News of Local 569’s Activities

AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION LOCAL 569

Proof-Of-Payment the Way to Go

A phone call from ATU 569 member effort to amend the Criminal Code – change for passengers. After an Doug Harman recently got us thinking that’s not an easy task and happens increase of assaults and robberies on about the effect of the Runciman Bill. only very rarely and we are deeply operators, transit unions, properties You’ll recall that Senator Runciman grateful to all those who worked so and agencies got together and started took up the challenge of amending hard to get it done. The problem is the “Exact Fare” campaign. It was, the Criminal Code to allow stiffer two-fold. First, it doesn’t matter how as we now experience, immensely penalties for people convicted of stiff a penalty the judgescan assess, if successful. Around the world, assaulting transit operators. they don’t use the law to its maximum operators are not expected to carry effect, nothing changes. Second, cash or make change. It was the right Opportunity it’s re-active. It doesn’t even come idea and it worked. into play until someone is already Brother Harman attended the assaulted. It’s time for some pro- Proof-of-Payment sentencing hearing of a man active measures. We need to stop convicted of assaulting not one, but the assaults from happening in the Now it’s time to go the next step: leave two ETS operators in a span of 20 first place. the fare enforcement for the security minutes! Despite the opportunity for professionals and let operators get the judge to issue a real penalty in Fare Disputes on with their real job – the safe response to these vicious assaults, the operation of their buses. Making the criminal was sentenced to one year of It’s well known that the vast majority bus a “Proof-of-Payment” zone and probation and ordered to undergo of assaults on transit workers is related having our Transit Peace Officers step addiction treatment. Such a penalty to fare disputes. So, why are operators on the bus once in a while to check doesn’t send much of a message to still tasked with fare collection? It fares is the right idea and it will work. other would-be assaulters. just doesn’t make sense. Back in the Such a change will instantly eliminate 1950s, even into the 60s, operators fare disputes with operators and, It’s not that we don’t appreciate all were issued a cash float at the start by extension, the vast majority of the work so many people put into the of their shift so that they could make assaults on operators. Congratulations to the Following Retired Members Irene Cameron - Dec. 18, 2015 Susan Lemaistre - Sept. 27, 2016 Bernine Prasad - July 11, 2016 Peter Chan - July 29, 2016 Bernard Maguire - Oct 1, 2016 Virgil Simmonds - Sept. 3, 2016 Mark Chorney - July 16, 2016 James Mah - August 2, 2016 Carlyle Skaalid - July 15, 2016 Darryl Desjarlais - June 7, 2016 Rolf Mueller - June 17, 2016 Dwayne Steil - Sept 10, 2016 Howard Green - July 2, 2015 Kenneth Olson - Sept. 2, 2016 Randy Tally - Sept. 3, 2016 Art Jones - May 21, 2016 David Parker - Sept. 4, 2016 Russell Williams - July 10, 2016 Geoff Lambert - August 12, 2016 Kevin Peterman - Sept 30, 2016 Graydon Woods - June 1, 2015

Fall 2016 - Local in Motion My Pride and Belief Denise Meyer Recording Secretary Thinking about the meaning of being family on that. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Federation in a “Union” many thoughts crossed of Labour, Saskatoon District Labour my mind. With 22 other unionists Here at Local 569 we should consider Council, Saskatchewan Teachers from our Local, we went to Saskatoon ourselves so lucky with all that we and Nurses. Close to a thousand to support our brothers and sisters have. This is thanks to those who of us joined their rally at City Hall. September 10th. This to me is being in fought hard for all the things we take We brought a clear message to City a union, supporting one another when for granted (pension plan, sick leave, Council and the administration that we are in need is the key. Saskatoon is dental/prescription plans, Health Care ATU stands together across the in need! Spending Account, very good wages, country and an injury to ONE is an LTD plan and on and on). injury to ALL. We will be back as often Without a Contract as it takes and in greater numbers until They have been without a contract All Alone these members are treated with the for 4 years. They are fighting to keep Upon reaching Saskatoon we were dignity and respect that all workers their pension plan that they fought for greeted with open arms and a few deserve and demand. and paid into so they could retire and tears as they often feel they are all enjoy their golden years as everyone alone. My pride and belief in the So although I was disheartened, I am who is not retired refers to. They trade union values were restored and once again ready to stand up and be also are looking at a wage adjustment a few tears fell when the 23 of us from counted and fight the fight needed to as a full time bus operator doesn’t 569, 19 from 583, representatives help our brothers and sisters across even make enough to qualify for a from: Winnipeg , Regina and ATU Canada and here at home. mortgage. Hard to imagine raising a Canada were there, CUPE locals from

WTF - Where’s the Fairness

Local 569 & Local 583 Members in Saskatoon Supporting Local 615 “I BELIEVE YOU” PROJECT rising. • AVOID ASKING WHY? - why By Denise Meyer questions communicate blame. The City has partnered with the Following is a condensed version of Avoid probing for details. Before Sexual Assault Centre to help promote the “chat” and tip sheet: you ask a question ask yourself if the Centre’s “I Believe You” campaign. the information is needed if no The object of the campaign is to train • LISTEN - pull over so you can then don’t ask people in public service positions give your full attention to the • OFFER OPTIONS - when possible the “first aid” principles of helping passenger and appropriate offer options someone who has been sexually • BELIEVE - use the statement “I and give the passenger time to assaulted or harassed. Some believe you”. Many of the victims consider. Offer to call control or operators have already had their chat are afraid of not being believed offer to take them to the next with a supervisor about it; others will • AVOID JUDGEMENT - do not transit centre where they can be invited in for it. Sexual assaults or express any judgement while make a decision there. harassment incidents are reported communicating with the to ETS operators on average, 5 times passenger. Compassion is the Always let Control know about the a month and the frequency curve is best option. situation as soon as possible and with the passenger’s permission. Fall 2016 - Local in Motion

Edmonton – ’s Local argued that defined-benefit pension swallowing unnecessary cuts, I hope Authorities Pension Plan has hit 97 plans were unsustainable,” Alberta we all remember how wrong they per cent funding just two years after Federation of Labour president Gil were when they claimed our pensions Conservatives tried to gut it over fears McGowan said. “They even brought were insolvent,” McGowan – who that the plan was unsustainable. forward legislation that would have led a union coalition that opposed slashed benefits and would have cuts to pension plans – said. “This Earlier today, Alberta’s largest pension undermined the retirement security also makes it abundantly clear that plan – the Local Authorities Pension of thousands of Albertans. We Alberta’s public-sector pensions need Plan (LAPP), which provides pension said at the time the legislation was to have independent joint governance coverage to almost 250,000 working unnecessary. And this report has – like the pension plans in every and retired Albertans – released proved us right.” other province in Canada – so that figures showing that it is now close to governments can’t make unilateral being fully funded. Former Premier Jim Prentice decisions that affect workers’ eventually backed away from his retirement savings.” According to the LAPP’s latest 2015 predecessor’s attack on public- Audited Financial Statements, the sector pensions in the face of The LAPP is the second pension plan now has 97 per cent of the funds unprecedented public protest and plan in recent weeks to show that necessary to cover its long-term after being presented with evidence Conservative attempts to undermine obligations – up dramatically from 85 from a coalition of unions that the pensions in Alberta were ill-founded. per cent three years ago. plans were, in fact, well on the way to The Public Sector Pension Plan (PSPP) recovery without cuts to benefits. – which had also been targeted by the “Just two years ago, the Conservative Redford government – released an government of Alberta tried to “The next time right-wing fear audited annual report in June showing convince Albertans that this plan – mongers try to panic Albertans into that it was 99 per cent funded. among others – was doomed. They making unjustified concessions and

Steve Bradshaw President

ATU Local 569 will hold its triennial In compliance with the Local’s Bylaws, election this fall. All executive formal notice with the details of positions are open as well as (for the balloting will be mailed to each first time ever) 12 Steward positions. member at their last known address.

Nominations will be taken at the November membership meeting Tuesday, November 22. Election Day will take place on Thursday, December 1, 2016. Please contact the Conventional balloting will take place Union Office if you in all workplaces on December 1, have a change of 2016. contact information including your Regular Membership Meeting email address October 25, 2016 by calling 10:00 am & 7:00 pm 780-426-6136 or Union Hall 10540 - 108 Street email: [email protected]

Fall 2016 - Local in Motion In Remembrance of Deceased Members Lorna Durand - August 4, 2016 Winston Holder - August 25, 2016 Nirmal Gill - August 28, 2016 George Nadema - July 21, 2016 Norman Grammer - September 6, 2016 Raymond Rowsell - June 27, 2016 Thomas Hadley - July 29, 2016

Seeking All Aspiring Journalists! You are invited to become an ATU newsperson by writing a 300 - 500 word article you think would be of interest to Local 569 members. Your submission will be considered and subjected to editorial prerogative. Please send your article to: [email protected] This Newsletter can be accessed on our website: atu569.ca

2016 Kids Annual Christmas Party November 26, 2016 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM West Mall Galaxyland 8882 - 170 Street Hope to See you There!!!

Have You Seen It? Our New Website is Live! Check it out at: www.atu569.ca

ATU Local 569 Night Come Out & Enjoy a Game with Family & Friends 300 Tickets Available 1st Come 1st Serve Saturday December 10, 2016 at 7:00 pm Reserve your 2 Free tickets per member by calling the Union Office @ 780.426.6136

Fall 2016 - Local in Motion