 3 • City of North Bonneville • Portland Public Schools • First Student Portland • First Student Corvallis • MTR Corvallis • Intersection Media • - Hood River • ATU Retired Member Chapter • Sunset Empire Transportation District, Astoria • CC Rider PAGE 12 | December 4 , 2020 | ATU LOCAL 757 BULLETIN/NW Labor Press WORKER SAFETY YOUR EMPLOYER MUST KEEP YOU SAFE Physical distancing Whenever Oregon OSHA’s COVID rule takes effect feasible, workers must be separated from one another and other individuals by at least 6 feet. On Nov. 16, a temporary Oregon OSHA rule took effect— firmed cases at 90 Oregon workplaces, as well as active to protect workers from COVID-19 in all workplaces. The outbreaks with at least three confirmed cases at 75 assisted Indoors (or outdoors rule will remain in effect until at least May 4, 2021. But living centers. Face covering when workers must be within 6 feet) it’s not clear how many employers or workers know about employers must provide face it. It’s like the proverbial tree falling in the forest: If OSHA BECOME A COVID STEWARD coverings to all workers and ensure announces a rule and no one hears about it, does it protect Here’s how you can keep yourself, your co-workers and fam - they use them. workers? ily members safe: OSHA has no way to let Oregon’s roughly 110,000 em - Risk assessment With participation ployers and 1.8 million workers know about the new rule 1) Know the rules (see box right). from employees, employers must except media reports. SAIF, Oregon’s biggest workers’ 2) If your employer isn’t following the rules, you —or your union steward or staff gauge potential exposure and address comp insurer, emailed all its employer customers about the rep— should let them know about the rules. how to minimize it. See the form at rule, but an OSHA spokesperson couldn’t say whether 3) If they still don’t follow the rules, file a complaint online at https://bit.ly/3pCgJua other insurers had done so. osha.oregon.gov/workers or by calling 1-800-922-2689. You can ask that your COVID-19 has killed 247,000 Americans, and it’s clear identity be kept confidential. Employer retaliation for making an OSHA Notification Workers should let a major upsurge is under way, making COVID-19 a po - complaint is illegal. File a complaint osha.oregon.gov/workers tential on-the-job hazard. As of Nov. 12, the Oregon Health employers know if they have a cough, Authority was reporting active outbreaks of at least 5 con - shortness of breath, fever, etc., and employers must notify workers within 24 hours if they learn of a workplace COVID-19 exposure.

Post the COVID-19 Hazards poster in the workplace Download the poster in English https://bit.ly/36IVs9D or Spanish https://bit.ly/3kIPNoW

Presents From Partners will host two parties this year Due to the devastation wrought by wildfires and COVID-19, Labor’s Community Service Agency (LCSA) will sponsor two Presents From Partners giving events this year: the original one in Portland and a new one in Southern Oregon. For more than two decades, LCSA has hosted the popular holiday party at Sheet Metal Workers Local 16’s hall in Portland, distributing gifts to union families facing tough times. Over 40 unions and 200 volunteers are involved, and some 350 kids and 200 parents from labor and the community at large participate. Because of COVID-19, this year it will be a contactless drive-through event at Laborers Local 737’s hall in Northeast Portland. To participate, union mem - bers need to contact their local to receive a refer - ral. The deadline to refer is Monday, Dec. 7. For more idnifroercmtoart@ionL,C caSlAl LpCorStAla nadt 5.o0r3g -231-4962 or email . And, thanks to a large financial donation from the labor law firm of McKanna Bishop Joffe, LCSA is planning a “holiday caravan” from Port - land to Central Point on Friday Dec. 4 to deliver some holiday cheer to union families in Southern Oregon. The catastrophic wildfires in September impacted thousands of union and community members across Jackson, Josephine, and Douglas counties, with more than 100 union families los - ing their homes. The Southern Oregon Central Labor Chapter will distribute toys, food, clothing items and more on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Medfohrtdtp. Ps:l/e/afoserm use.g tlhei/sk lninQkp tUo bsiTg7nF uQp ft6ou r2e3ce3i8v e . gifts: To hsitgtpns u:/p/f otor mvos.lgulnet/eqePr,W gRo 5tot8: imtoMKX6f8 .