ATU Local 587

newsVol. XXXIX, No. 3 reviewMarch 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE The President’s Report

Major Religious and Secular Holidays State of Local 587 Page 3 By Kenny McCormick What, No Super Bowl? Page 4

Continuing Education for Shop Stewards and Potential Shop Stewards he current administra- tion took office on July 1 Page 4 2015 and Local 587 was Tfinancially strapped due to over “The officers are being sent to Silver Drug Testing spending, a Union Officers elec- Spring for training on the Friedrichs Page 5 tion, too many people being sent to conferences, and excessive details. The membership passed vs the California Teachers Where Do Your Fully Paid Healthcare Benefits a motion to curb the spending Association case. Come From? and we are now on the road to recovery and getting healthier. Page 6 In the first eight months of this …It will have an impact on all administration we have operated Who Holds the Power? in the black. public sector unions in the We have held two classes for Page 7 Shop Steward Training; we have United States.” trained Shop Stewards and Ex- Transparency in Promotion ecutive Board Officers. We are will need to contact the Union Teachers Association case. When Page 8 working on training our entire office to sign up. Paul McCarthy we return, we will begin training list of Shop Stewards to changes from the International will be the this membership on the informa- Letters to the Editor that have taken place since they facilitator. This workshop will be tion we learn in the workshops put were first trained. After we get an all-day class and lunches will on by the International. Page 9 everyone trained we will then be provided. While current Shop The Friedrichs decision is ex- begin our secondary training to Stewards and Executive Board pected to be rendered in June or Union Dues help our Shop Stewards be more members will be given first op- early July of this year. If you have effective when they represent this tion to attend, all members are not yet read any of the briefs on Page 9 membership. welcome. Continued education this case goggle Friedrichs vs the On March 12th at the Ma- is a goal and a necessity in order California Teachers Association Welcome to the Oasis! chinist Hall in from to be effective and represent our and educate yourself on what will 8am–4pm, Local 587 will be members. be decided. It will have an impact Page 12 conducting a workshop on The officers are being sent on all public sector unions in the “Building a Strong Union.” Any- to Silver Spring for training on United States. Our future could one interested in participating the Friedrichs vs the California be forever changed. 2 news review March 2016 Business of the Membership Membership Meetings

Tentative Agenda At the Febuary 2016 cycle of meetings, the following business was addressed: PLEASE NOTE : MOTION: by Patrick Brady Request by Stan Kennedy to Friday meeting has been eliminated to send the request made by take his grievance to arbitra- Saturday meeting time has changed Local 1384 to join Local 587 tion. Failed. to a vote of the membership at CHARTER MEETING CLALLAM TRANSIT a date to be determined in the PROPERTY YES NO Thursday, March 3, 2016 Tuesday, March 8, 2016 near future. Motion carried. KCM 32 56 8:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. JTA 1 4 The Labor Temple, Hall #1 Vern Burton Memorial Bldg PROPERTY YES NO CTS 0 6 2800 1st Ave., Seattle, WA Port Angeles, WA KCM 43 4 JTA 6 0 Bylaw amendments to Articles CTS 5 0 V, X and XIII were approved by Saturday MEETING Afternoon MEETING the International, and will go Saturday, March 5, 2016 Wednesday, March 9, 2016 into effect immediately. Noon 3:30 p.m. The Labor Temple, Hall #1 The Labor Temple, Hall #8 2800 1st Ave., Seattle, WA 2800 1st Ave., Seattle, WA

POT DRAW WINNERS: Teferi Gebretsadik, Charter meeting; JEFFERSON TRANSIT Michael Teeter, Friday meeting; Corliss Barnes, Saturday meeting; Monday, March 7, 2016 Ludwig Becker, JTA; Jeff Dixon, CTS; Jose Rosado, Wednesday 7:00 p.m. meeting. The CTS rolling pot was lost by John Hamrick; next Port Townsend Community month’s rolling pot will be $450. Center, 620 Tyler Street, Port Townsend, WA

Among Topics to be Discussed: Election Committee In Lasting Memory… Unfinished Business: None

“Life is eternal, and love is immortal, And is only a horizon; Executive Board Report And a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.” February 23, 2016 ~ Rossiter Worthington Raymond All members of the Executive MOTION: by Ninus Hopkins Board were present except Loren to continue the Full Time Officers Odessa Honorable, Transit Betty Jones passed away Feb- Cook and Tyler Zimmerman salaries using the same formula Operator who retired in ruary 12, 2016. Sister Jones (working FTO pick) and Patrick as used previously in 2015. Car- 1994 after 16 years of service, worked as a Transit Order Murray (working VM vacation ried unanimously. Motion was passed on February 12, 2016. and in Pass Sales for 27 years. pick). inadvertently left out of January Services were held in Covina, She leaves behind a large agenda and News Review California on February 26, extended family, including MOTION: by Shannon Shay 2016. 19 great-grandchildren. to accept the 2016 budget as amended. Motion carried.

Please notify the union office of any member’s passing so that this information may be shared with the rest of our union family.

Weingarten Rights Statement I request to have a union representative present on my behalf during this meeting because I believe it may lead to disciplinary action taken against me. If I am denied my right to have a union representative present, I will refuse to answer ac- cusational questions and any I believe may lead to discipline. ATU Local 587 March 2016 news review 3 Arbitration Update Major Religious and Secular Holidays 1. Andrew Price: Grieved a picked report beings split on a Saturday in violation of March 2016 contract: heard November 11, 2015; briefs 2 19 Day Fast begins (sunrise) – Baha’i Equinox – Wicca filed February 16, 2016, decision pending. 3 What if Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Naw-Ruz (sundown) – Baha’i, Thumbs Day Zoroastrian 2. Mark Kelly: Grieved union work being 4 Employee Appreciation Day Holi (sundown) – Hindu performed by a subcontractor (bus wraps). 7 Masha Shivaratri (sundown) – Hindu 21 World Poetry Day Postponed pending Bus Wrap ULP filed 8 Telugu New Year – Hindu 23 Holika Dahan – Hindu by Metro International Women’s Day Purim (sunset) – Jewish 3. John Marx: Grieved creation of swing shifts 13 Vaisakhi – Hindu Magha Puja Day - Buddhist for Millwrights. Postponed pending ULP Daylight Savings Time starts 24 Maundy (Holy) Thursday – Christian filed by Metro. The Union filed an appeal 14 Pi Day Hola Mohalla - Sikh with PERC, in the interim Management and 15 Ramanavami - Hindu 25 Good Friday – Christian the Union continue discussions. 17 St. Patrick’s Day - Christian 27 Easter – Christian 4. Elaine Monzon: Grieved termination for 20 Palm Sunday – Christian 30 Mahavir Jayanti - Jain alleged falsification of a Metro document; Arbitration held January 13, 2016, decision *This list was compiled from information found online. Any errors are unintentional. If there are dates you would like included in upcoming months, please send an email to: [email protected] pending.

5. Gary Archer: Grieved improper assignment of overtime; The Union did not prevail on the Arbitrators decision as a whole, some grievances remain in question. Help! I need to talk to someone!!

6. Michael Maw: Grieved historical practice and contract language regarding assignments To talk to someone in the of Millwright shifts and assignment of overtime; schedule pending. The Union filed Strictest confidence in a an appeal with PERC, in the interim Manage- ment and the Union continues discussions. Safe place about a 7. Carey Watson: Grieved a suspension for al- Work related incident leged Serious Misconduct; schedule pending. 8. Ray Moore: Grieved non-revenue work be- Leave a message on the ing subcontracted out; scheduled May 2016. 9. Kimberly O’Neal: Grieved 5 day suspension CISM Team Hotline – 206-263-3761 for a serious infraction; schedule pending.

OFFICERS OF THE AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION, LOCAL 587: Articles/Letters to the editor Letters/contributions must include printed news review Kenny McCormick Esther Hankerson Pres/Business Agent Vehicle Maintenance Position #1 Cory Rigtrup names, signatures, work ID numbers, ad- email – [email protected] Vehicle Maintenance Position #2 Mike Rochon dresses and phone numbers that can be ATU Local 587 Vehicle Maintenance Position #3 Patrick Murray verified during working hours. Letters that cannot be validated will not be published. Mike Whitehead Facilities Maintenance Lisa Carter All articles/letters are subject to editing Supervisors Kevin Banks 2nd Vice President/ and should be limited to 1000 words or Published monthly in Seattle. Special Classifications Eric Butler Assistant Business Agent, Maintenance less. Not all letters can be published due King County Units Outside KCM Ninus Hopkins Official publication of Amalgamated email – [email protected] to space limitations. Cut off is 5:00 p.m. Transit Operator Position #1 Mike Burr Transit Union Local 587, AFL-CIO, on the 15th of each month, if the 15th falls Transit Operator Position #2 Tzur Wilfand representing employees of Metro/King Patrick Brady on the weekend/holiday, cut off is close of Financial Secretary Transit Operator Position #3 Tyler Zimmerman County, Clallam Transit, Jefferson business on the following business day. email – [email protected] Transit Operator Position #4 Loren Cook Transit and Seattle Personal Transit. Any submission from a member of Local Cheryl Rowe Transit Operator Position #5 Ken Price 587 to the News Review deemed unprint- Transit Operator Position #6 Randy Lewis able by the Recording Secretary shall be 2815 Second Avenue, Suite 230 Recording Secretary/ Transit Operator Position #7 Mary J. Newton forwarded to the Executive Board for final Seattle, Washington 98121 Editor News Review/Correspondent to ln Transit Transit Operator Position #8 Lorri Kurth decision to publish. Telephone: 206-448-8588. email – [email protected] Clallam / Jefferson County Ed Stanard Minority Affairs Officer Rail Representative Shannon Shay Send letters and articles as Affiliations: Washington State Labor Council, King County Labor Council, Northwest Joint original Word documents to Conference Board, ATU Legislative Council, Web site: http://www.atu587.org Cheryl Rowe at: Olympic Labor Council. [email protected]

ATU Local 587 4 news review March 2016 What, No Super Bowl? By Atlantic Base Shop Steward Chuck Lare, #12497

e did not make it to we then have a movement. A ger with a commitment to Metro for the life threatening the Super Bowl this movement that can provide us transparency, not relying on lack of access to the bathrooms year but we still have a meaningful pay raise, stop individual relationships but and forcing Metro to fund the Wan opportunity for negotiating the outsourcing of our work, instead rely on our collective Comfort Station Coordinator. a Super Bowl contract with guarantee adequate break labor power. We also can partake in work Metro. Let’s not make the same time, provide a fair customer actions that leverage the “12th- mistake as the Hawks failing complaint system that respects Let’s act now while there man” — public participation. to score in the first half of our our professional integrity and is plenty of “game time.” The The public participated in the contract negotiations. Let us remove the workplace hazards Seahawks in their last game Shop Floor 587 Caucus rally of learn. Let us score now while across all classifications. against the Panthers failed to ATU 587 members, the Transit Metro has swapped out it’s “first Transparency must not just score in the first half and in Riders Union and other com- string” General Manager and is come in the form of words their second half scored too munity representatives in front fishing for a replacement. anymore than democracy can little, too late. of Atlantic Base. This work While Metro waits to field be defined in the mere terms While there is still time, action rally culminated in the a new General Manager, we of a ballot box or right to vote. Shop Stewards can start scor- last contract receiving an 80% best take the offensive. Run the The transparency must be in the ing by winning grievances at “No Vote” and then a second ball to the public, the ultimate form of engaging members in the First Step. Winning at the vote of 64% “No.” arbitrator of our contract. The many conversations, education first step is an emotional boost Let us not be about the public, the “12th-man,” can be as to what negotiating strategies to the shop steward and wins “No” but about the “Yes” for a brought to cheer for us to win to consider, joint decision mak- respect for, and confidence in, Super Bowl contract that wins a meaningful pay raise, stop ing, and developing a reiterative shop stewards. This building us a meaningful pay raise and the outsourcing of our work, process that builds to a level of member’s confidence in the restores our 3% COLA floor, guarantee adequate break time, where significant actions can shop stewards can be leveraged guarantees adequate break win a fair customer complaint take place. when the shop steward calls time, a fair customer complaint system that respects our profes- To start: upon members to participate system, and removes the work- sional integrity and remove the in work actions. place hazards. workplace hazards across all • Find out what matters to Work actions can take classifications. every member; many forms like the “end-run” To score significant points • Develop and ratify a platform the Shop Floor 587 Caucus in contract negotiations we for the transit system we all facilitated in winning Labor best start with an active mem- deserve — hold conversations & Industries (L&I) citing of bership that management and trainings with ATU 587 understands can and will take and community members; action if our demands are not • Use a communication loop met. Acquiring an active mem- to keep members informed Continuing Education bership, willing to take action, and get feedback — create a necessitates transparency so communication tree where members feel they are a part and one member is responsible for Shop Stewards have ownership of the contract for staying in touch with a negotiations. The transparency few others about what oc- and Potential Shop provides accountability that curred each time there is a gives the members the confi- bargaining session; Stewards dence they need in deciding • Bargain beyond mandatory Continuing education for Shop Stewards and what actions to take. subjects — address what the Determining actions to take communities we serve desire, potential Shop Stewards will be held at the Labor follows once the membership e.g. “more on-time service”; Temple Hall, Saturday, March 5th at 11:00 a.m., has taken ownership of the • Open up negotiation sessions one hour before the Noon union meeting. The cut off negotiations. The member’s — members who witness the time for requests for a courtesy detail is by noon of ownership of the negotiations process themselves feel more the Monday before the Saturday meeting. Come and could result in hundreds of informed; talk about issues concerning our members and discuss work action participants. And • Never have conversations into the thousands if we add with management away from strategies on how we can best advocate and represent the communities we serve — the table — we are stron- our membership. Hope to see you there ATU Local 587 March 2016 news review 5 Drug Testing By Michael T. Cathey, #11552

February 13, 2016 not to worry about it. I asked if, and requested that, the lab test ear Ms. Lori Jones, I was quite upset about results that I the urine sample that I provided King County Employee for alcohol (assuming that is Drug and Alcohol knew, without a doubt, were false. possible) to get the facts of this DDepartment situation clarified. In my mind I would like to relate an this whole episode brings into experience that I had yesterday and was being extra cautious As an aside, I felt the ma- question the level of training by when I had to get a random because I did not want to expose chine in use was rather battered this clinic’s staff and an obvi- DOT alcohol and urine test myself to any virus that might looking with the electrical ous defect in the protocols in for drugs. I would request that be present in a medical clinic. cords twisted into knots. The administering this test. a copy of this letter be retained Having no sink in the testing clinic itself is rather run down, By coincidence, I happened in my employee records jacket. room I did notice a large bottle shoddy, poorly lit and none too to have an appointment later in A copy is also being sent to of hand sanitizer and proceeded clean for that matter. My ob- the morning with my doctor for ATU Local 587, to be retained to dispense a full stroke of the servations of this clinic didn’t a follow up for the aforemen- in my records there. A union sanitizer, saturating my hands give me much confidence in this tioned illness. His clinic also officer has examined this cor- with it. As I worked the sanitizer facility or the equipment. I had conducts similar tests and so respondence and has asked to into my hands the room was just returned the week before I questioned him quite closely post it in the union newsletter permeated with a strong odor of from leading a work group to about how the test that I had just to which I agreed, so that other alcohol. The nurse conducting an orphanage and outreach done had been administered. employees might be informed the test did not try to prevent mission in Mexico and there is He told me that there should about drug and alcohol testing me from using the alcohol based no doubt in my mind that the never be any kind of alcohol procedures and protocols. sanitizer, but immediately re- clinic there was far cleaner in product even in the room that After getting the paperwork marked that the alcohol fumes every respect. alcohol tests are conducted in, from a Base Chief I proceeded in the room might affect the The nurse called to inform let alone something like hand to the testing clinic in down- test outcome. My response to you of the results of a positive sanitizer that contains 60% town Seattle. I checked in and that was then we should wait alcohol test. It was still quite alcohol and off gases rapidly, had about a 20 minute wait until the alcohol fumes have early in the morning and you especially in so confined a space to be summoned to begin the dissipated and then proceed had not yet arrived to work so as the test was conducted in. alcohol testing procedure with with the test. The nurse replied the nurse left a message and He also told me that when con- a nurse. I was unsure what the that it was “ OK” to just told me I had to wait until she ducting blood draws for blood protocols were for this test. do the test. heard back from someone at alcohol tests that alcohol swabs The nurse opened a drawer She installed the mouthpiece Metro before I could leave. I cannot be used to clean the that contained perhaps 100-200 on the machine. I inhaled deep- asked for, and received permis- area the needle is inserted as it mouthpieces for the breatha- ly and blew into the machine. sion to call the Base Chief who would skew the test. I mention lyzer, each sealed in a plastic It was apparent to me from her gave me the testing paperwork this only to note that probably bag. The nurse asked me to pick behavior that something was and informed her of what was most employees that are sent one and open it. Being in this up. I asked what the problem happening. Eventually the for testing are unaware (as I clinic I had handled their pen was and she said that there was nurse had me proceed with the was) to the sensitivity of this to sign in, a clipboard, touched alcohol in my system and that urine test for drugs and at the testing equipment. Employees doorknobs and countertops. I the machine indicated posi- conclusion of that I was told are really at the mercy of the felt uncomfortable handling tive for it. I was dumbfounded that I could leave. I was really people conducting these tests anything that I was going to because I had consumed my confused at this point and was and have to depend on them to place in my mouth without last drink of alcohol in 1985. informed by the nurse that the do the testing correctly. In my first washing my hands. I did I immediately questioned the amount of alcohol I tested posi- case there was a definite flaw in not even want to open the bag results and she defended the tive for (.009%) was far below the testing at this facility. In that contained the mouthpiece machines accuracy and so on. the threshold set by the DOT. my opinion the company that is for the machine without some My response to that was if the I returned to North Base contracted to administer these basic sanitation. I have recently machine tested positive then and informed the Base Chief of tests is providing King County been ill with the flu, an upper something was amiss some- the circumstances and was still with substandard service in a respiratory infection and head where and I was quite upset quite angry about this entire substandard facility. cold and feel that my immune about results that I knew, with- sorry experience. She reassured Regards, system is degraded from that out a doubt, were false. me that it was a done deal and Michael T. Cathey ATU Local 587 6 news review March 2016 Where Do Your Fully Paid Healthcare Benefits Come From?

By Doug Frechin, Shop Steward, North Base #13467

our benefits are defined ‘term-limited temporary part was the “new” language tinuing to provide employ- in the King County employees as members of in Article 12-Benefits, Section ment-based benefits; or Charter, as amended in career service.” 1-Medical, Dental, Vision, (b)Include any other lan- Y1989, Section 550 Career Ser- King County does not al- Life, and Long Term Disability guage in a contract with an vice. The document titled, “Per- ways follow the guidelines set Benefits: employee that requires the formance Audit of Part-time forth regarding Career Service. • “B. All full-time Employ- employee to forgo employ- Employment in King County,” The following excerpts are ees, part-time assigned and ment -based benefits. dated May 7, 2014 from the King from a Seattle Times article on-call Employees who are (2) The definitions in this County Auditor’s Office has the dated 10/18/1997 and titled, regularly scheduled to work subsection apply throughout information we need: “Some 2,500 Temps to Get $24 half-time or more, and their chapter 155, Laws of 2002, un- million—King County Settles dependents will be covered less the context clearly requires • “The King County Charter Class-Action Lawsuit”: by the medical, dental, vi- otherwise. addresses employee mem- • “By next summer some sion, life, and long term (a) “Employee” means a bership in the career ser- 2,500 King County workers disability plans developed person who is providing ser- vice. (King County Charter, denied benefits over the last by the Labor-Management vices for compensation to an Section 550, as amended eight years could find a hefty Insurance Committee.” And: employer, unless the person 1989). By default, all county check in the mail.” (Note: • “E. For the purposes of this is free from the employer’s employees are members of Eight years would be since AGREEMENT, ‘half-time’ direction and control over career service except for 1989 when the Career Service shall mean twenty (20) hours the performance of work. certain categories of employ- language was amended in per week.” This definition shall be ees in elected or managerial the King County Charter as Next we have two Wash- interpreted consistent with positions and other specific mentioned above.) And: ington State laws that are common law. roles, including part-time • “For a number of years the dated from 2002 as they are (b) “Employment-based and temporary, except those county engaged in a sad currently written. The first is benefits” means any benefits employed at least half time. episode of employment prac- RCW 49.44.160 Public employ- to which employees are The county code defines part- tices,” said (Executive Ron) ers-Intent. This is part of that entitled under state law or time employees who work Sims, who had long fought to language: employer policies or collec- under the half-time thresh- end what he called a pervasive • “The legislature intends that tive bargaining agreements old as ‘part time,’ and those practice of hiring temporary public employers be pro- applicable to the employee’s over the half-time threshold and part-time workers and hibited from misclassifying correct classification. as ‘part-time regular.’ Career denying them benefits. And: employees, or taking other (c) “Public employer” means: service employees receive • “The class-action suit mush- action to avoid providing or (i) Any unit of local gov- leave benefits and are eligible roomed from a complaint continuing to provide em- ernment including, but for medical, dental, vision, by 22 county workers that ployment based benefits to not limited to, a county, life, and disability benefits.” they were denied medical, which employees are entitled city, town, municipal cor- And: vacation, holiday and other under state law or employer poration, quasi-municipal • “Part-time employees who benefits paid other workers.” policies or collective bargain- corporation, or political work over half time receive ing agreements applicable to subdivision; and (ii) the state the same benefits as full-time King County Metro Transit the employee’s correct clas- institutions, and state agen- employees. All of the county’s workers were not part of this sification.” cies. This definition shall be full-time employees are eli- class action that I can find. This interpreted consistent with gible to receive county-paid lawsuit did lead to improved The second is RCW 49.44.170 common law. benefits including medical, language in the very next Public Employers-Unfair prac- (d) “Misclassify” and “mis- dental, vision, and basic ATU 587/King County Metro tices-Definitions-Remedies. classification” means to accidental death and long- Transit Collective Bargaining This is the entire language: incorrectly classify or label term disability insurance. Agreement dated 11/1/1998 to a long-term public employee Benefits cost about $16,000 10/31/2001 that was signed on “(1) It is an unfair practice for as “temporary,” “leased,” per employee in 2014.” And: 10/1/1999 by Barry Samet for any public employer to: “contract,” “seasonal,” “in- • “King County Code defines ATU 587 and Ron Sims for King (a) Misclassify any employee termittent,” or “part-time,” ‘part-time regular’ and County Metro Transit. Here in to avoid providing or con- continued on page 7 ATU Local 587 March 2016 news review 7 Who Holds the Power?

By Kathy Maddux #20243

*whispering deserves to be treated equally, makers, perhaps politicians. attempting to be equal and Psst! Over here! Didja hear with dignity and respect. Isn’t Seems to me, if everyone were fair to all. the one about the tripper that that the crux of non-discrim- treated equally, having certain It’s a shame this is not an can never be cancelled? Even at ination and fairness? In my trippers cancelled when driver effort shared by all of King the expense of up to three other humble opinion, ALL bus riders and/or equipment shortages County and its employees. trippers? Leaving potentially should be treated thusly. Until occur, perhaps solutions could Were this mal-treatment com- hundreds of other passengers proven otherwise! be found much more quickly! ing from us at the bottom of Rather than “this trip MUST the food chain, it would not having to wait for different *whispering buses? always run” (regardless of the be tolerated. Yet, from upper Psst! Didja hear? Discrimi- cost to so many others!) levels, it is allowed. *stop whispering nation IS ALLOWED, in fact *not whispering Who holds the power? I’ve always believed that, un- ordered from “on high”, for cer- til proven otherwise, everyone tain “important” passengers! I will always strive to dis- VIPs who, in fact, are decision criminate against NO ONE,

Healthcare Benefits, continued from p. 6 or to use a similar label that Some of our current CBA 3. “A posted average pay work that is over four hours or does not objectively describe language attempts to circum- time of 4:00 hours or more. One such individual was the employee’s actual work vent the intent and spirit of more guarantees benefits. denied Career Service status circumstances. the King County Charter, A posted average pay time based on “C. 3” above, when s/ (3) An employee deeming King County Code and the of 3:59 hours or less does he picked a “scheduled” piece himself or herself harmed in two RCW’s as it relates to not guarantee benefits that was 3:57 but in real time, violation of subsection (1) of those Part-time workers who regardless of actual time with the paychecks to prove it, this section may bring a civil should be qualified as the Ca- operated.” was working four hours or more action in a court of competent reer Service and receive all of per day. The second injustice jurisdiction.” the full paid benefits they are Due to the language men- was based on the same above The above mentioned ref- entitled to. Next we have the tioned in “C. 3.” above, you mentioned MOA, under B. New erences to the King County “Memorandum of Agreement could be deprived of your Ca- Plan Term Eligibility (1/1/2014- Charter and King County Between King County Depart- reer Service benefits. But wait, 12/31/2016): Code and the two RCW’s can ment of Transportation and the there is language to protect “2. Alternatively for 2013 be used to argue in the griev- Amalgamated Transit Union, you from the employer if your through 2015, if a PTO receives ance procedure if you feel that Local 587,” dated 10/1/2013. piece of work is in real time 1040 paid hours or more in the you have been deprived of any Subject: Part-Time Operator four hours or more. It’s been in 26 pay periods ending with the benefits to which you feel you Benefits Eligibility. I will be the CBA since the 1999–2001 pay period that includes June are entitled. This is because focusing on the language that version, as mentioned above 30, s/he will be eligible for they fall under the umbrella relates to pieces of work that in paragraph 11, “For the pur- fully-paid benefits effective the language found in our cur- are “scheduled” under the four poses of this AGREEMENT, following year beginning Janu- rent CBA from 11/1/2013 to hour threshold. Some, not all, ‘half-time’ shall mean twenty ary 1 through December 31.” 10/31/2016, Preamble, page 10. actually take longer than four (20) hours per week.” The cur- Here is part of the Preamble I hours, and the Career Service rent language in the 2013–2016 UPDATE: A modification to am focusing on: language should be followed: CBA goes even further, it says the MOA was signed on Febru- “...‘half-time’ shall mean 20 ary 10, 2016, to help members “Employees are entitled “Agreement: King County paid hours per week.” maintain their full benefits to fair wages and working and Amalgamated Transit Another problem we are hav- when a Full-Time Operator conditions as provided in this Union, Local 587, have agreed to ing is when a Full Time Transit converts to Part-Time status. AGREEMENT, including all the following standards of eli- Operator transfers back to Part protections preserved by law.” gibility for part-time operators. Time and for whatever reason C. Other Agreements is unable to secure a piece of ATU Local 587 8 news review March 2016 Transparency in Promotion Submitted by VM Executive Board Representative Cory Rigtrup

n the absence of light, no one could qualify for the darkness flourishes. This position. We talked about this is why I support PACE, it Even though what I seek may sound in VM’s Labor Management Ishines light on the direction Relations Committee (LMRC) this Agency should be head- simple, apply for a promotion, take and the Union’s contractual ing. This article is dedicated to involvement in the hiring pro- everyone whom desires to move a test, get the results, it’s met with cess. I recall there was some up through the ranks in VM. question at the time of the VM has a long-standing demoralizing resistance. language’s limits. Frustrated tradition of Leads being the with the results, I stated I would gateway into Management. apply for next recruitment and Without alternative opportuni- report back to the committee, ties for non-Lead members to premise of PACE, and is why I back on the candidates for their so that we could pound out the gain managerial experience, believe you should give it some own performance. I call that issues after the fact. the avenue for promotion re- latitude. just, and definitely transparent. Keeping my word, I did ap- mains rigid. So, the historic With that in mind, I set a Currently, when a candidate ply for the next recruitment. career path for advancement goal a few years ago of mak- fails to make promotion, a I was deemed ineligible for starts from a trade’s worker, to ing transparency a reality in “Dear John” letter is sent out testing, because I was reviewed a Lead, then onto Management. the promotion process. Why? offering help by various sec- as having poor relationships Thanks to PACE, this is chang- Because transparency has a tions in this Agency, addressing with Management. Ironic isn’t ing. You see, the old process is natural way of filtering out their shortcomings. While I it? Me, a sitting Board Officer flawed because it excludes the influence from relationships. applaud this effort, it does little in a LMRC being told my rela- roughly 200 non-trade workers To date, this goal is far from to reassure the candidates that tionship with Management was in VM from having a career accomplished, but headway no “Hanky Panky” has trans- the problem. About this time path. But that’s another story; has been made. Light is now pired. Again, the reason I’m on I realized, if this could hap- this article is about transpar- shining on areas that aren’t this quest is folks have come pen to a vocal proponent like ency in promotion. accustomed to being seen, to me with concerns, asking me, then there’s likely truth to Throughout the years I’ve causing an atmosphere filled for help. When I ask questions some of rumors I’ve been hear- heard talk, rumors, scandals with nervous energy. Com- of people “in the know” as to ing all these years. Well, it was and gripes about how promo- munications, PACE, and the why candidates can’t get their about that time I set this goal tions are given and to whom. grievance process are proving own results, I get answers that of transparency. Amazingly, these complaints effective tools in transforming don’t feel right. I’m intentionally stopping aren’t always from folks who this Agency into what it should Even though what I seek the story here; if I were to con- didn’t get the job, but also from be, benevolent. By the way, may sound simple, apply for a tinue I believe damage could those who did and found the benevolence isn’t something promotion, take a test, get the be done to relationships that experience less than visible. that needs to be negotiated for. results, it’s met with demoral- already need fostering. I believe I reckon, even if the promo- izing resistance. Regardless in PACE, I also believe it has a Disclaimer: tion process becomes fair and that Metro is a Public Agency handle on this issue and that I’ve never been offered transparent, there will always and anyone can file public change is forthcoming. membership to the “good ol’ be complaints from folks who information request, the in- Until then, I will take a mo- boy” club, so I can’t tell you if don’t get the job. After all, it’s dividual results aren’t shared. ment and apologize to all those it actually exists. every American’s right to com- Results are privileged only to who I represent. If you are one of Before I get to all that, I’ll plain. However, if this goal is those “in the know”; candidates those caught up in this change explain what I’m after. I want reached, there will be a process and your Union are not “in the of process right now, I apolo- members who are desirous of established where candidates know.” Why? gize. I know you’re wearing the promotions to have opportu- can get their results on how burden of this flawed system; I nities, by way of a fair system they tested and what the bar My example: wish a speedy resolution to the that rewards hard work and was for getting the job, along A few years ago, there was a issue. If you find yourself frus- dedication with just results. I with reassurances of a fair posting for a Lead promotion trated on why this whole thing believe the main ingredient in process by an unbiased official in my classification. Six months is taking so long, I’ll surmise by the recipe should be effort, not having oversight (Union). Such and a tremendous amount of writing: there are those who are relationships. That is also the a process really puts ownership wasted time later, Metro said afraid of the light.

ATU Local 587 March 2016 news review 9 Letters to the Editor: Union Dues Shout out Lisa Nault, East Operations, #3647

Dear Brothers and Sisters, n August 1992, although wanted my dues to have mean- it was under $20.00 per ing and value. I am proud to be I’d like to give a shout out to our North Base Equipment month, I still wondered, a 23 year member of ATU and Service Workers! While there has been a lot of talk recently Iwhat is the deduction for dues honored to have been able to do about dirty buses, ours at North continue to be maintained and who is this Union? Work- the work that I have done over by, in my opinion, the best crew in the county! ing a minimum tripper, being the years. We have many new a FT student at the UW and members to our ATU family. Every night, this crew checks fluids, does walk-arounds, a single parent, that “small” Welcome Brothers and Sisters. walks the inside of the bus, blows/vacuums the buses out, they deduction was noticed and I hope you, our future, will be do a great job at leaving us clean buses. I’ve worked other missed. I admit, I did ask some involved and active and con- bases, as well as ridden buses from other bases, and have questions, like is this optional? tribute your ideas and talents. never seen this level of quality. I appreciate the work they do! At that juncture in my life, if The protections we have and it wasn’t food or rent money, potential future gains are worth Kathy Maddux 20243, well there wasn’t much left for protecting, fighting for and North Base Ops anything else most of the time. investing in. When you invest The answer I got was this is a in your family, you benefit also! closed shop. It spurred me on (I know, I know, it all sounds to investigate. I met Local 587 so corny.) Just check the news, Benefit Access Fee officers and active members. Friedrichs vs California Teach- I give credit to my family for ers Association, for example. Dear Editor, instilling values like steward- In the United States, Union ship, responsibility and a strong density and position have been Are you being charged a benefit access fee by King County work ethic. I began to under- under attack since they began. Metro? I specifically stated in my open enrollment that I should stand, I would have to work WE ARE THE UNION not be charged a benefit access fee; my spouse has no other medi- at being an active member if I cal benefits from another employer. Well guess what, on the first pay check of the month I was charged a benefit access fee. I com- plained to King County Benefits and requested that I be refunded my access fee that had been charged to me. I was refunded my fee from the first pay check and I am no longer being charged KEEP YOUR a benefit access fee as I had requested during open enrollment. ADDRESS CURRENT!! I believe that King County Metro knew about this problem of everyone being charged a benefit access fee when they selected no (A request from our Local 8 Union office staff) benefit access fee during open enrollment and instead of fixing the problem, they just continued to charge everyone the benefit Throughout the year Local 587 mails letters to our mem- access fee until you complained about being charged (How PACE bership. With each mailing sent, the union receives a friendly is that?). They know if you don’t complain in a timely small percentage of letters returned due to improper ad- manner they can charge this fee to you for the whole year. dress.

I recommend that you check your payroll advice and complain Local 587 maintains a database that in part includes the to METRO immediately and tell them to stop collecting the benefit names and addresses of our King County Metro mem- access fee they are not authorized to receive and to refund to you bers. The King County Metro section of the database is all the benefit access fees they have taken from your paychecks updated monthly from data provided by King County so far this year. Call King County Benefits 206-684-1556 and Metro. get your money back. If you are a King County Metro employee and your name In Solidarity; and address is not current with King County Metro, you Brother Michael Shea may not receive Union mailings. Please keep your name #56528 and address current with King County Metro.

ATU Local 587 10 news review March 2016

The 2nd Vice President’s Report A House Divided

By Mike Whitehead

t the February cycle of positive process that is an ad- membership meetings ditional and much better way there was a terminated to resolve dispute. You do not Amember from VM asking the …We have an expectation, give up your rights to other membership to approve arbitra- processes, the ADR is quick and tion per our bylaws. While this obligation and need to be no cost, confidential and has a termination had taken place proven track record of success prior to my taking office, it is respectful to one another. through understanding and now one of my many matters resolve, NOT Discipline. of business. I have been in the We come to work to support our And finally to the member- position as a business agent for ship as a whole, we have an ex- 8 months and I have come to see personal lives and families, pectation, obligation and need that VM labor issues are more to be respectful to one another. in the contract interpretation and the environment we create We come to work to support / job preservation areas of the our personal lives and families, CBA as opposed to Operations, must be positive. and the environment we create where the major labor issues must be positive. When there is are discipline / termination. conflict at the work site reach- Unfortunately this is a termi- ing out is an option. nation. at other locations, yet this one the membership and not pro- So here we have the six In my time spent researching work location’s management al- viding support and direction at membership meetings come to the documentation, going to lowed the conflict to compound this time of conflict. One posi- fruition and what do we have, a bases and discussing the ter- through time, provided in their tive step your Union has taken is house divided, members sitting mination with members I had own documentation, up to the the reintroduction of the Shop on one side of the Union hall started to see some red flags, point that management had to Steward training program that tightly clenching their opinion first and foremost manage- finally react. How? By termina- now educates the membership. and members sitting on the ment’s epic failure handling the tion; an excellent example of This training is encouraged and other side of the hall tightly events up to this termination. leadership…. NOT! offered to all members. The next clenching their opposite opin- In conversations with members I also want to acknowledge level of training is currently ion. And who really wins here, involved in this matter, I was management at other bases being devolved and will also be not us brothers and sisters… told repeatedly members had where conflict has arisen and available to the membership. In Miss management wins. talked with management nu- management intervened rap- addition, the Officers are mak- merous times, when the issues idly with guidance, not disci- ing an extended effort answer were minor and manageable, pline. I have recently worked all emails, return all phone calls “A house divided yet management remained at a base where management and visit more bases. There will against itself silent. It is a well-known fact responded within hours of an be a more concerted effort to that conflict happens; it is one incident and resolution was educate the membership and cannot stand.” of many human traits, changing support, not discipline. I sup- encourage the involvement of —Abraham Lincoln civilizations memorialized in port and endorse this positive the King County “Alternative history. What had happened type of management. Dispute Resolution Program” “Keep your sticks sharp and at this work location is not To a lesser extent, the Union that is available to us as King don’t poke your own” uncommon and has happened can take blame by not educating County employees. This is a ~MW ATU Local 587 March 2016 news review 11

The Financial Secretary/Treasurer’s Report Working For You

By Patrick Brady

Membership Census: while retaining what we require As per our Bylaws this Budget Local we have good jobs which in our regular accounts to take will be presented at our March provide security for us and our In the month of January care of business and protect our cycle of membership meetings families. If you are unhappy with we received 40 new members cash flow. for “comment and review.” any aspect of the “contract”, then and had 28 members deducted when you are surveyed prior to due to voluntary withdrawal, Creation of the Local Please forward to me negotiations, please forward to suspension, retirement and/or us your thoughts and priorities. death. Our total membership is Budget for 2016: your thoughts I consider a reasonable finish now 3991. and priorities: WArticle VI Section 7 line to be a successful round Income and Expenses With the year 2016 underway of contract negotiations with Executive Board Shall I am spending a fair amount King County Metro. It has been for June: Create a Budget in of time thinking about what almost six years since a contract Our January’s income was February: our priorities will emerge to be that was mutually negotiated $ 294,462 up from the previ- this year. In other words, what with King County and was both ous year’s January income of I wish to express my apprecia- constitutes the “finish line”? tion for Executive Board Mem- ratified by our membership and $266,655. Once mandatory More specifically, in the areas I signed by the members of the per capita fees to the Interna- bers- Kevin Banks, Eric Butler, have responsibility for, how high Tzur Wilfand, along with budget King County Council. tional ATU and various Labor should I be aiming? The second place my mind Councils were taken out, what and auditing veteran, Paul Tefft Let’s start with the obvi- for the work they did to bring goes is to “how” we operate. I remained was $222,007 to pay ous - the financial health and have enjoyed working on your our expenses. forth the 2016 Budget docu- strength of our Local. Together ment. Because I have yet to live behalf, on behalf of 4000 mem- January’s expenses were we operate a company which has bers, to offer a great level of cus- $151,982. The previous year’s through a 12 month cycle, some approximately 4000 “custom- of the territory which this budget tomer service which reflects our January expenses were $225,482. ers”. Those customers are you, great organization. Our recent With the close of the month we goes through is unknown to me. the Members. Members who all These members have the experi- budget exercise underscores the start the year with a surplus should feel a sense of pride and amount of overhead and fixed- $70,004. Having monthly ex- ence of living through some of ownership for both the “why” the expenses we are anticipat- costs we carry. Through your penses this low is very rare. Only we exist, and the “how”. We all dues we keep a staff of four full- eight times in the past 60 months ing. Specifically, the upcoming should ask “why” we exist. We expenses relating to our special time OPEIU Local 8 employees have we had expenses lower than start every membership meet- who are very skilled in their jobs $175,000. election and the negotiations ing with the words, “Brothers with KC Metro. and carry out their responsibili- and Sisters, we gather again ties with great professionalism. Growth in our The other part of developing to promote the objects of this a budget is understanding the Your five Full-Time Officers Reserves: Union”. Our mission and char- (temporarily down to four) plus size of our Membership and ter is to provide for fair wages Between January 31 of 2015 our elected Executive Board what possible changes should be and working conditions for our and January 31 of 2016 we had work because of you. Many considered. How we end up on members. We have complex La- a reduction in our reserves of members checked my name on December 31st, on the income bor Agreements with our transit $345,644. As recently as 2011 the election ballot and I thank side, has some real question agencies which include many these reserves were in excess of a them for their confidence. Today marks. We will continue to be good benefits which we and million dollars. In the month of I work to earn the confidence conservative in all our calcula- our predecessors worked hard February I anticipate returning of all 4000 members, and your tions and show responsibility in to secure. As members of this $200,000 back into our reserves our spending. opinions and input means a great continued on page 11

ATU Local 587 12 news review March 2016 Welcome to the Oasis! By Morgan Michaels, South Base #3717 Harmony Hunter, 1st line D-53

e would like to 100% funded by US! Since the for everything you do for the headed in the right direction thank Fred Coats room is now sufficiently sup- room. to find us. for taking the ini- plied, donations will now be Don’t be surprised to see FYI: DO NOT USE THE Wtiative to get the permissions needed to support it. It really is a Pierce driver or PD in the WATER FROM THE COM- to open The Oasis. He stocked a peaceful, quiet place to relax room!!!! FORT ROOMS. Not for Human the initial supplies for coffee. for just a bit. We would also If you don’t know us, just ask Consumption! Only use the From what I understand he has be appreciative if you would (most) anyone can/will get you provided water in the room. been asked to help other bases clean up after yourself: Since with information to start one this IS our room, if it needs do- in their areas. So, again: Thanks ing — DO IT! Be careful with Fred for your vision and con- the coffee machines, especially Financial Secretary’s Report, cern for us. If you ever want a the Keurig, please replace the continued from p. 11 job, you know where to come. water if the “add water” light Now — a BIG Thank you comes on; also throw away the deal to me. Soon, you’ll be fac- Local operates to be at a high to Heather for donating the pod you have used. If you have ing another ballot opportunity level. I strive to always show refrigerator — this was such a questions or comments, you which will likely include three professionalism and proper surprise and very much needed can either leave a note in the issues. Again, we will elect a First respect for all Members, for all — only took a couple of hours room (Harmony and I just love Vice-President, we will vote as co-workers, for our employer to fill up and use. those darn “sticky” notes!). We a membership on taking in the and for the tax-paying public. Our break room at Burien is are waiting for a White Board 153 members of Local 1383, and The purposes of a labor organi- up and running. Please stop in, (maybe to take a bit of stress we will elect delegates for the zation are based on high ideals take a peak, and enjoy our great off the paper and pens!) to be Fall International Convention. and a belief in the mutual good. little piece of paradise during delivered soon (don’t worry I hope all of you will participate. I write this with the hopes our hectic schedules. We still Metro — this is our dime). I participate in active dis- of improving the dialogue with have a couple of things we need ENJOY!!!! cussions all the time with our you about the best way to be to do. We are using organic And finally: We are getting members about the “how”: How the strongest labor union in products when available. We so much positive feedback from to be the best transit union in the city and the best ATU Local have all sorts of drinks, snacks, all of you. You can see and feel the country. Please, please take in the country. Your Officers yogurt, fruits, CHOCOLATE! the relief in all your voices the time to attend one of our do not take your dues monies We are testing sandwiches (so and comments that this was monthly meetings. Over the for granted. As I stated in my far so good), and pastries. Let desperately needed and that course of the Seattle meetings article last month, if we ever us know if we are missing any- we are doing the right thing — each month we often see fewer have to operate in an environ- thing of importance. Any do- but, let’s be very clear, we could than 100 members attending. ment where members choose to nations to the room are greatly not have even come close to There are always some serious send in their dues voluntarily, I appreciated. If you ever want to what we have to offer without topics being discussed and want to all 4000 members to say donate and don’t know what: a all your help, comments, and decided upon - including some “Yes.” Yes to membership, yes safe bet is always water and K- donations. So we, Morgan and potential bylaw amendments. I to participation, yes to strength. PODs of all kinds. This room is Harmony, THANK YOU ALL would like the “how” of how our ATU Local 587