Visit online:www.atu587.com K tracts in-house. subcon of these three all bringing KCM, to negotiate invitation to open Veolia have an also and drivers to organize actively attempting are Veolia We have yet organized. to be 587 working for drivers and Local Personal Transit by represented are vice. Drivers working for Transit) ser van provide actual the Personal Seattle and Transportation subcontractors two (Veoliaother KCMdispatches The Accessvans. and schedules, creates reservations, Center, takes tasks, among other The Building. Call Exchange of the floor second the on located KCM Transit) Center for operates aCall contractors (First of the One service. subcontractors to provide this three at park-and ride lots. KCM utilizes passengers transferring monly seen com accessibleprovided vans with it’s service, Access with unfamiliar of For bus. you the those to riding who aren’t County of King up quite to residentsprovide Accessservice

Take thisJob and… April 2012 cans with Disabilities Act to Disabilities with cans required under the Ameri under the required (KCM) Metro County ing is The President’s Report - - - - do lead to termination of employdo lead to termination and can points penalty attendance work. for The missing points penalty attendance assessed are sick, in call they if and of time, amount limited to work seven days aweek un for an Transit,First forced be can members Union. of the advice the against was perpetuated language bonus. This attendance an for exchange in prior to unionization existed that policy points penalty attendance apunitive to maintain elected contract, union first their he t of under working employees, Transit because ly on not First because bias, but also antiunion best, at ult fic County. King reputation in here Transit’s First to perpetuate national ured continues and community friendly fig hasn’t alabor is County out King that management Its bias. antiunion reputation an for having Transit, nationally, awell known has for Transit. same First the port First Transit. Unfortunately, Ican’t re Personal Seattle with relationship Under the current contract with with contract Under current the Working for Transit First dif is 587 enjoysLocal working agood Paul J. Bachtel by President, - - - - was surprised when Transit First was surprised member who on astretcher. I left to the points penalty attendance on astretcher. Transit First issued out membercarried another and (aedly 32 year old mother) single awayone memberpass unexpect frequently. too far fired shop to be as steward to serve seem who complain or elect those because that’s Perhaps grievance. a file to frightened too to appear be bers mem and process assignment this violate to openly Transit chosen has up. list First seniority of the bottom order the from seniority inverse in forced then order seniority in to assigned volunteers first to be is overtime labor agreements transit most Like overtime. of mandatory ATU assignment contract with the in sit violate decided to openly its has Act. Care Family LeaveMedical Washington Act and leavesby Family protected as such provided are policy asinine this ment. The exemptions from only In recent months we months have recent In seen Tran First to injury Adding insult continued onpage12 - - - The MetroEmployeesHitoric Vehicle Associa Labor History Calendar More AbouttheThree Letters totheEditor Peds areHazrdou Ha Should 587Jointhe The BirthofMetro Movement? to YourBudget ve Youvotedyet? Page 12 The Viewfrom Legged Stool Page 8 Page 7 Page 6 Page 6 Page 5 Page 4 Page 3 Page 3 the Buse VOL. XXXV, NO. 4 April tion —MEHV A April 2012

The Month at a Glance Membership Meetings: Executive Board Tentative Agenda Report CHARTER MEETING JEFFERSON TRANSIT March 29, 2012 Thursday, April 5, 2012 Monday, April 9, 2012 8:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. All officers were present with Motion: By Clint DeVoss to The Labor Temple, Hall #1 Port Townsend Rec Center the exception of Executive Board increase sending from six to nine 2800 1st Ave., Seattle, WA Port Townsend, WA Officers Wakenight, Safrin, and members to attend the LERA Con- Anderson were excused. ference from April 26th thru April MORNING MEETING CLALLAM TRANSIT The following business was 27th paying registration and detail Friday, April 6, 2012 Tuesday, April 10, 2012 conducted: time. 10:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Motion: By Michael Moore to Motion: By Michael Shea to send The Labor Temple, Hall #8 Vern Burton Memorial Building send up to five members to the up to three members to attend the 2800 1st Ave., Seattle, WA Port Angeles, WA Northwest Conference in Calvary ATU International Women Confer- Alberta, Canada from May 31st thru ence in Las Vegas, Nevada from June nd st th Wednesday MEETING June 2 paying registration, travel, 21 to June 24 paying registration, Wednesday, April 11, 2012 lodging, per diem and contributing travel, lodging, and per diem. 3:30 p.m. up to $2000.00 toward a meal at the The Labor Temple, Hall #1 conference. 2800 1st Ave., Seattle, WA

Among Topics to be Discussed: Business of Grievance and Arbitration Update

Unfinished Business: None the Membership At the March 2012 cycle of mem- Washington for all Local 587 mem- bership meetings the following bers retiring from Local 587 and business was addressed: electing to join our Local Retiree’s The Membership approved the Chapter. Motion passed. In Loving Memory… Bylaw proposals Article X, Section The following members were 5, and Article III, Section 2. March pot draw winners: Tamieko The Membership approved the Cook at the Charter meeting, Heath- “Inspiration does not come from the quote itself, recommendation that the griev- er Raleigh at the Morning meeting, but rather the person behind it.” ance of Antonio Bridges pursued Carol Headley at the JTA meeting, ~ Russ Myers to arbitration. Barbara Dixon at the CTS meeting Motion by: Paul Bachtel to pur- and David Larrabee lost rolling pot c h a s e a fi r st yea r memb er sh ip i n t he draw of $200.00 next month’s rolling Joe Glen the last few months. Brother Glen Retired Public Employees Council of pot will be $250.00. started @ passed away on March 4, 2012. KCM as Sig- Submitted by Bill Wallace, nal & Com- Sound Transit Light Rail, Signals munications & Communications. Te c h n ic i a n (February 28, Bert Harrison retired from Arbitration Update 2008) 10 months before the Link Metro King County on January Light Rail started revenue service 1, 1978. Brother Harrison joined with 5 other techs. the Local in August of 1946. He 1. Ray Beltran: Grieved withdrawn 5. Frederic Segelbaum: Grieved by Local 587. termination for alleged gross mis- He jumped right in on the train- passed on February 21, 2012. conduct, scheduled May 15, 2012. ing, bringing his experience with 2. Christopher McClure: Grieved BNSF into play. Always looking to David T. Lowe retired from suspension for alleged negligence 6. Michael Gallagher: Grieved ter- be a part of the action & always Metro King County September in derailment, Held for February mination for alleged falsification, willing to help out, he made most 1, 1991. Brother Lowe joined the 28, 2012. Awaiting Decision scheduled May 11 & 17, 2012. people appreciate his work ethics, Local in 1964. He passed away on 3. Ernest Kirschnick: Grieved ter- 7. Richard Wischman: Scheduled his gung ho attitude, & his smile. June 19, 2009. mination for alleged violation for 7-25-2012 Joe started the saying “ I’ve got it, of Metro policy, scheduled April I’ll get it, I’ll do it” which the crew George Green retired from 4&6 2012. 8. Symantha Cola: Grieved sus- picked up & is using as its motto. Metro king County August 1, pension for alleged misconduct, Joe’s passing from cancer end- 2002. Brother Green joined the 4. Thomas Miller: Grieved failure of scheduled June 15, 2012. ed after a yearlong battle, during Local in June of 1969. He passed Metro to upgrade a Mechanic to 9. Antonio Bridges: Grieved suspen- which he stayed working until away on February 7, 2012. Lead enabling skimming of Local 587 work by a Local 587 member sion for alleged Personal Electronic working in a Local 17 capacity, Device use while operating a Metro Please notify the union office of any member’s passing so that this vehicle. Scheduled June 27, 2012. information may be shared with the rest of our union family. scheduled for 4-2-2012

OFFICERS OF THE AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION, LOCAL 587: Letters to the editor Letters/contributions must include Paul J. Bachtel Pres/Business Agent Minority Affairs Office Ray Campbell email – [email protected] Vehicle Maintenance Position #1 Kermit C. Gipson Jr. printed names, signatures, work ID Vehicle Maintenance Position #2 Patrick Stevens numbers, addresses and phone numbers J. RICK SEPOLEN 1st Vice President/Assistant Vehicle Maintenance Position #3 Clint De Voss Business Agent / email – [email protected] Facilities Maintenance Dan Thorne that can be verified during working Supervisors Michael Shea hours. Letters that cannot be validated DON MacADAM 2nd Vice President/ Special Classifications Eric Butler King County Units Outside KCM Ninus Hopkins will not be published. All articles/letters Assistant Business Agent, Maintenance Transit Operator Position #1 Neal Safrin email – [email protected] Transit Operator Position #2 Michael Moore are subject to editing and should be Published monthly in Seattle. Transit Operator Position #3 Dee Wakenight limited to 1000 words or less. Not all Paul B. Neil Financial Secretary Transit Operator Position #4 Lisa Nault Official publication of Amalgamated email – [email protected] Transit Operator Position #5 Andrew Jeromsky letters can be published due to space Transit Operator Position #6 Hal Poor limitations. Cut off is the 15th of each Transit Union Local 587, AFL-CIO, Judy YOung Recording Secretary Transit Operator Position #7 Linda Anderson Transit Operator Position #8 Ray Mason month. Any submission from a member representing employees of Metro/King Editor 587 News Review Clallam / Jefferson County Robert Eash County, Clallam Transit, Jefferson email – [email protected] Rail Representative Chuck Miller of Local 587 to the News Review deemed Transit, Seattle Personal Transit, and Web site: http://www.atu587.com unprintable by the Recording Secretary First Transit. shall be forwarded to the Executive Board for final decision to publish. 2815 Second Avenue, Suite 230 Seattle, Washington 98121 Weingarten Rights Statement Send letters to: Telephone: 206-448-8588. I request to have a union representative present on my behalf dur- Judy Young ing this meeting because I believe it may lead to disciplinary action c/o ATU Local 587 Affiliations: Washington State Labor Council, taken against me. If I am denied my right to have a union representative News Review King County Labor Council, Northwest Joint Con- 2815 Second Avenue, Suite 230 ference Board, ATU Legislative Council, Olympic present, I will refuse to answer accusational questions and any I believe Seattle, WA 98121 Labor Council. may lead to discipline. 2 April 2012 Should 587 Join the ? By Bill Clifford

TU International President decision was ever final because the also an ILWU member. They were don’t have the prospects for advance- Larry Hanley has repeatedly ever-shifting participants raised a pa- perhaps a little surprised that the ment that they feel they have been c a l led on AT U of fic er s, lo c a l s rade of objections to every proposal makeup of the Labor Caucus was promised. That’s who filled Westlake Aand members to engage with the Oc- and because immediate distractions so different from the anti-WTO- Center and in Manhat- cupy Wall Street movement. Despite (e.g. an arrest for littering or a vo- coalition. tan last October. 587’s electoral issues with President cal drunk) disrupted their process. Activists such as our own Linda So it’s historically reasonable for Hanley and any negatives that can be As 587’s support proposal worked Anderson had been educating labor President Hanley to see potential attached to his long and public career its way from the Executive Board about the WTO up to eight years allies in the Occupy movement. The as an ATU officer, Hanley is widely through our meeting cycle, the OS before the event. Although it took sectarian left sees a repeat of the known as progressive, dynamic, and encampment was beset by cold rain, Seattle labor some time to rally to Russian soviets of February 1917 that a forward-thinking leader. Before by the attention of numerous left the cause, when we did, we still had they would like to lead into their own Hanley, ATU IPs had not generally political sects and by psychological several months to coordinate with October. Local governments see an pushed political action outside of our warfare (sleep deprivation, constant the existing environmental and eyesore and health hazard with a bad immediate interest. Should we act on petty harassment) from the Seattle Nader-inspired groups that were also effect on nearby businesses. Hanley’s advice and if so, how? Police Department. By the time our investing staff time and resources How to engage is both simple and $200 motion got through our meeting in the WTO and education Supporting Occupy complicated. Simply, we can cross cycle, OS had mostly left Westlake efforts. It was relatively easy to pick Seattle the alley between our offices and and broken into dozens of small up a telephone and call someone who We will see who stuck with the Labor Temple and talk to Max groups, each claiming the OS name. could speak for each of these organi- OS 2012 as the weather improves. Brown. Brown is the Martin Luther Since then the major labor action zations. For ideological reasons the Many subgroups are considering King County Labor Council Political called for by OS ran afoul of their sectarian left was not very involved participating in the May Day march Director. He is actively facilitating the principle supporters in the MLKLC, in the anti-WTO planning leaving (Tuesday May 1, details to be deter- Occupy Seattle Labor Caucus, which the International Longshore and the organizing to union staff and mined). Neighborhood OS groups meets regularly in the Labor Temple. Warehouse Union. The Longview rank-and-file activists. meet regularly on Beacon Hill and ATU 587 has in fact done just that. ILWU local has been fighting to OWS, the inspiration for OS, is in West Seattle. Anarchist OS groups Last fall--at Brown’s suggestion--we maintain their contract at the new organizationally a different animal may be squatting in an empty house passed a motion to donate up to $200 Longview grain terminal against from the anti-WTO coalition and near you. Because anyone in the 99% in camping supplies (nonperishable the multi–billion dollar international other such efforts of the late 20th can claim to be OS, you can start food, rain gear, batteries etc.) to Oc- consortium EGT. Militants claiming century. OWS was proposed by Ad your own. cupy Seattle (OS); the local version to represent OS inserted themselves Busters magazine in Canada last The obvious choice for ATU 587 of (OWS). The into this complicated dispute with- spring and grew rapidly through is the OS Labor Caucus. The Labor status of our $200 donation illustrates out coordinating with ILWU. The social media, without clear lines of Caucus has an odd niche in labor some of the complications of working MLKLC’s Brown advised 587 to responsibility and accountability. because its participants are not del- with OS. stand back. Until it actually materialized in Man- egates and do not necessarily repre- The Complications As the Longshore-EGT matter hattan on October 12, its reach was sent their unions (if they have one). was settled with the intervention of difficult to assess. Apparently OWS/ On last checking, a large number of Brown has asked us to hold onto Governor Gregoire--that sound you OS has tapped a volatile reserve of left sectarians were in attendance our camping supplies. We are still are hearing is the sound of the bakers frustration among educated, middle- (International Socialist Organization, waiting for him to tell us to go ahead marking up your bread as US wheat class youth. Freedom Socialist Party, Labor Mili- and he is waiting for OS to take an ac- is efficiently exported to Asia--OS Academics used to call this tant, and Revolutionary Communist tion that organized labor can support. shifted its attention to Seattle’s port middle-class frustration “a crisis of Party) but they were mostly behaving When our motion was introduced, truckers. While the truckers working rising expectations.” While minori- themselves. They don’t bite (except OS was camping out at Westlake Cen- conditions are deplorable, their legal ties, peasants, immigrants or workers each other) and many are quite easy ter, labor leaders including MLKLC status as independent contractors were suffering far worse grievances, to get along with individually. It Executive Director David Freiboth complicates labor’s involvement. virtually every significant revolution would not hurt the OS Labor Caucus and our own President Paul Bachtel Occupy Seattle Labor from our own in 1776, through the to see some new participants without and others were meeting with them French Revolution, the Paris com- ideological blinders. and hoped to assist them in main- Caucus mune, the Russian, Chinese and The Labor Caucus meets every taining a presence at Westlake. OS The Occupy Seattle Labor Caucus Vietnamese Revolutions, the anti- other Wednesday, 6-7PM, in the Se- was engaging in endless debates was convened by an ILWU member colonial and nationalist revolutions attle Labor Temple, 2800 First Avenue, about every issue from the univer- who had spearheaded Seattle labor’s of Africa and South America, the hall number 8. Contact laborcaucusos@ sal to the minute. The ideal behind response to the WTO meetings in student uprisings of the ‘60s and the gmail.com to get on the email list or their perpetual meeting was that OS Seattle in 1999. He had the blessing of last year have been call Max Brown, Email: max@mlkclc. would work out a hyper-democratic and support of the MLKLC’s Freiboth, led by educated young people who org Phone: (206) 441-7102. decision-making style. In practice, no April Labor History Calendar Submitted by Bill Clifford

1941— In early April, officers of increases. TWU got 9% for 1980 and that Seattle’s transit employees also on organizing certain segments of Local 587 successfully signed the 8% for 1981 but lost dues check off attempted to organize earlier. industry, including transit workers. fi r st wage ag r e ement t he c it y of S eat- for several months and paid hefty CP organizers soon realized that the tle ever made with organized labor. fi ne s b ec au s e of v iolat i ng t he Taylor 1934—Transport Workers Union Irish fraternal groups represented With the Roosevelt administration Act. This act was passed after the formally founded in NYC. As con- the largest percentage of the tran- anxious to ensure labor cooperation NY transit strike of 1966 and forbid ditions worsened during the Great sit workforce. The Irish were more with the impending war effort, ATU public unions from striking. Depression, NYC transit workers cohesive than other immigrant 587 President Arnold Hokanson, 4 April 1968—Dr Martin Luther began looking for a union again. groups and many had developed Business Agent William Molyneaux King, Jr., assassinated in Memphis Decades of effort and hundreds of progressive and militant attitudes and Secretary were joined by IVPs while supporting the Sanitation thousands of dollars from AASRE during the independence struggles C. W. Van Avery and Fred Hoover Workers’ Strike. had failed to establish a lasting pres- in Ireland. in securing substantial increases 5 April 1908—39-day Pensacola ence and left many workers with an for Seattle Transit employees in all streetcar strike began over punitive anti-AFL attitude. Informal groups 21 April 2012—ATU 587 cel- departments. 587’s first contract management policies. (Pensacola of the largely immigrant transit ebrates 100 years. At Atlantic Base, would not come for several years but Electric Company required sus- workers--influenced by the IWW, 4-9:30PM. Free food, music and the wage agreement recognized the pended employees to report to the socialist parties or union effort historical displays by the Metro union’s growing importance barn for roll cal three times each in their countries of origin--were Employees Historic Vehicle As- day.) variously exploring revitalizing sociation, the Northwest Public 1921—Local #587A, Ladies Aux- 8 April 1912—ATU 587 char- the company union, joining the Transportation Historical Group, iliary founded. tered. (100 years old and still go- Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- the Labor Archives of Washington ing strong.) As Tacoma‘s first ATU neers, or approaching the AASRE State and some great personal col- 1 April 1946—Strike by TWU 100 (Local 4) was chartered in 1892 and for another organizing campaign. lections. shut down for eleven it took two more efforts to finally In the summer of 1933, the Com- days in a strike for cost of living organize Local 757 there, it is likely munist Party chose to concentrate continued on page 4 3 April 2012 More About the Three Legged Stool METRO’s Safety System is Broken

By Clint DeVoss, VM Executive Board Officer

he “Three Legged Stool” is a tem, as time passes the number and stone of “Lean”. Reducing job related insure that everyone actually does way of visualizing a safety severity of job related injuries will injuries by better engineering the do what they should do willingly. concept. The concept is that be reduced. Thus, leading directly workplace, educating the workforce Enforcement can only be done by thereT are three components to hav- to taxpayer dollars saved that could and supervisors in safe practices, management, until there is a change ing a safe workplace; Engineering, be put to a better uses, save jobs, and when coupled with enforcement of to a safety oriented culture. Therefore, Education, and Enforcement, these make for happier more productive safe work practices gives a “Lean” supervisors must also be educated components represent the legs of the employees. result. Workers are off less frequent- in basic safety rules and principles. stool and support the seat of the stool, Acknowledgement that things ly and for shorter time periods when Unfortunately, enforcement and which represents a safe workplace. could be done better and changes unfortunate events happen. This is engineering must come after educa- If one or more of the legs is broken, will save the taxpayer’s money is more efficient and by being more tion; for two reasons METRO must weak, or non-existent the seat cannot the mark of a good forward think- efficient METRO will save money determine the safest practices before be used safely. This is the situation at ing leader. King County has started from reduced medical costs and it can tell the employees what they METRO, the Safety System is broken. down the long overdue road to the duration of time-loss payments. should be doing, and supervisors The engineering designs we use are saving tax dollars by starting the Engineering safe solutions and cannot enforce safe practices until antiquated and make-do with little implementation of “Lean” or effi- the benefits of doing good engineer- they know what those practices are. or no regard to the principles of safe cient operation. Making corrections ing are: 1.) Tools and the machines More importantly, to determine the use, safety education is limited or to a cost-hog failing safety system is paced in the right place to do the job safest practices, tasks must be evalu- non-existent throughout the super- a logical first needed step in apply- most efficiently, saving the amount of ated or analyzed beforehand for the visory and employee ranks, and the ing a “Lean” and thus, cost reduc- time, which employees would have hazards involved. This requires that enforcement of what safety rules ing philosophy to worker safety. spent moving the equipment to the everyone have a basic knowledge there are is slipshod because of the Washington’s Labor and Industries right place every time the employee of the laws and safety rules before lack of knowledge by all parties. estimates that for every dollar spent needs to use it (Lean). 2.) Having deciding what practices we should In order for a Safety System to on safety an employer will save at equipment in the right place is also follow. Currently the only people work, there must be a commitment least a $1.50 in injury costs, and we the safer way, correctly placed equip- that have this knowledge is our by management to actually have a would likely see much more. ment is “ergonomically” placed and Transit Safety Department and their safe workplace. Management and “Lean”, as you may recall, in its where its use is least likely to cause manpower is stretched to the break- King County’s leadership must start simplest form is having the right employee injury, this saves the em- ing point. by make the decision that they are material, at the right time, and in ployee’s bodies and taxpayer money. Being injured on the job is not going to provide the needed fund- the right place to perform a needed Education provides employees something that any employee looks ing, expertise, and will power to task or produce a needed product with the knowledge to perform their for, most employees just want to earn actually have a safety system that is without any wasted materials and/ jobs in a manner that is the least likely a reasonable wage for a reasonable effective in practice; a legal require- or human effort. Saving money by to injure them. days work before going home to ment. With an effective safety sys- doing things efficiently is a corner- Enforcement is necessary to their families. On-the-job injuries create both physical discomfort and mental uncertainty. What if I cannot work again? How long am I going to be off work? Will I ever get back to the way I was? Job injuries are bad for employee morale. METRO’s leaders need to become good stewards of the taxpayer’s dollars and a partner with their em- ployees to achieve a safer and more productive workplace by; engineer- ing safer equipment and placement in the workplace, Educating their employees and supervisors in safe practices, and by Enforcing safety rules and practices. Change is hard and sometimes very necessary! Change starts when all of us acknowledge the problem and resolve to make this a safer place to work for both ourselves and everyone else. Labor History, continued

22 April 1526—First American slave revolt.

24 April 1999—ILWU halts West Coast shipping in solidarity with Mumia Abu-Jamal

26 April 1937—in a foreshadow- ing of World War II, NAZI airplanes bomb the Basque town of Guernica, an atrocity commemorated in Pablo Picasso’s famous painting

27 April 1947—Woody Guthrie performs in a May Day benefit for the Pacific Northwest Labor School and striking telephone workers at 302 2nd Av N.

28 April 1971—OSHA establishes Workers Memorial Day 4 April 2012 The Metro Employees Historic Vehicle Association — MEHVA By Joshua Shields, Chairman

he Metro Employees Historic Vehicle Asso- only half the adult fare on MEHVA’s scheduled Help support the preservation of Seattle and c iat ion - MEHVA is a volu nteer, non-profit, excursions. King County’s transit history. Join MEHVA today. tax-exempt organization dedicated to the Tpreservation of Seattle and King County’s transit heritage through the restoration and operation The King County Metro Transit Historic Fleet Roster of vintage transit vehicles as a working, moving museum. No. Property Year Manufacturer Model MEHVA was founded in December of 1981 by a group of Metro employees interested in Streetcar preserving a bit of our region’s history. Several 210 Seattle Muni. St. Rwy. 1919 American Car Co. Birney Safety Car 1940’s vintage electric trolley buses had recently (single truck) been retired and were slated for scrapping. Work Trolley Buses quickly got under way to select several representa- 643 Seattle Transit System 1940 Twin Coach GWFT tive buses to be saved. MEHVA also established 798 Seattle Transit System 1940 PCF - Brill 40 SMT itself as a bona-fide organization and set up a 636 Seattle Transit System 1943 Twin Coach 44 GTT working relationship with the then Municipality 1005 Seattle Transit System 1944 Pullman Standard 41CA-100-44CX of Metropolitan Seattle – Metro Transit. 1008 Muni. of Metro. Seattle 1979 AM General 10240-T Negotiations between Metro Transit and ME- HVA concluded in mid-1984. The Metro Council, Dual Power Bus by resolution, established a historic bus fleet and 5034 Muni. of Metro. Seattle 1990 Breda ADP350 recognized MEHVA as the fleet’s curator. This resolution also set the criteria for future vehicle Motor Buses additions. Under this agreement, King County 1705 Seattle Muni. St. Rwy. 1938 Kenworth H-30 Metro Transit owns the buses in the Historic Fleet 231 Seattle Transit System 1939 Twin Coach 30-G a nd t hey a r e cover ed u nder it s fle e t s el f-i n su ra nc e. 86 Suburban Transit System 1947 Kenworth K-10 King County Metro Transit also provides stor- 172 Seattle Transit System 1948 Twin Coach 41-S age and workspace, as it is available. MEHVA 263 Seattle Transit System 1955 General Motors TDH-5105 restores, maintains and operates the buses with 2962 Metropolitan Transit Corp. 1959 General Motors TDH-4512 unpaid volunteer labor and provides parts not 598 Seattle Transit System 1963 Flxible F2D6V-401-1 in Metro stock. King County, by ordinance, has 724 Seattle Transit System 1968 General Motors T8H-5305 continued this agreement. 1122 Muni. of Metro. Seattle 1976 AM General 10240B The King County Metro Transit Historic Fleet 1455 Muni. of Metro. Seattle 1978 MAN/AM General SG 220-18-2 is a one of a kind collection of transit vehicles 1657 Muni. of Metro. Seattle 1979 Flyer D10240C many of which were unique to our region. While 3152 Muni. of Metro. Seattle 1986 MAN SL40102L the majority of the vehicles in this collection are fully operational several are major restoration projects. Maintaining the coaches in running condition is an ongoing process. For the past twenty-seven years MEHVA has operated the King County Metro Historic Fleet of buses on excursions open to the public. These activities help generate funds for the continued operation, maintenance, and restoration of the vehicles in the Historic Fleet. Contributions to MEHVA are tax deductible. Everyone involved in the operation and con- tinued preservation of the King County Metro Historic Fleet are MEHVA members, perform- ing these duties on their own time, without pay. MEHVA membership offers many opportunities to meet others interested in transit history while participating in MEHVA activities. Qualified ME- HVA members operate the coaches in the Historic Fleet for a variety of excursions and displays. Our members are a most valued resource and without their tireless dedication, Metro’s Historic Fleet would cease to exist. Membership in MEHVA is open to anyone interested in our mission to preserve and operate Metro’s Historic Fleet as a living transit museum. Metro Employee Membership is $15 annu- ally - Open to all current King County Metro Transit employees. Qualified Metro employee members may volunteer to operate the vehicles of the Historic Fleet. Retired Metro Employee Membership is $10 annually - Open to all retired King County Metro Transit employees as well as those from Metro’s predecessors, Seattle Transit & Metropolitan Transit, etc. Qualified retired Metro employees may operate the vehicles on a limited/supervised basis. Both of these membership groups include full voting rights, eligibility to hold office within the organization and are not charged to ride MEHVA’s scheduled excursions. Associate Membership is $10 annually - Open to anyone NOT a current or retired Metro Transit employee. Associate members are welcome to participate in ALL MEHVA activities, but are ineligible to vote or hold office within the or- ganization. Associate members may volunteer behind the scenes in support functions and pay 5 April 2012 Letters to the Editor…

Favoritism and be on the list. How would anyone ential, especially after this blunder. seniority. With a longer SIT list the know this? The revised list hadn’t Promotion should be based on merit recruitment process will not have Unfair Promotional even been posted yet (and as of this on ly! Befor e t a k i ng t he fi r st te st, t he to be repeated for possibly 5 years date, has not been posted) nor was group I was in was told that the little and will save money in the long-run. Process for SIT it common knowledge that there race “box” was not an option and With the next testing period, rotate would be a revised list. Another must be completed. Why should in a different set of questions and The recent SIT hiring process, by individual that was added to the that information be necessary when keep the old ones. Gradually build all appearances, seems biased and “revised list” just happens to work the outcome is supposedly based up the test questions so that there preferential, shrouded in secrecy, the pick. This individual mentioned on test scores? Post the scores of are 3 sets of tests, using a different nepotism and shows serious favorit- to an acquaintance that they believed each candidate, so that everyone can set each recruitment. Overall, this ism. This skewed process has put they totally bombed during the in- follow scores and can rest assured will allow the test to be continually employee morale at an extreme low. terview process, one reason being things are done without bias. Let improved and fine tuned along the A complete fiasco which should be that they only used 15 minutes of each candidate review their own way. I’m asking that Metro imple- considered an embarrassment to the allotted 30 minute limit. test results to ensure their scores ment this process immediately. Metro management. are calculated correctly! Feedback Let all the people who met the This promotion process is bro- sessions should occur after each test requirements start over and test Just a few of the rumors floating ken! It discourages me to think regardless of whether the candi- again under “fair and equitable” a rou nd; appa r e nt ly, a f ter t he fi r st l i st that someone in management/ date passed or not. Each candidate conditions. Do not change the list was posted the scores of a “select” supervision has enough power to should be allowed to know exactly to fulfill demands of EEO, current few were totaled wrong so, they were ensure a family member is hired where they stand in regard to their supervisors or political promotions. reviewed again. A “revised” list as a SIT. It discourages me to think strengths and weaknesses. And make sure the scores are to- with those recently “recalculated” that many qualified and dedicated taled correctly each and every time. scores was then developed. Of those Metro employees have been passed An interview should be just that, Check as many times as necessary, individuals included on the new over so that Metro can fulfill EEO an interview! Not a 30-minute allot- but make sure the results are valid! list one individual is rumored to be requirements and political agen- ted time slot where a candidate sits related to two supervisors. One of das. It is also unfair that drivers in front a panel of 4 individuals and I had so much faith that this the relatives of this candidate spoke who have faithfully served Metro recites all of his/her accomplish- process would be handled fairly. to a friend of mine on Thursday, for many years and have a great ments and knowledge, thinking all It is demoralizing to know that it March 1, 2012, and told my friend deal of valuable experience and the while that the more they talk is full of political agendas and was that the list was being revised and knowledge were unable to go SIT and pat themselves on the back, the handled so poorly. I believe Metro that their family member would because they could not manage the more points they’ll get. If you’re go- can do so much better. I’m sure we so-called “basic” computer skills ing to base an interview on points all want to see a fair and impartial test that should NEVER have been then it should be a written test SIT recruitment. Send In Your Opinions required. If Metro wants recruits with questions that can be scored, Sincerely, with computer skills, a “computer not open-ended questions where Jan A. Reed Badge #20838 Letters/contributions must include printed basics” class should be offered to the candidate has to recite their names, signatures, work ID numbers, ad- dresses and phone numbers that can be potential candidates prior to testing. accomplishments, hoping it will be verified during working hours. Letters that Of all the supervisors currently in the answer that will get them the Notice to all Readers cannot be validated will not be published. the position, I highly doubt that even most points. Eliminate questions All articles/letters are subject to editing Views and opinions and should be limited to 1000 words or 50% of them would have passed where the panel tries to write down less. Not all letters can be published due to this test if they had been required what is said by the candidate in expressed in space limitations. Cut off is the 15th of each to take it. hopes of catching every nuance and month. Any submission from a member News Review of Local 587 to the News Review deemed meaning. Also, no suit or business unprintable by the Recording Secretary The whole process needs to clothes should be required. How articles are those shall be forwarded to the Executive Board change. One would like to believe impractical! We wear uniforms on of the authors and for final decision to publish. Send letters to: that concerned and articulate in- the job, and will continue to wear Judy Young dividuals developed this test but, them if promoted. not necessarily the News Review Editor this process as it stands, may install official position of c/o ATU Local 587 a contrary belief. It needs to be The promotion process should 2815 Second Avenue, Suite 230 transparent and open for all to see put everyone who meets the Local 587 Seattle, WA 98121 that it is above board and not prefer- minimum score on the SIT list by HAVE YOU VOTED YET?

he Election Committee wants your ballot, but it is not the correct to identify the voter with the ballot. Union office. All ballots must be to remind everyone to check one for your classification or it is Likewise, if the bar code is missing mailed to the P.O. Box on the ballot. your mailboxes because our damaged, you should contact the or crossed out, the voter cannot be Any ballots sent to the Union office T2012 Officer Election is by mail Election Committee as soon as verified andthe ballot will not be will not be counted. ballot only! possible by calling the Union Of- counted! In order to help you make an The ballots were mailed out the fice at (206) 448-8588 or emailing Please mail your ballot early! informed decision, the Election last week of March by TrueBallot, us at [email protected], The ballots for the Primary Election Committee has also published and Inc. of California. Primary Election and we will have a duplicate ballot must be received at the Post Office mailed a Voters’ Pamphlet to all ballots were mailed to all members mailed to you. before the mail is picked up on members which lists all candidates who were active or retired as of There is no possibility that a Tuesday, April 17th by the Election who are running for office. The March 6th (the Date of Record). This member can vote more than once Committee and any union mem- Voters’ Pamphlet also contains the means that if you are reading this by requesting a duplicate ballot bers who wish to observe. Please statements and photos of all can- article and you have not yet received because all ballots mailed out, in- note that the US Postal Service has didates who chose to submit them. your ballot in the mail, you should cluding duplicate ballots, are coded recently cut back on the number of If you have not yet received your contact the Election Committee as and verified by TrueBallot, Inc. If mail processing centers and it now Voters’ Pamphlet, please contact soon as possible! a member sends in two ballots, the can take three or more business days the Election Committee as soon as Each major job classification has computers during the ballot count- to receive First Class and Business possible and we will mail one to you. its own ballot so if you have already ing will pick this up from the bar Reply mail. Please take the time to vote. received your ballot, make sure codes on the return envelopes and Be sure to follow the directions These are tough times for everyone your ballot is the correct one for flag the duplicate envelope. Once included with your ballot on how and we hope all members can have your classification and the ballot the envelopes have been verified, to fill it out and mail it. Federal their voice heard by voting. So make includes the offices for which you the inside secret ballot envelopes Regulations do not allow ballots to sure you mail your ballot on time! are eligible to vote. If you received are separated and there is no way be mailed or hand-delivered to the Your Election Committee. 6 April 2012 Peds are Hazardous to Your Budget

By Stephanie J. Hagen, Chief Shop Steward, Central Base

he County’s Transit Opera- into, texting or otherwise manipu- not use a PED for non-County busi- a hole in your budget, or worse an tions Procedures make it very lating controls on a PED. ness while operating a non-revenue accident, while you are using your clear, Personal Electronic Employees are NOT to wear any vehicle. Employees may have lim- cell phone or texting. The impact is TDevices (PEDS) are NOT to be used PED earpiece while operating a ited use of an agency authorized cell not just potentially on you and your on the job or while deadheading to/ revenue vehicle, including having phone or two-way radio, for County family budget, but on the passen- or from the base or terminal. So I a Bluetooth device, ear-buds or business only, while operating an gers on your bus, the pedestrians ask: “What are you people think- headphones in or over the ear, even NRV and then only in the hands on the street, and the other cars ing?” The consequences are costly, if the device is turned off and the free mode. No texting shall occur around your bus. Just think of how as much as a five-day suspension employee is not listening to the PED. while driving. many people you can make a huge without pay (and a second offense Employees shall turn off and Penalties include: In most cases, impact on! can include an additional suspen- stow out of sight all PED’s and the first violation of this policy will So; wake up, start being respon- sion or even discharge). PED ear-pieces while operating a be considered Serious Misconduct sible, and quit using your PEDs in I see it all the time, drivers with revenue vehicle. and will result in a Disciplinary the bus! The job/life/unpaid leave buds in their ears, talking on Blue- Non-revenue vehicle (NRV) is Suspension of 5 days. However, you save may be your own. tooth devices, and/or texting while any car, van or truck used by King a violation that contributes to an driving. It doesn’t seem to matter to County Metro (KCM) employees for accident or a repeat violation may Yours in Safety and Solidarity, the drivers that they are in a bus (on purposes other than transporting cause a Suspension of greater than or off duty), in a Metro car, or driv- the public for fare, including the 5 days or Discharge. Stephanie J. Hagen, Chief Shop ing through the Tunnel. The devices use of a personal vehicle while on So let’s think about this—too Steward, Central Base continue to be used and abused in County business. Employees shall many days of unpaid vacation leaves violation of Metro policy. The responses from drivers when asked about their uses of PEDS would be laughable if the consequences weren’t so serious. Just a few examples: Driving in the Rainier Valley, a driver had their hat down over their ears and the Bluetooth tucked up! Their excuse was “well, if I get attacked I need to be able to call 911!” Oops, did we forget you hit the EA and the Control Center will call for you, while you should be stopping the bus and opening both doors and taking other evasive actions? An- other excuse I have enjoyed is “My cell phone records will clear me.” It has been quite some time since that excuse worked. One of my favorite responses was from the driver texting while driving through the Tunnel. When we reached Stadium Station and I was about to get off, I asked was the driver aware that we had just lost the arbitration on the PEDS policy? What I got was a look that clearly said, “Soooo what?” An- other one was the driver in a Metro car, charging through the parking garage, holding a cell phone in one hand and talking up a storm! And the list goes on! Now this is not to say that I have not observed a number of supervisors talking on cell phones while driving a Metro vehicle. There is a clear difference between a cell and a radio. So what is the policy? It is clearly printed in the Transit Operations Procedures #35 and there for you to read. However, some of the high- lights include: A personal electronic device is: any device not issued by King Coun- ty that has an on/off switch such as a cell phone, Bluetooth earpiece, pager, mp3 player, or video game. A revenue vehicle is any ve- hicle used by King County Metro (KCM) employees for purposes of transporting the public for fare, regardless of whether the vehicle is, at that time, in revenue service. Employees shall not use a PED while operating a revenue vehicle. This includes: listening to, speaking 7 April 2012 The Birth of Metro By Andrew Jeromsky, Transit Operator Executive Board Officer

hen King County was A transfusion for 587 created in 1852, three As part of the process, employees County Commissioners of Seattle Transit and Municipal Wgoverned it. In addition to the com- Transit, who belonged to two dif- missioners, there were other elected ferent locals, had to be merged Outside the Labor Temple, a county officials such as the sheriff, together into one. This set the stage coroner and assessor, who used their for a showdown within our labor bonfire was lit with copies of the positions to dispense county jobs community. Local 587 had more and funds. This led to a patronage members and they did not want to proposal used as fuel. system that both political parties lose seniority to the ‘new’ drivers be- fought to control. ing added to their ranks. Local 1384 Nearly a century later, the Mu- members likewise weren’t about to nicipal League sought to revise the give up their hard earned seniority. County’s Territorial-era style of gov- Under the leadership of Al Ramey, (who would go reserved for the purchase of a fleet spokesman said that contract talks on to become of 605 new buses and trolley wire. could not resume until its negotiat- Metro driver Still, even Metro’s General manager ing team received “policy guidance” of the year in Dick Page admitted that “catch-up from the (then) 36-member Metro 1992) 10 mem- pay” was in order. The question was council. bers of 1384 how much? Newspaper editorials urged took out per- The company offered a one-year Metro to break the strike with a sonal loans of wage package with a 21.5% increase court injunction. John Senear told $1,000 each to for drivers and mechanics and a the press that the membership had cover a $10,000 12% increase for clerks. Employees instructed him not to obey any in- retainer for the didn’t believe that the 21% would be junction ordering bus drivers to go firm of Door enough to catch up with inflation, back to work (as it had in the1956 and Dubar to and the 12% for clerks was a joke. As strike) and that “[he was] willing to take Metro to one driver said, going on strike isn’t go to jail.” C. Carey Donworth, chair- court. By doing an easy decision, “But you walk in man of the Metro Council, didn’t so, they tied a grocery store and that helps you want to create any union martyrs up millions in decide. Buy one large can of shorten- or force the transit employees back federal funds. ing, and there goes an hour’s wage.” to work knowing that slowdowns By grabbing The union’s demands for an and other work actions would then Metro by the 8-hour guarantee and a responsive be used to achieve the union’s goals purse strings, they got their point er n me nt. I n1950, fi f te e n f r e e holder s grievance procedure were ignored, at the bargaining table. No injunc- across. 1384’s drivers received full and 587’s negotiators were luke- tions were issued. (property owners, most of whom seniority within 587, and Local 587’s were members of a slate endorsed by warm about what was being offered. Going two weeks without a pay- ranks swelled with the influx of its Union members didn’t buy it at all. check wasn’t easy during inflation; the Municipal League) were elected courageous new members. to prepare a new King County O ut side t he Labor Temple, a bon fire especially knowing that Metro con- On January 1, 1973, the first Metro was lit with copies of the proposal tinued to haul in $50,000 a day in tax charter. The Commissioners and the coaches (the system’s old run-down County Prosecutor were resistant used as fuel. When the membership revenues. With the help of a federal buses with Metro logos slapped on rejected the contract 746 to 557, the mediator, negotiations continued. to restructuring. At the urging of them) rolled out to pick up passen- League President Ben Ehrlichman, union suddenly found itself on The union turned down another gers, but by 1974, the union would strike on November 9th. company offer before the member- the freeholders appointed James be out on strike. Ellis as their attorney and hired a The strike began on a Saturday be- ship approved a three-year package consultant. Their plan was to create The Strike of ’74 fore a three-day weekend (Monday by an 80% vote and ended the 15-day was Veteran’s day) but it was still felt strike. Drivers and mechanics re- a new regional super government In 1974 the inflation rate was ex- that would control future growth. by 30,000 passengers and 2600 husky ceived a 34% wage increase plus ad- pected to top 12% and there was no fans that would have ridden one of ditional COLA increases. Under the On September 9, 1958, after nu- cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in merous false starts and voter rejec- the 70 ‘Husky Limited’ coaches to contract, by March of 1977 driver’s the contract to adjust for this. The the game. After the holiday, 170,000 pay would reach $6.94. (Equivalent tions, Metro was created, but limited last contract had been negotiated to cleaning up Lake Washington. commuters and 4,300 school kids to $25.96 in 2012) during one of President Nixon’s were left ‘waiting for the bus.’ Ac- Dick Page was happy. The settle- On October 1, 1958, the 15-member wage and price freezes, and the Metro council elected attorney C. cording to city officials, “stagger- ment cost $6 million in 1977 but energy crisis had sent fuel and other ing” traffic problems resulted. was still within budget. The union Carey Donworth as its first chair prices skyrocketing. Transit wages while keeping Ellis as their counsel. in Seattle were In 1963, Ellis went to the state leg- lagging behind islature with a proposal for Metro o t h e r W e s t to take over Seattle Transit. The Coast cities by union intervened and killed the bill about 15-20%. when it learned that Ellis’ proposal Metro want- contained no labor provisions. ed to stay within Finally, Ellis sat down with Local its budget and 587’s leaders and their attorney, and continue its rewrote the legislation, ensuring capital expan- union recognition and collective sion programs bargaining rights. In 1965, after — building bus joint lobbying from Ellis and the shelters, flyer union, Governor Dan Evans signed stops and park into law both the transit bargain- & ride lots even ing bill and the transit subsidy. On though it had November 5, 1968, a new home rule projected a $7 The strike was as much a shock finally got the eight-hour daily charter was adopted that created a million deficit in the next few years. nine-member county council with to Metro’s negotiators as it was to guarantee and binding arbitration Part of the problem was that Metro its stranded riders. 587 Business for grievances. No longer would the an elected County executive, but it was still charging a $.20 base fare, wasn’t until September 19, 1972 that Representative Senear requested, transit director have the final say in which was a nickel cheaper than it “that contract negotiations resume disputes over contract violations. voters gave Metro the authority to had been15 years before. Metro did take over public transportation. immediately… we are willing to have a surplus of cash, but it was meet anytime, any hour.” A Metro 8 April 2012

Vice President Sepolen’s Report By Rick Sepolen When You Have to Go, You’ve Got to Go

t is way too easy to take shots at Metro manag- He said Metro recently opened a hotline for bus On a recent afternoon, a union official tried ers when discussing schedules that don’t allow operators to give input on making changes to the to get one of the bus operators to chat about the for proper bathroom breaks. Truth be told, it scheduling of routes. long routes and short times for bathroom breaks, originatedI with the County Council when they Union officials say it’s not just a question of but the operator had no time as he parked at the put into place “efficiency” measures following an driver comfort; it’s a health issue. Minnesota Avenue station. audit review. This review resulted in Metro being Jeter said she hears of at least one incident each “I’m on my way to the bathroom,” the operator directed to tighten schedules. quarter where a Metro bus operator has developed yelled as he jumped off his bus and hustled to the On the surface it shows fiscal responsibility by a problem, usually a urinary tract infection, related bathroom at the rail station. “I have 11 minutes and our elected officials, but the truth of the matter is to having to wait too long to use a bathroom. then my customers are going to get salty.” that it simply demonstrates a lack of communica- Larry Hanley, president of the national Amal- Bus operators spoke about the problem on the tion with those that have to make these “efficien- gamated Transit Union, said he’s heard of cases condition of anonymity because Metro employees cies” work. throughout the country where bus operators have are not allowed to speak to the media without prior As a direct result of this now efficient system, developed digestive diseases and bladder problems authorization. our members are denied a most basic right to from not being able to use a bathroom frequently Another operator waiting to start his route said dignity and health when they can no longer access enough. he often doesn’t drink enough water because he’s bathrooms in a timely manner. And even if they Hanley, who started his career driving a bus in worried he’ll have to stop for a bathroom break do have the time, drivers are often faced with a Brooklyn in the1970s, cited a case in 2004 where a along his route. He recently got stuck in major half a block or more walk to the nearest facility. driver in Oregon was killed when her bus rolled congestion and had to hold his water for more And let’s not talk about mid-route “comfort” sta- over her after she didn’t properly set her brake. than two hours. tions. Passengers who have connections, jobs and She was running behind schedule and was racing “I could hardly get out of my seat” he said. “That appointments that they need to get to just don’t to get to a bathroom, according to news reports. water just built up on me.” One operator said he’s want or expect their operator to abandon the bus “It is a fundamental dignity question.” Hanley “had customers ask, ‘What the heck are you do- to attend to “personal business.” said, “Nowhere else would it be assumed that ing?’ You apologize and try to explain that traffic This situation is not unique to King County bosses would be allowed to mistreat people to the ate into your time for a quick break, and you let Metro and 587. The following is an article about rights of their bodily function.” them load onto the bus at a stop while you run in another group of Metro operators in Washington, Metro employees said it’s an issue that affects to use the restroom.” D.C. them and passengers. continued on page 12 Metro employees: More time needed for re- stroom breaks Try driving a 40-foot-long bus through crowded city streets. Weaving around obstacles. Bouncing through potholes. Stopping and going. And not going to the restroom – sometimes for long stretches. Metrobus operators say that’s their world, one with a lack of clean facilities along their routes and without enough time for bathroom breaks between runs, sometimes leading to chronic health issues. Some operators say they have had to relieve themselves in a cup or bag at the back of buses or in doorways. Train operators have reportedly used pocket tracks on the rail system as a “lava- tory” because they had “inadequate time” to have bathroom brakes, according to a 2010 report by Metro’s inspector general. “There’s not enough time allowed in the sched- ules for operators to use the restroom,” said Jackie Jeter, president of Amalgamated transit Local 689, which represents most Metro employees. “It’s not something the managers at the Jackson Graham Building give much thought to because they can go right down the hall whenever they want to use the bathroom,” she said, referring to Metro’s head quarters. According to Metro chief spokesman Dan Stessel, there are procedures that allow for bus operators to take bathroom breaks. They are supposed to contact central command and ask permission. Once they receive approval, the operator should stop the bus at the appropriate location, properly secure the bus and notify the passengers on the bus that he/she needs to step off the bus momentarily to use a restroom,” Stes- sel wrote in an e-mail. “The fact is, most operators know their route and –just like anyone about to take a road trip – plan accordingly,” he said. But union officials and bus operators say driv- ers often don’t have enough time for the breaks because the schedules are too tight, and there’s no leeway if they run late because of traffic. They might get a chance to go during layover between route s, but t ho s e c a n s ome t i me s b e five m i nute s or less, operators said. Operators also get 20-minute meal breaks on their shifts during which they can use the restroom, according to Metro officials. However, Stessel acknowledged that operators might not have adequate time for bathroom breaks. 9 April 2012

Vice President MacAdam’s Report By Don MacAdam Funny, You Don’t Look a 100 Years Old!

ell, we made it! One hundred years! It has also come to our attention that a bylaw was also mentioned that Washington ranks in Looking back to the 1940s, maintenance change requested by Maintenance members has the top 4 in the U.S. for pensions. These retired had one page of the contract. Currently, been submitted by the V.P. #2 to deal with the Employees (thousands of them) are helping to Wwe have 24 pages just for maintenance; the entire problem of Maintenance shake-ups and picks not watch over our funds, and the politicians are 1948 contract by today’s standard would only be being under our control. This bylaw change was aware of that fact! about 15 pages. Employees used to work 12-hour submitted to the Union on 3-7-12. New fuel monitoring technology: Metro in- days, seven days a week. If the boss’s new rela- Automation (new computer system) commit- formed the Union that it’s not a video camera tive needed a job, you were gone. I recently saw tee: has been active at N.M. & N.R.V. The Union installed on the fuel building at N.M. Metro, I a bumper sticker that said, “The five day work was very upset when we were told that Metro am told, used to guess at coach mileage. Now week brought to by the Union!” Many people would be forcing the use of computers at N.M. with new technology and data that comes from who dislike Unions still benefit from what we & N.R.V. at the next pick. Your Union represen- the coach engine, they will have accurate mileage have accomplished. tative informed Metro that they could not do data, and the coach will automatically alert the I must add my apologies…I missed a week of this, as negotiations had not yet been finished. computer system if is registers an engine fault work due to the flu in mid-February, then im- We were scheduled to meet with Metro on the code. Which will make the coach B.O. until the mediately after that, I needed to take a few days’ subject in March. coach is looked at and repaired or the fault is funeral leave. It has come to our attention that Metro will cleared. (Rail has a fun time with this also.) Notice! It has come to our attention that the V.P. soon be posting in-house for one V.M. Apprentice The A.B.T. for purchasing & P-cards for mill- #2 is not responsible for our shake-ups or vaca- Mechanic position. wrights: It is amazing how hard it is to save tion picks. As per our bylaws and the definitions Our pensions: We had a speaker at our last Metro money and do our jobs more efficiently given, the Recording Secretary is responsible for Board meeting from R.P.E.C.(Retired Public when Metro already has its mind made up. Several all aspects of the picks & process. (Wish that had Employees Council) reporting on attempts by grievances filed and Metro has no answers. We been made clear before the V.P. sat in for three politicians to get at our Pension funds. It was are told someone’s in charge but no one knows days at the last V.M. pick.) So, unless you have a reported that Plan One is only funded at 75% but whom! grievance about a pick, ALL questions and cor- that Plans Two and Three are funded at 125%. The E.M. Base Visit…Well, I was trying to leave respondence regarding picks must go through politicians want to get into Plans Two and Three when I saw the finest example of Metro chiefdom the Recording Secretary. to fund Plan One, and possibly other things. It keeping an eye on me. He finally walked across the shop and told me to stop bothering “His workers” and that it was time for me to leave! I took exception to his sneering remarks and said, “I don’t think so!” He said, “Do you think you can stay here?” I said, “Well, as long as I am not bothering anyone, yes I can!” He said, “No, you will leave now!” I said, “I’ll just sit here and wait for the Police!” The supervisor showed up; Marcel changed his story. The Supervisor agreed with me. As Marcel was leaving, I said, “Thanks for admitting you were wrong.” And, I sat down and wrote this article. If only we had more Chiefs like Marcel. The drivers have S.A.D. And, I think it’s time we had a M.A.D. day! (M.arcel A.ppreciation D.ay).I’ll send out a proper notice we can have hats & cake & beer since we won’t be at work. Chief stories: Since most of my remaining chief stories are adult only content and not suitable for this venue, I thought we could have some fun and revisit jokes played on past managers. One of the best was a set up where the maintenance crew went to the emergency spill trailer and did some re-arranging. They put in a small bed with well- worn sheets, pillows and blankets, a nightstand and lamp, magazines even put in an ashtray and filled it up with cigarette debris. It looked like someone had lived there for a long time! After the stage was set, the beloved Supervisor of the base was conducting a tour for several dignitaries visiting from out of town. The proud Supervisor exclaimed, “And this is our spill response trailer!” As he opened the rear trailer doors, those who were there said that after the shock wore off that the supervisor started grabbing at the items in the trailer and threw them into the yard like a wild man with such ferocity that many of them hid! The shock on the visiting dignitaries was also ap- pa rent a s t hey t r ied to dodge t he fly i ng f u r n it u re. No one was charged; however, the investigation remains open like the D.B. Cooper case. Grievance stats: 40 grievances; 5 arbitrations; 1 termination 6 Demand to Bargain: O.B.S. M.O.A.; Automa- tion (computers); T.L.T.s; Millwrights to Facilities; K.C. Layoff policy; 18-1 Metro sick leave policy. Open issues: 1) Time clock problems in Rail. Meeting was cancelled, no new date set. 2) Pay increase for dispatchers. 3) Lead voluntary demo- tions without terminations. 4) A.D.A. parking at A.M. & C.M. 5) Reduced work schedules for those close to retirement. 10 April 2012

The Financial Secretary’s Report By Paul Neil March is a busy month

arch is always a busy Committee immediately so they This celebration recognizes the their job but also being beaten up month for the Financial can get a ballot to you. Your vote is accomplishments of those who came or murdered by company thugs. Secretary. In addition to important because it is important to before us that we current members They would also be “Black Balled” theM usual workload this is when we show management that the member- now enjoy! The men who stood by employers and might have to do the 6 month audit for the ATU ship of ATU Local 587 is active in up to Stone & Webster (now called change their names to get work or International and complete our an- and aware of their Union. Puget Sound Energy) in 1912 were move to another part of the country. nual LM-2 filing with the U.S. Dept. Please come to the 100th Anni- not just fighting for themselves and Remember there was no unemploy- of Labor so this month’s article will versary Celebration on April 21 at their families but they were also ment insurance or a social safety be short. Just a couple of reminders: Central-Atlantic Base. There will be fighting for you and your family. net and they risked their children Please be on the lookout for your historic vehicles, lots of food and They are all now gone but should going hungry because they stood ballot for the Union Election. If a number of guest speakers. Your not be forgotten. up to an employer. you have not received your ballot whole family is welcome so bring Back then anyone who supported by now please contact the Election them all! a Union risked not only losing Financial Secretary’s March 2012 Membership Meeting Report New Member this time last year when we had the same period last year. this year versus $3,706.72 last year. Applications submitted 4186 active members. Other bills for payroll, rent, legal, etc totaled $207,340.28 which is an My activities for the to the ATU International Bills: increase of $4,801.86 or 2.4% over month: in February: All financial figures are subject last February. This amounts to a Conducted work site visits at In the month of February 2012, to the review of the Executive deficit of $14,573.54 for the month Atlantic, Central and Ryerson Bases we reported 16 new members to Board. In February total income compared to a deficit of $12,538.42 in both Vehicle Maintenance and the ATU International. Three are was $250,690.12 which is an increase for February 2011. Operations. at Clallam Transit, two at First of $2,428.72 or 1.0% compared to As of the end of February, the Our auditor Herman Lindsey Transit and 11 are at King County last February. figures for this year compared to was here for the week of Feb. 6-10. METRO. This brings our total ac- Per Capita payments totaled last are: Income up 0.7%. Per capita’s We worked on starting the 6 month tive membership to 4079. This is a $57,923.38 for the month which is down 0.1%, all other expenses are audit for the ATU International and decrease of 107 members compared an increase of $53.98 or 0.1% over up 5.0% and the deficit is $19,337.04 the annual financial audit. ATU International Endorses Occupy’s National Day of Action for Public Transportation Public transportation is a human right, ATU pledges support & action

Submitted by Linda Averill, Ryerson Base Shop Steward

ashington, DC – Acknowl- money for public transportation. It to demand that all Americans pay remarkable success, and changes edging their mutual con- was their greed and corruption that their fare share so that the U.S. can must be made so that everyone has cern about the crisis in brought our nation’s economy to maintain the mobility which has an equal opportunity to take part Wmass transit, the General Executive its knees and destroyed America’s been one of the hallmarks of its in that success.” Board of the Amalgamated Transit middle class. It’s time for our na- Union (ATU) has endorsed the tion to invest in mass transit and National Day of Action for Public improve the lives of the 99%, not To: All Members of Local 587 Transportation called by Occupy pad the pockets of the 1%.” From: Recording Secretary Judy Young Boston to take place, April 4, in cit- Commenting on ’s ies all over America. plans, Hanley noted, “It is so ap- “Public transportation is a hu- propriate that the National Day of man right and critical to our na- Action for Public Transportation tion’s economic recovery,” said take place on the anniversaries of ATU International President Larry Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s April Hanley. “We need to be clear that 4, 1967 speech, ‘Beyond Vietnam: the mass transit crisis was caused Breaking the Silence,’ because this in no small part by the diversion of crisis is about the toll and resources billions of tax dollars to war and the these wars have taken on working corporations that benefit from war. people and their families.” And this has led to service cuts, The ATU has long believed that transit worker layoffs, and higher mass transit is an essential part passenger fares which are really just of forging a sustainable future for another kind of tax, levied on those our nation and that privatization of who can least afford it.” public transportation only leads to “The ATU pledges our support diminished service. for the Occupy National Day of “Occupy understands that the Action for Public Transportation transit system that took a century to and our members will be involved build is threatened by the 1% who in events and actions in Boston wa nt a l l of t he fi n a nc ia l b e nefit s, but and across the country,” Hanley none of the financial responsibili- continued. “It’s the bankers and ties of a civilized society,” Hanley brokers – the 1% - who control the continued. “It’s time for the 99% 11 April 2012

Retirees’ The View from Corner the Buses By Bob Morgan, Retired First-Line Supervisor

s you read this the 100th An- Dave Delplain. Also every operator made it sound so great almost made 1st Line Supervisor, passed away in niversary of Local 587 is fast who worked at East Base during that me want to join him,almost. February. I knew Joe as a child grow- approaching. My memories time.The first thing I had to do was Bill Laird recently got back from ing up in Enumclaw in the 50’s and Aof my time actively working and be- go into enemy territory, South Base. Arizona and Nevada. He made 60’s. He was on the Enumclaw Police ing a member are many. Some good Chuck Carlton and Al Ramey were many visits while there including Department in those days. In the fall and some not so good. running against us and my mission Dean Barry in Queen Creek, Ken of 1976 I saw him at the window at In the fall of 1977 I was in deep was to sway the masses to Dave. It Haven and Carol Neff in Buckeye Dearborn and we remembered each do-do over my attendance. I was at wasn’t easy but we defeated Al in the and Del Taylor in Vegas. I forgot to other. Funny how things like that the max on misses and then East primary and Chuck in the general mention Del came to the December happen. Joe’s wife Dorothy preceded Base Supervisor Charlie Gaston had election. Here is the best thing that breakfast in Burien. He looked great him in 2004.Rest well old friend. me along with Jim Vaughn, who was happened out of that whole process, I and is driving a motor coach in the Mentioned Jim Vaughn in an chief steward, in the office. After the made two wonderful friends in both Las Vegas area for Triple J Charters. above story. Heard he is battling usual discussion of my record Charlie Al and Chuck. We garnered a lot of Dick Verzani is still working on congestive heart disease and is cur- looked me straight in the eye and respect for each other throughout putting in the backyard at his Buck- rently going through some rough asked, “You are a great employee the election process and it carried eye residence. spots with his medications. when you are here but, what is the on to this day with Al. Chuck, I be- Lonnie Sewell is making his way Thurman Fremstad came to the real problem?” I explained what was lieve, passed away some years back to Yuma. Going across the border at February lunch and stated he was bothering me at home and he said “go but he was a great friend through it Algodonnes to get some dental work at that time done with the first part get some coffee.” After a few minutes all. Another thing I’ll always remem- done. Most of the snowbirds will be of his medical treatments and was Jim came and got me and back into ber about that time. gone by the time they arrive so the awaiting further tests. Charlie’s office. “Here, sign this but We had a meeting at the Mercer wait across the border at the Dentist Talked with T.J.Robertson who don’t date it.” It was a resignation. Island Denny’s one week night and shouldn’t be to long.Suggested he mentioned that Johnny Wade is ”If you get another violation the were in a strategy session. We needed look up the Dan Sheppards while doing much better. I reported over date will be added and you will be a campaign slogan and no one could there, Dan can point him to the a year ago that John had suffered a gone.” Pretty straight forward and it come up with one. We had taken C.B. right places to get medications for stroke and as a result had lost his worked. 6 months later Jim Patrick, Johnson on as a running mate and the dental pain. driving privileges. Well it seems now the Base Supervisor, sent me a sometime during the meeting the late Some of you may remember Jim that he can now drive, as long as note in the mail. “Congratulations Doug Perkins blurted out “Johnston Lair. He started in Customer Service wife Dorothy says it is okay. John your attendance record is now per- & Johnson, Not a Band-Aid but a then was promoted to Base Supervi- and Dorothy still live in Stockton,Ca. fect.” Oh, and I never had another Solution.” Wow, it worked, silly as sor at South Base. He left Metro to go Due to the snow event on March miss after that either. it was it really worked. to So Cal RTD and was on the light 13th Lonnie Sewell and I decided to I’ve always had a special place Back to East Base after the election rail project. Then to Skagit Co Transit. fore go the north end lunch...so as of in my thoughts regarding Charlie. a nd a f ter over 3 a nd 1/2 yea r s I fi n a l ly Just heard from him recently and now nothing further to report. He took the time to ask a simple picked my own work. In early 1980 he is now working for Oakland/AC Hope to see some of you at the question that meant so much to me. I worked a Combo with a 275 and a Transit in the East Bay area of San 100th Anniversary banquet as I plan Actually another operator at East at U-Tran from Redmond in the AM Francisco. Was good to hear from on attending. that time also had attendance issue’s and a 251 with attached school trips him and will keep in touch. Thanks for reading and we’ll see and Charlie did the same for him as for the PM. Sad news, Joe Seisling, a retired you soon...from the Buses. he did for me. Over the next 15 years I had a PM layover by the then or so before Charlie retired when we Ryerson Steel yard at 4 Av S and S. saw one another he always smiled Connecticut (now Royal Brougham). President’s Report, continued and was so happy it all worked out It was on that last trip on a local 251 I for me. At my retirement party at the made friends with a young lady who didn’t posthumously issue atten- assignment sequence in exchange Training Center years later I thanked worked where the current Central/ dance penalty points to our member for signing the previously agreed two people, my wife and Charlie. Ryerson parking garage is today. who passed away. upon memorandum of agreement. Most in attendance wondered why Now 32 years later and Sue and In an attempt to provide some When I refused to be blackmailed, I thanked Charlie, now you know. I just celebrated our 30th Wedding relief to those on the bottom of the the General Manager stood up and 1979 and there is an election ap- Anniversary. seniority list, I have taken two ac- said to me, “See you later babe” as proaching. At that time I’m working Later on that year I became a tions. First, I’m openly soliciting she walked out of the meeting. the board at East Base. Supervisor and my Union activities grievances regarding the incorrect Given the open dishonesty and All officers and E-board posi- wore down, with some input at times assignment of overtime. Members unprofessional conduct of First tions were open and I was asked by if asked. People sometimes ask me have contacted me, but thus far have Transit management, I see little hope Dave Johnston to be his campaign why I still pay dues as a retiree? My b e e n to o f r ig hte ned to fi le a g r ieva nc e. finding resolution in negotiation. chairman. Dave was running for answer is easy,” Because they sup- Second, I negotiated a memorandum Unfortunately, the only solution I Pres/Business Agent. I agreed to it ported me when I needed them to and of agreement with First Transit to see is making Local 587’s support of on one condition, no dirty tricks or got me a good wage throughout my provide for every third weekend our County Executive and County smear on anyone else. Dave agreed career,” pretty simple really. ( Oops, off to those being forced to work. I Council conditional on holding First to that and that is the campaign we as I write this I’m in arrears for 2012! ) brought the memorandum of agree- Transit accountable for its behavior. ran. We also had major assistance Heard from Dave Luttinen. He is ment back to the Executive Board for After all, our County Executive and from David Lowe and Leroy Lally, currently living/traveling in Spain approval and after having received County Council are in actuality re- along with Roger Cady and the late and enjoying the experience. He their blessing attempted to execute sponsible for the behavior of KCM the agreement. First Transit, in its cus- subcontractors. tomary style of bad faith bargaining, In solidarity, attempted to demand. I also agree Paul J. Bachtel, President FIRST LINE to its interpretation of the overtime Business Representative VP Sepolen, continued Another operator adds: “Some- or where I was.” SUPERVISOR times they’ll ask, ‘How long will ~Dana Hedgpeth/Washington Post you be?’ You tell them, ‘I’ll be right back.’ ” Does all of this sound familiar? For women who are pregnant, This type of situation involves our PICK stopping for a restroom break be- colleagues across the US and Can- comes essential, bus operators said. ada. International President Larry When one driver was seven Hanley has made this a primary months pregnant, she said she had to concern of his as has 587 President APRIL 3 – 4, 2012 simply “stop and go when I needed Paul Bachtel. Both welcome your to, regardless of who was on the bus suggestions. 12