JULY 2006 HOW COPE CANDIDATE’S THE BREDA TROLLEY UPDATE 39TH ANNUAL ATU BLACK CAUCUS ENDORSEMENTS ARE DECIDED TRAVEL TIME LAWSUIT CARL JACKSON REPORTS Inside This Issue… Page 3 Page 6 Page 8

VOL. XXIX, NO. 7

The President’s Report More Stringent CDL Regulations

By Lance F. Norton

ow valuable is that CDL County Metro’s decision to fall we have in our wallet? To under the federal standards. Now Hmost of us it represents our comes before us another wrinkle: livelihood. We have dealt with nu- RCW 46.25.090. merous changes and adjustments Effective this past June 7th, We’re all adults and must to the regulations themselves. We “…any arrest for driving under have dealt with the more stringent the influence, being in physical make the right decisions. physical qualifications outlined in control while under the influence, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety or refusal of the breath/blood test Regulations on vision, hearing, and that occurred in any motor vehicle insulin-treated diabetes mellitus requires disqualification of the requiring waivers as well as King CDL.” The CDL disqualification is in addition to any suspension/ • Leaving the scene before police • Driving while license revocation of the personal driver arrive unattended suspended license. This disqualification will • Leaving the scene personal • Driving while license revoked be taken even if the offense did injury unattended • Vehicular homicide not occur in a commercial mo- • Leaving the scene of an • Vehicular Manslaughter tor vehicle. Disqualifications are accident for one year if it is a first offense. • Leaving the scene fatality We’re all adults and must make Disqualifications are for life if any accident attended the right decisions. That CDL we one of the following offense are • Leaving the scene fatality carry brings with it huge responsi- already on record:: accident unattended bility. Not just to us, to our families • Leaving the scene property and loved ones and yes, even to • Driving under the influence damage accident our Employer. Please be careful, • Breath Test .04 & above • Hit and run unattended it’s our future. while operating a commercial • Felony Involving Drugs vehicle • Felony Involving a Vehicle Regards to all. • Hit and Run Occupied • Refusal to test Be Safe. • Leaving the scene before police • Driving while license LFN arrive attended disqualified Lance F. Norton

AMALGAMATED • TRANSIT • UNION NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE 2815 2nd Avenue, Suite 230 PAID Seattle, WA 98121 SEATTLE WA PERMIT NO 1471

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 2 July 2006 The Month at a Glance Executive Board Report June 27, 2006

All officers were present except Convention in Wenatchee paying seven members of the CISM team the election challenges filed by Lori Marc Auerbach who was on leave, travel, registration, lodging and to the annual CISM conference McInnis and Marco Damon, and Judy Young who was ill. per diem. held at Sea-Tac, Sept. 07 through that the International be asked • Motion by Rick Sepolen to Sept. 10, 2006. to head this committee to conduct The following business was an investigation, and the results allocate up to $700.00 for Local • Motion by Brian Sherlock to conducted: of the investigation be presented 587's participation in the annual send up to three delegates to the to the Executive Board by its Au- • Motion by Motion by Paul Neil UMOJO festival. ATU Latino Caucus held in Denver gust Executive Board meeting for to forward Earl Mangold's griev- Sept. 28 through Oct. 01, 2006 • Motion by Joe Mangiameli to a decision. ance to arbitration. pay the Port Angeles office rent an paying travel, lodging, registration and per diem. • Motion by Rick Sepolen to additional six months. • Motion by Paul Neil to allocate send up to six members to the • Motion by Paul Bachtel to • Motion by Jennie Gil that a $750.00 for accident investigation Washington State Labor Council donate $1,890.00 for admission of committee be appointed to address training. Tentative Agenda Business of Membership Meetings: the Membership

CHARTER MEETING JEFFERSON TRANSIT At the June 2006 cycle of mem- The following members were Thursday, July 6, 2006 Monday, July 10, 2006 bership meetings the following June pot draw winners: Paul 8:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. business was addressed: Considine at the Charter meeting, The Labor Temple, Hall #8 Port Townsend Rec Center Mike Brancheau at the Morning 2800 1st Ave., Seattle, WA Port Townsend, WA • The proposed bylaw amend- meeting, Troy McKelvey at the ment for Article XV, Sections 1, 2, JTA meeting, Ken Milliser at the MORNING MEETING CLALLAM TRANSIT 4 and 5 did not receive the required CTS meeting. Rolling pot draw of Friday, July 7, 2006 Tuesday, July 11, 2006 2/3 majority vote for adoption. $75.00 was rolled over to the next 10:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. month. Next month’s rolling pot The Labor Temple, Hall #6 Vern Burton Memorial Building • Jefferson Transit members will be $100.00. 2800 1st Ave., Seattle, WA Port Angeles, WA voted to change their meeting time to 8:00 p.m. for a four month trial Among topics to be discussed: Grievance arbitration update, Light period. Rail negotiation, Sick Leave mediation, New CDL regulations.

Unfinished business In Loving Memory… There is no unfinished business for the month of July. Death is nothing to us, since when we are, death has not come, and when death has come, we are not.

— Epicurus (341 BC - 270 BC

Edward Seymore Jr., Full- vacationing in SE Asia. Brother Arbitration Update time Transit Operator, passed Rockness joined Local 587 as an away May 30, 2006 following a Equipment Service Worker in 1. Kenny McCormick: Grieved being held in abeyance. Settle- lengthy illness. Brother Seymore March of 1986. He was 47 years of failure to follow FLSA require- ment discussions underway. began his career as a Part-time age at the time of his passing. ments for travel time for board/ 5. Clint DeVoss: Grieved work Operator July 20, 2001 and was report/ATL operators. Grievance out of classification. Arbitration promoted to Full-time Operator Royal C. Honnald, 50 year being held in abeyance while rescheduled for July 13, 2006. July 03, 2003. He was an active member, passed away June 09, issue finalized in court. Issue member working at Ryerson 2006 in Mead, WA. Brother Hon- settled via Federal law suit. 6. Garold Rand: Grieved elimina- tion of progressive discipline as Base at the time of his passing. nald joined Local 587 October 01, 2. Louise Gredig: Grieved pre- outlined in the CBA, and issuance Brother Seymore leaves behind 1940. No further information mature non-disciplinary medi- of policy by employer that em- many friends and family and will available. cal termination. Schedule ployees were “at-will employees”. be dearly missed. pending. Schedule pending. Settlement William Falkenberg, retired 3. Dar-An Kung: Grieved work discussions underway. Doug Rockness, Equipment member passed away March 19, done out of classification. Arbi- 7. Riley Jones: Grieved not Service Worker working out of 2006. Brother Falkenberg joined tration held April 25th, 2006. sending two mechanics out on Atlantic Base passed away un- Local 587 May 01, 1946. No fur- Decision pending. a wrecker call per Article 17, expectedly June 01, 2006 while ther information available. 4. Mike Whitehead: Grieved Section 2, Par.B. Arbitration violation of Lead Transit Part scheduled for July 18 and 19, Please notify the union office of any member’s passing so that this Specialists MOA. Grievance 2006. information may be shared with the rest of our union family.

OFFICERS OF THE AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION, LOCAL 587: Letters to the editor Letters/contributions must include sig- LANCE F. NORTON Pres/Business Representative Minority Affairs Officer RAY CAMPBELL Transit Operator Position No. 1 NEAL SAFRIN natures, work ID number, addresses and email – [email protected] Transit Operator Position No. 2 MICHAEL MOORE Transit Operator Position No. 3 DEE WAKENIGHT telephone numbers that can be verified KENNY McCORMICK Vice President/Assistant Transit Operator Position No. 4 BRIAN SHERLOCK during office hours. Letters that cannot Business Representative Transit Operator Position No. 5 RICK SEPOLEN Transit Operator Position No. 6 JUDY YOUNG be validated will not be published. All email – [email protected] Transit Operator Position No. 7 LINDA ANDERSON Transit Operator Position No. 8 LISA THOMPSON articles/letters are subject to editing and Published monthly in Seattle. PAUL B. NEIL Financial Secretary Vehicle Maintenance Position No. 1 MIKE WHITEHEAD should be limited to 350 words or less. email – pneilfi[email protected] Vehicle Maintenance Position No. 2 JEFF STAMBAUGH Vehicle Maintenance Position No. 3 DEB STENOIEN Not all letters can be published due to Official publication of Amalgamated Facilities Maintenance THOMAS A. WOOLLEY Transit Union Local 587, AFL-CIO, PAUL J. BACHTEL Recording Secretary/ Special Classifications CHRIS DANIELS space limitations. Cut off date is the Editor 587 News Review Supervisors MICHAEL SHEA representing employees of Metro/King Clallam/Jefferson County JOE MANGIAMELI 15th of each month. email – [email protected] County, Clallam Transit, Jefferson SPT/MV NINUS HOPKINS

Transit, Seattle Personal Transit, Clal- Web site: http://www.atu587.com lam Paratransit, and MV Transit. Send letters to: 2815 Second Avenue, Suite 230 Paul J. Bachtel, Editor Seattle, Washington 98121 WEINGARTEN RIGHTS STATEMENT c/o ATU Local 587 Telephone: 206-448-8588. I request to have a union representative present on my behalf dur- ing this meeting because I believe it may lead to disciplinary action News Review Affiliations: Washington State Labor Council, taken against me. If I am denied my right to have a union representative 2815 Second Avenue, Suite 230 King County Labor Council, Northwest Joint Con- 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. July 2006 3 Seattle Chapter of the Latino Caucus By SCLC Chair Osvaldo Fernandez

Union Elections the exiting officers for all the good will attend. Every year the board privacy. But by the same token and hard work they have done on of LELO chooses an individual I’m going to get take advantage irst, I would like to reflect our behalf. or organization for their award. of this policy by getting in better that I feel very good about This year the recipient was Casa health. For the last two months I Fthe entire process of our past LELO – Legacy of Equality, Latina. This organization helps have been preparing for my swim elections. It is very encouraging mostly Latina women become more by swimming three times per week. when you see union brothers and Leadership and Organizing efficient in this society by helping Now I feel I’m ready but will have sisters participating in the election I was lucky to attend an award them with learn English so they to wait until July 30th to cross process. Personally I would like dinner for LELO, an organization may enter the workforce. Lake Washington. Now is when I to express my appreciation to all that helps to organize workers in would like to ask for your help in the candidates for their efforts and the Seattle area. I wish to thank Swim or Fish The Body Out pledging a donation to the cause. dedication. Also, I would like to the membership of Local 587 for On Sunday, July 30th, 2006 I will You may pledge any amount you congratulate all of them for their purchasing a table for members be swimming across Lake Wash- wish, payable upon completion of hard campaigning and I hope that to attend this event. I was very ington. The purpose of the swim is my swim. Send your pledges to in the future the entire member- proud to be seated at that table. At to raise funds for the Latino Caucus Osvaldo Fernandez, I.D. 20640, ship will become more involved our table there was a very diverse Scholarship Fund. As I’ve written at Ryerson Base, mail stop RBA- because I believe that it is what group, including Facilities Main- in past News Review articles, I TR-0100. Make checks payable to makes our union stronger. I offer tenance and Transit Operators. don’t like having to comply with the the Seattle Chapter of the Latino congratulations to all the newly My perception is that everyone health assessment [King County Caucus. elected officers, and extend my enjoyed the event. I hope that has imposed upon its employees]. respect and congratulations to all in the future officers of our local I believe it is an invasion of our COPE’s Candidate Endorsements: How are They Decided?

By Linda Anderson, COPE Committee

ecently, a list came out of This year’s questions asked the candidates recommended following: Rby COPE. But how does the COPE Committee decide which How much COPE money to give • What are the candidate's three candidates to endorse? And what top policy priorities? is COPE, anyway? a candidate depends not only on • Has the candidate actively sup- ported organized labor? What is COPE? their record, but also on who they • Where does the candidate stand COPE (Committee On Politi- on contracting out to private cal Education) is a program that are running against… companies? looks out for our interests in the • Would he or she support: dedi- political arena. Metro, Jefferson, cated funding for public transit; and Clallam transits are public reducing the penalty in PERS agencies, meaning that they belong selecting which State Legislative should be interviewed. for early medical retirement; to us, the voters. They are funded candidates to endorse. This is done Based on the questionnaires and security and emergency re- by taxpayers and run by elected by a statewide committee, the ATU interviews, the COPE Committee sponse preparedness training officials. The COPE committee Legislative Conference, which is or the ATULC discusses and votes for transit workers? tracks these officials and what a part of COPE. Local 587’s own on which candidates to endorse • Does he or she support requiring decisions they make on transporta- COPE Committee participates in and/or give money to, first before businesses with large numbers tion, retirement, workplace safety, this. the primary, and then again prior of low-wage employees receiving healthcare and other issues that The first thing the ATU Legis- to the general election. How much state subsidized health care to affect 587 members. We lobby lative Conference (ATULC) does COPE money to give a candidate reimburse the state for some Legislators, and we interview and is to figure out what questions to depends not only on their record, or part of the cost of providing educate municipal and state can- ask the Legislative candidates who but also on who they are running those services? didates on our issues, track their seek our endorsement. The ATULC against, how expensive the race is, • Would she or he support an in- voting records, and donate money writes a questionnaire, and meets how much we have, and the legal creased tax break for employers to those who vote our interests. to review the candidates’ written contribution limit. who provide bus passes instead We endorse Democrats, Republi- responses. They also review a re- Finally, the COPE recommenda- of parking benefits? cans, and third party candidates. cord of how incumbents have voted tions must go to the 587 Executive The COPE program is funded by on transportation, retirement, Board and be forwarded to the We also raised other issues in optional contributions from many and labor- and benefits-related membership meetings and ap- the interviews, such as the viaduct, of our members who choose to issues. proved by the members themselves Sound Transit, getting an exemp- donate a small amount a month. Next, candidates come in for before being adopted. Members tion to the seat belt law so that No contributions are taken from interviews, where we get a chance may segregate and discuss the operators would not have to wear anyone’s check without them first to quiz and educate them in person, COPE recommendations at the the shoulder strap, etc. voluntarily signing up. and hold them to account, or thank meetings before voting. For information about indi- them, for their past records. The vidual candidate responses, feel How Are the candidates for City and County What’s on the free to contact me or one of the races may also be interviewed by other COPE Committee members. Endorsements Decided? the 587 COPE Committee. We Questionnaire? You can reach me best via email The ATU locals across the state welcome recommendations by the The questionnaire is redesigned at [email protected]. cooperate in interviewing and membership on candidates that each year to reflect current issues. 4 July 2006 Letters to the Editor…

I walk away as a bus driver, the Executive Board has come to upon the MTA Board to re-vote the Low-Floor satisfied that I gave my best to an end. contract that was subsequently Camera Buses the Public over the 15&1/2 years approved by the members of TWU that I served them. They were and As someone who had never been Local 100. will forever remain in my heart, very active in the union, I wasn’t re- Dear Editor, my “true” employer. Our service to ally sure what to expect as I began We know the democratic deci- the Public is deeply needed by all my term on the Executive Board. sion by members of TWU Local 100 What’s up with the forty foot walks of life within our society. I Although a bit time consuming, to go on strike last December was low floor camera buses? For at learned that the best way to gain I thoroughly enjoyed my time as not made lightly. TWU members least the past three shakeups at their respect and have a positive an Executive Board Officer. I have lost considerable income and put Ryerson Base, the overwhelmingly transportation experience for “all” become much more educated in the their jobs on the line by walking majority of the cameras have not was to be receptive to their situ- ways of the union, and the day to off their jobs. They took such se- been operating. Why are so many ation and special needs and not day efforts put forth by not only the rious action to protest poor and inoperable? When are they all be judgmental in my thoughts full time officers, but the rest of the unsafe working conditions, and going to be fixed? Since these are or expressions. Unlike manage- Executive Board officers to keep to defend their hard-earned wag- relatively new coaches, who is re- ment, to survive our jobs we must this Union running smoothly. esand benefits — and the pensions sponsible for the repairs and what learn or suffer the consequences; and benefits of future workers. In will the cost be? I am concerned if we fail to understand that it is As I prepare to attend my last doing so, they took a stand for all that this situation provides a false much harder and requires more Board meeting, I want to wel- working people against the in- sense of security to our riders and humanity to “kiss” down than it come the new Facilities Main- creasing assault on workers’ living compromises driver safety. What is to “kiss” up in the workplace, tenance representative Thomas standards by employers and, sad is the point of having cameras on we fail to meet our obligations as Woolley to the Board. I’m confident to say, government officials from buses if they don’t work? transit operators. that I am leaving my Facilities both political parties. We believe Maintenance coworkers in very this was a factor in the high level Sincerely, My family and I are especially capable hands. of public support that Local 100 Joe Kadushin grateful to Brother Joe Mangiam- received. Ryerson Base eli, the Executive Board and full- In closing, I’d like to wish all the time Officer’s led by Brother Lance new full time officers and Execu- To expect TWU 100 to abide by Editor’s Note: Good question, Norton in resolving my grievance tive Board members the very best. a law that denies them their most Brother Kadushin. I have for- in a satisfactory manner. Most im- May you each have much success important bargaining tool – the warded your inquiry on to Vehicle portantly I would like to thank the in all your endeavors over the next right to withhold labor – at the Maintenance Manager Jim Boon, Members of Local 587 in Seattle, three years. I’d also like to send a same time allowing the Metropoli- Ryerson Maintenance Supervisor Port Angeles and Port Townsend heartfelt thank you to everyone tan Transportation Authority to Scotty Conyne, and Operations who gave me over a 90% approval that served with me on the Board, bargain in bad faith is an unten- Security Liaison David Fairbanks. to take my case to arbitration. and to the full time officers for able situation. In fact, by failing to With any luck we can get a response Compromising with JTA rather being patient with me. They took bargain in good faith and putting for the membership in the August than having an arbitrator hear my the time to teach me how to be an an attack on pensions on the bar- issue. case was my decision as to what effective Board member when I gaining table as a “last offer” even was best for me and my family. was a new, glassy-eyed, wet-be- though this is a legislative issue, Without membership support I hind-the-ears rookie. Thank you, MTA committed an unfair labor would not have received a positive and take care, practice. The MTA authorities resolution to my grievance. should be held responsible for the Longtime Member Alan Huston. situation that resulted in TWU’s Best of luck and health to all three-day strike. To instead levy a Departs of you in 2006 and remember to; $2.5 million fine against TWU 100, “Row- row- row your buses gently jail the president, and cancel their Dear Brothers and Sisters, down the stream”! dues check-off system, has every Our Letter to Pataki appearance of a union-busting In appreciation to Local 587 for In solidarity, move against a labor organization the many years of leadership and Jeff A. Durall, aka J.D. that has a long and proud history Editor’s note: the follow- guidance in my tenure as an Op- of representing New York City’s ing letter was sent on behalf of erator at Jefferson Transit, I would transit workers. like to thank all of our Officers both the membership to New York’s Governor George Pataki, urging past and present. Their dedication Our union salutes TWU’s mem- reconsideration of the penalties to the membership is admirable in bership and their willingness to being levied against the members light of the powers wielded against A Rep. Bids Farewell take a stand in defense of their of TWU Local 100. United States transit workers by management. pensions, and the right to humane Senator Hillary Clinton was cc’d, Without our Union to make right To the members of Local 587: working conditions and a decent New York’s Attorney General Eliot the wrongs and watch out for our standard of living. We urge you to Spitzer, New York City Mayor Mi- working rights, fought for over the After three years, countless do the right thing and reverse the chael Bloomberg, the King County last century, it is hard to imagine meetings, and one trip to Las unfair and unjust punishment of and New York City labor councils, what our working lives would now Vegas, my time as the Facilities TWU and its membership. We look and the Transportation Workers be like. Maintenance representative on forward to hearing from you. Union International. A copy was also sent to TWU Local 100. Sincerely, SEND IN YOUR OPINIONS NOTICE TO ALL READERS Lance F. Norton Dear Governor Pataki: Letters/contributions must include President/Business Agent signatures, work ID number, ad- Views and ATU Local 587 dresses and telephone numbers that Amalgamated Transit Union can be verified during office hours. opinions Local 587 represents more than Letters that cannot be validated will 4,000 transit workers in the Puget not be published. All articles/letters expressed in Sound Region of Washington State. are subject to editing and should be We join with many other labor limited to 350 words or less. Not all News Review and community organizations in letters can be published due to space articles are those calling on you to drop all fines, limitations. Cut off date is the 15th restore the automatic union dues of each month. Send letters to: of the authors and check-off, and provide full amnesty Paul J. Bachtel to Transit Workers Union Local News Review Editor not necessarily the 100 from any other penalties that c/o ATU Local 587 are being levied against TWU 100 2815 Second Avenue official position of as a result of their walk out in Suite 230 defiance of the anti-labor Taylor Seattle, WA 98121 Local 587 Law. Further we urge you to call July 2006 5 The Web of Labor, Community, Immigration and History By Lori McInnis

June 1, 1981: folks would be educated, empowered and ready to lead when the flow ILWU Local 37 Office came in.” LELO newsletter. wenty five years ago while The flow is now upon us with im- working in their labor office migrant marches across the country Tin Pioneer Square two recent- reminiscent of the civil rights and ly elected leaders of Local 37, Silme anti-war marches of the sixties. Domingo and Gene Viernes, were Immigrant workers, labor unions, assassinated by four gunmen. families and many others are dem- Both were sons of Filipino im- onstrating a commitment to social migrants, a community known for justice for all workers. Responding democratic idealism and activism. to Congress’ agenda to reform im- The immigrants from the twenties migration, millions left their work and thirties found a stark contrast places, schools and stores to send a between the constitutional ideals message that they will accept noth- they had been taught on the islands ing less than legal status. and the realities of life in America. The May Day march in Seattle Segregation, racism, and low-end was lead by King County Executive seasonal jobs were obstacles to be Sister Lori McInnis, Executive Board Officer Neal Safrin and Brother Gérard Ron Sims, and after a late endorse- Sheehan proudly displaying the Local 587 banner in the April 10 Immigration overcome by a community with March. ment from the Martin Luther King fierce determination. County Labor Council many locals Local 37 represents Alaska can- suits and grassroots organizing their constant willingness and quickly unfurled their banners, nery workers and had historically efforts. Domingo and Viernes were diligent hard work helping organize including Local 587. I took a day been fraught with corruption and also longtime members of the Union the April and May immigration off the campaign trail to attend elitism. For decades Union leaders of Democratic Filipinos and were marches lead to their decision on and helped carry our banner with sold jobs in the union hall and ran using their positions to build ties granting them the award. Board Neal Safrin, Marc Auerbach, Linda gambling operations to rob workers between workers in the US and the member, Marline Pedregosa writes Averill, Alex LaBarba and a new of their pay once in Alaska. Mean- Philippines, then under the dicta- in the program, “Throughout the member Gerard Sheehan. The while, segregated housing and mess torship of Ferdinand Marcos. planning for the recent marches, sheer number of people was amaz- halls and discrimination practices As is often the case, the assas- every time I turned around I met ing, stretching the entire distance in job duties and promotions by the sination of a leader galvanizes another woman from CASA Latina of Jackson Street from 20th to 5th companies went unchallenged. the cause rather silences it. The who had stepped forward.” Ave. Flags from dozens of nations As a teenager in the early seven- Committee for Justice for Silme April 10, May 1, 2006: flying and the chant “ Si podemos” ties I once worked in a cannery on Domingo and Gene Viernes was (Yes we can) ringing throughout the the Kenai River. I was shocked by formed and eight years later un- Seattle Immigration towers of downtown, the legacy this the systemic discrimination. The raveled a conspiracy that led to Marches generation of demonstrators will civil rights movement was in full an indictment of Marcos, the first “Silme Domingo liked to talk leave future laborers, communities, momentum in the lower 48 states time a US allied dictator was held about the ‘ebb and flow’ of people’s families and educators. but Alaska was still in the fifties. accountable for crimes committed movements. He reminded us that For information about LELO’s The Filipino workers were housed on US soil. our work is to build strong political current projects go to www.lelo. way off by themselves, far from the LELO’s mission and leadership and organizational skills so that our org. bunkhouses where the white kids was quickly assumed by the next stayed. And they were relegated wave of leaders and has continued to the dirtiest most demanding to grow in breadth and scope ever jobs: the slime line, where the fish since. Last year they reorganized were gutted and headed, and the and changed the acronym to Legacy assembly line clipping bones and of Equality and Labor Organiza- ATU Local 587 pieces of fish sticking out of the tion. tops of the cans. This was the environment that June 10, 2006: 25th Annual Domingo and Viernes had spent LELO Awards Dinner their summers, and the Union they At their May Executive Board SUMMER had successfully reformed through meeting, the Executive Board a rank and file movement. passed a motion to purchase a table Like many great leaders Domin- for 10 at the 25th Annual LELO BARBEQUE go and Viernes’ activism and vision Awards dinner. Osvaldo Fernandez, extended beyond the bounds of their Chair of the Seattle Chapter of immediate influence. In 1973, with the Latino Caucus, invited me to two other men, Milton Jefferson join him. The theme of the dinner Food ❖ Bingo and Tyree Scott, they founded an was Celebrating Working Women organization to address the rights of Color in the Movement. It was ❖ Prizes ❖ of minority workers across trade an honor to participate firsthand lines and give minorities a voice in the inter-connected web of com- in their own locals. Jefferson was munity organizations, local unions, a member of the United Construc- politicians and grassroots activists Bingo for Everyone, Games for tion Workers Association and the groups. the Kids and Lots of Surprises. United Association of Plumbers and The Domingo, Viernes, Jefferson Pipefitters and Scott was a member Award went to a grassroots group Come Join the Fun! of the Longshoreman’s Union and a called CASA Latina Woman’s Lead- Catered by Tony Roma’s crane worker at the Seattle docks. ership Program. This group was Together they recognized that their originally organized seven years struggles as workers and minori- ago by twelve Latino women to Food Served from ties were linked and founded the help each other navigate their new Northwest Labor Employment Law lives in the Northwest. It began as a 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Office (LELO). means of sharing information about Join us on Saturday, July 8, 2006 LELO tied the struggles of sea- Spanish speaking doctors, child sonal farm workers, black construc- care and Mexican grocery stores but At St. Edward State Park tion workers and Alaska cannery soon evolved into an empowering Kenmore, WA workers together and spearheaded leadership development program. many successful class action law LELO board members said 6 July 2006 The Breda Trolley Update by Marc Auerbach

Dear Brothers and Sisters, activated based on how much pres- makes the dynamic brakes totally long period of time Bredas were sure the operator is applying to the independent of the service brakes. out of service. This should create The Union’s survey of Atlantic service brakes via the brake pedal. The dynamics will now work more more consistent operation between Base operators (reported in the The dynamic braking is designed like the retarders on diesel coaches. coaches. previous issue of the News Review) to cut out when the speed of the The dynamic brake will come on a Also, VM will test a more aggres- confirmed that the great majority coach drops down to a couple of quarter of a second after the op- sive lining (more “grabbing power”) of trolley drivers have serious, miles per hour. erator takes his/her foot off of the for the center axle brakes. This deeply felt concerns about the This approach to programming accelerator. The second stage of the is intended to put more braking Breda trolleys. After providing the dynamic brakes has made it dif- dynamic will come on one half of power over the center axle where Manager of Vehicle Maintenance ficult for operators to stop the coach a second later. This should make most of the weight is (now that the Jim Boon with a complete copy of smoothly because it creates a kind for a much smoother and, most diesel engine has been removed). the survey results I was invited of see-saw effect between the service importantly, more predictable VM has already installed ABS on to meet with Vehicle Maintenance and dynamic brakes that manifests braking experience. In addition, the rear axle. Program Manager Bruce Dahl for itself in abrupt changes in braking the third stage of the dynamic Problem: Sudden accelera- an update on VM’s ongoing efforts power. For example, as an operator braking will be eliminated. This tion to deal with the issues identified by is coming in to a zone he/she ap- should make the transition back VM has had difficulty replicat- operators. The meeting was very plies the service brake. When the to service brakes only (when the ing this problem. It may be related informative and I was very pleased operator applies a certain amount dynamics cut out at about 2 mph) to deficiencies in the overhead that to see that our concerns are being of pressure to the brake pedal the less abrupt. need to be addressed by Power. But taken seriously. dynamics come on and this may Problem: Other braking other causes are possible. More Problem: Grabbing Brakes create more braking power than issues operator input about the specific Vehicle Maintenance is current- the operator wants. So the operator There have been problems with circumstances in which sudden ly testing a completely revamped takes his/her foot up off the brake sticking front brake calipers, ap- acceleration is experienced may program for the dynamic brakes. pedal. This causes a loss of service parently due to the length of time be helpful in nailing this problem By the time you read this we may and dynamic brake – more loss of the Bredas sat in the yard before down. Any ideas folks? have more information and per- braking power than the operator the conversion process started. Ac- Problem: Cold air in driver’s spective but I will do my best to had intended. So the cycle starts cording to Mr. Dahl, VM has rebuilt compartment explain the proposed changes for over and can be problematic at the front brakes on all Bredas to VM is installing a new seal you as I understand them today. each of the three stages of dynamic address this problem. around the steering column boot The brakes on Bredas are oper- braking. Further, the sudden loss of VM will replace the brake ap- and sealing up other area in the ated by air (“service” brake) and the dynamic brakes at the end of a plication valve in order to pre- driver’s compartment that are the electricity (“dynamic” brakes). stop, even at two miles per hour, can vent brake pressure imbalance source of air leaks. Operators should The old system (the one that has seem like a substantial “bump” to problems that resulted from oil also be aware that there is a new been giving us problems) has three operators and passengers alike. and other contaminants getting vent in the front of the bus that can stages of dynamic braking that are The system now being tested into the brake system during the continued on page 7 Travel Time Law Suit Again? By Paul J. Bachtel, Executive Board Officer

everal years ago a small confused as to when travel time is ing”…clearly state “Employers dispute an Operator’s claim for number of Operators filed built into an assignment or when may use any timekeeping methods travel pay they can let the work- Sgrievances contending Metro it is not. Prior to the June 2005 they choose”. While this may be force chief dispute the claim with was not paying federally required implementation of the BAT, I ob- true, it does not indemnify manage- the Operator and her/his union travel pay at Ryerson base for time jected to the concept of having Op- ment from future civil litigation if representative. The only time traveling between assignments erators fill out a sundry sheet as a Operators are not paid federally travel pay is not paid is at the end and time spent returning to the requirement to be paid BAT travel required travel pay. of the workday for travel back to base at the end of the workday. pay. I argued that knowing when to Management has indicated the base when not required to do so On the advice of our attorneys I claim BAT travel pay is confusing. new operating system being devel- by management. If an Operator is made a motion to pursue this issue At times it is automatically paid, oped (GIRO) to replace the current required by management to return through a federal lawsuit rather and at times it is not. Operators do (BOSS) operating system, should to base for any reason, the Operator than the grievance process. The not have the same training as First automatically pay BAT travel pay is entitled to BAT travel pay. Union was successful in wining a Line Supervisors and therefore do in the planning process but will not After paying out nearly judgment against Metro for travel not have the skills needed to make automatically pay BAT travel pay $400,000.00 in back pay and legal time between assignments but not BAT travel time pay determina- for work assigned at the window. fees you would think these good for travel time back to the base at tions. Therefore, management To confuse Operators more, BAT stewards of public funds would the end of the workday. should meet its federally mandated travel pay is at times paid to Re- have learned a lesson. Apparently The judgment from the travel requirement by having First Line port Operators, and at times not, not. Now I’m wondering how many time lawsuit has now been imple- Supervision input BAT travel pay, depending on whether the Report times the Union must prevail in mented. Operators who were part both in the planning process and at Operator is told to “Check Back” or suing to recover lost travel pay of the class action suit received the window when assigning work. “Report Back”. What management before Metro’s actions constitute back pay checks in May. A new Be- My complaints were ignored and should have done, short of making an unfair labor practice. Perhaps tween Assignments Travel (BAT) shortly thereafter management this a First Line requirement, is we will need injunctive relief in sundry sheet is in place for Opera- unilaterally implemented the BAT educate Operators as to when to the form of a federal court order tors to record travel time between travel pay sundry sheet. fill out the BAT travel pay sundry specifying exactly how travel pay assignments. Unfortunately the I expressed concern to the sheets and when not to. Is man- must be implemented to finally BAT sundry sheet instructions are Union office and a letter was sent agement trying to evade paying have Operators paid in accordance confusing (or non-existent) and to Metro expressing concern that federally required travel pay? with federal law. have led to Operators once again Metro’s use of the BAT travel pay The short answer to all of this Please, request the BAT travel not being paid federally mandated sundry sheet may lead to another game playing is for every Operator pay you are owed and if you’re travel pay. travel pay lawsuit. Management who works a split assignment that having difficulty figuring out the Management seems to believe responded by citing the Fair labor is not a complete Combo or DTA sundry sheet, don’t feel you are Operators should easily be able to Standards Act, which according to (both first and second half) to put alone. Ask a window person or determine that in order to be paid management, “does not impose any in for BAT travel pay. This includes union representative for help in fil- travel pay, they must record BAT specific method which data must travel pay between any assignment ing out the BAT travel pay sundry time on the BAT sundry sheet. be gathered”…and “Guidelines and any other assignment regard- sheet. Together, we will demand The phone calls I’ve received tell provided by the U.S. Department less of whether overtime is being what we are owed. a different story. Operators are of Labor pertaining to record keep- paid. If management wishes to July 2006 7

The Recording Secretary (elect’s) Report Yee Haa! Elections Are Complete!

By Paul J. Bachtel

Paul Bachtel

very three years our mem- • I’m grateful to President Lance years of skillfully balancing our likewise try their hand as shop bership endures officer Norton for the experience and union accounts. steward/chief shop steward first. Eelections. By the time elec- confidence I have gained serv- Experiencing first-hand the level tions are completed many candi- ing as your Partisan Arbitra- • I’m most grateful to our member- of responsibility involved in car- dates are physically, emotionally, tor, Full and Part-time Transit ship for having the faith to trust rying out Executive Board duties and some, financially exhausted. Operator Negotiation Chair, me with the office of Recording convince me such prerequisites The membership has reached its Sick Leave Negotiation Chair, Secretary. I’m well qualified to should be required. tolerance limit for campaigning and Small Property (SPT) negotia- serve as your Recording Sec- On a more personal note I’d like is thankful the process is finished. tion team member, Light Rail retary as a direct result of the to thank one particular North Base We, as a union are democratic to a negotiation team member and mentoring I’ve received. I will Operator for his endorsement. I fault, and yet I believe we wouldn’t the list goes on. not let you down. couldn’t have done it without you have it any other way. buddy! Kudos to all candidates who • I’m grateful to Jennie Gil for I, too, intend to mentor any Looking forward, I intend to ran for office! Out of their cam- allowing me to officiate at Full member willing to grow and learn make a few changes. The Local paigns the elected leadership and Part-time Transit Opera- the many skills needed to serve 587 website will get a new look accesses the opinion of the mem- tor picks and serve as interim as a full-time union officer. I was with added links to the many laws bership and gains many new ideas Recording Secretary in her ab- surprised to see so many candidates and regulations that govern our for the future. Many of those not sence. run for full-time union office that working lives. Your ideas will be elected will continue to serve as had not served on the executive greatly appreciated. Additions shop stewards, election tellers, • I’m grateful to Glen Travis for board. Many skills and a great to the News Review will include pick crew staff, COPE commit- tolerating me in my early years deal of background knowledge new legal requirements for com- tee members and in many other of radical union activity only to are required to serve effectively in mercial licenses and information areas of need. They truly deserve forgive and mentor my progress full-time union office. I hope can- on protected leaves. Again, your our gratitude. To each of you I’m as time passed. didates interested in running for ideas will be greatly appreciated. grateful for your participation in full-time union office in the future More to come on improvements to the process. • I’m grateful to Paul Griffin for choose to serve at least one term the web site and News Review in I’m also particularly grateful to always being there to answer on the executive board. It is in the future articles. the following leaders: finance questions and his many long term best interest of both the membership and the prospective In Solidarity, officer. I hope those interested in Paul J. Bachtel, running for executive board will Recording Secretary-elect Breda Update, continued

be opened and closed depending on or hill-holder, in part because there weather and preference. is no clear consensus from operators Upcoming at Local 587 Problem: Drive axle failure about how to do this. There has been a problem with The Bottom Line JULY 3 –Part-time restriction forms scheduled to be the drive wheels spinning on wet Vehicle Maintenance personnel sent out to the worksites this week. Please see your base or slick pavement and then hitting have put a lot of thought and energy dry pavement so hard that the axle into addressing our concerns (thank dispatcher/Planner for a restriction form. breaks. VM will reprogram the coach you!). In the final analysis, however, JULY 6 – Installment of new officers at the Charter to drop the throttle down during a the proof will be in the driving. membership meeting, 8:00 p.m. Labor Temple, Hall #8. skid. (VM will also test reprogram- Operators will have to decide if the ming the dynamic brakes to drop changes meet our high standards JULY 8 – Local 587 Summer Barbeque at Saint Edward State out during a skid condition). for safety and service. I am hopeful Park. Problem: Dead/low batteries that we are on the road to making JULY 25 - Executive Board meeting. after lift use this coach right. And, while no In electric mode, the Breda puts coach is perfect, it is important to AUGUST 11 –PART-TIME RESTRICTION FORMS DUE, a major strain on the battery. With remain vigilant and to speak up if 7:45 p.m. Forms must be turned in at the window. No frequent lift use (common on the you perceive serious problems. forms will be accepted at the union office or in the pick routes to which Breda trolleys are A Personal Note preview room. ABSOLUTELY NO LATE FORMS WILL BE assigned) there have been major After almost eleven years as a ACCEPTED. problems with dead batteries. Transit Operator and eight years VM is testing a system that will as an active Union member I am AUGUST 14 through 18 - Part Part-time Pick Preview. automatically shut down heater taking a leave of absence to return Central/Atlantic Base upstairs quiet room, 8am-4pm. Check blowers, turn the dome light down to school. I would like to extend my your Operations Bulletin for further information. to 50% power, and turn off the deepest gratitude to the members AUGUST 15 through 20 - Full-time Pick Preview. power steering motor when the lift and leaders of this Union, past and Atlantic/Central Base upstairs classrooms, 8:30am-4:30pm. power switch is engaged. When lift present, for all that you have done Check your Operations Bulletin for further information. power is turned off these items will on behalf of transit workers in King return to normal operation. This County and beyond. It has been a AUGUST – 19 & 20 and 26 & 27 - Part-Time Operator Pick. will reduce the drain on the battery privilege to work with you over these Central/Atlantic Base. Please consult your seniority list for when the lift is used. Additionally, past years in the fight to secure fair your pick time. Please remember to allow enough time to VM is testing batteries that hold a contracts, protect transit funding, walk to pick from the Central/Atlantic/Ryerson parking greater charge and/or that can be stop privatization, improve safety garage. recharged more quickly. and security, and build a more just Problem: Location and and equitable society for all working AUGUST 21 – 25 and 28 – 31 - Full-Time Operator Pick. switch type for hill-holder and people. I am leaving behind great Atlantic/Central Base. Please consult your seniority list for four-ways friends and co-workers whom I have your pick time. Please remember to allow enough time VM is installing extensions on the grown to love and respect over the to walk to pick from the Central/Atlantic/Ryerson four-way switch to make it easier years. Please know that you are parking garage. to activate. At this point there is no in my thoughts, and please stay plan to relocate the four-way switch in touch. AUGUST 29 – Executive Board meeting. 8 July 2006 The 39th Annual ATU Black Caucus: Brotherhood through Understanding

By Carl C. Jackson, Central Base Operations

hen ATU Local 587 Mi- of the Caucus. Both days had us in pension system such as the “PERS” to think, “out-of-the-box” on issues nority Affairs Officer daylong workshops that covered a system that we at King County that effect our work environment. WRay Campbell called me wide range of topics. I was able to Metro Transit enjoy. Under those Some issues make us feel that we one morning and offered me the chat and share information with circumstances, the ATU works are alone as a union local, sort chance to attend the Amalgamated union members from Oakland, with the local to establish a pension of a “why is this happening only Transit Union’s 39th Annual Black CA; Shreveport, LA; Atlanta, GA; plan that allows the membership to at Metro” kind of thinking, while Caucus in Baltimore, Maryland, Toronto, ONT and Portland, OR. As contribute monies into a privately many other issues are immediately I was surprised to say the least. usual, there was just not enough held pension fund. Once again, identifiable as affecting the entire This is my fourth time attending time to get involved in all of the organized labor is able to take care union. The ATU Black Caucus is a a union caucus, and I felt that it various issues and topics that were of its own. means to an honorable end, a tool would again be a special opportu- brought to the table. Sunday was spent saying fare- to use for the good of the entire nity to learn and share information One of the main topics covered well and voting on the site for membership of our union. I was with my union brothers and sisters was the union’s Pension Plan. next year’s caucus at the business honored and proud to be a part of from all over North America. Once Some of our union locals repre- session conclusion. All in all, this that process. again, several of my close friends, sent workers that do not have was a rewarding experience. It re- as well as new friends (thank you, the luxury of having a municipal minded me that sometimes we fail Elaine) would be attending. We had a wonderful time. It was re- warding to learn about issues that affect us, not as Black Americans, but as members of an interna- th tional labor union. Our common 18 ANNUAL KING goal this year was to learn and understand the intricacies of the pension system that will effect all of us in due time. COUNTY EMPLOYEES I had the pleasure of attending this year’s conference with Minor- ity Affairs officer Ray Campbell, th Esther Hankerson, Elaine Mon- CAR SHOW at the 30 zon, and John Bouie. We arrived in Baltimore late on Wednesday, May 3rd and checked into our ho- tel to get some much-needed rest METROADEO after spending the early morning and late afternoon in airports and airplanes. My thanks to Brother Paul Griffin and the staff at our local for doing such an excellent job of handling the arrangements. The following day started with breakfast and conference registra- tion. After registration, the host local, ATU Local 1300, provided a tour of the city of Baltimore. For those that have never been to Baltimore, it is a charming city Saturday July 15, 2006 with a blend of Americana (in the form of 13-star American flags Metro Transit Safety and Training Center and early American architecture) and modern attractions. Much of 11911 East Marginal Way South Baltimore’s downtown has been revitalized and includes the fa- mous “Inner Harbor” as a tourist Registration 9 AM – 10 AM and business destination. The host agency, Maryland Transit Admin- Car Show 10 AM – 1 PM istration (MTA) is the 10th larg- est transit system in the country Awards ceremony 1:30 PM and operates a world class light rail, subway, commuter-rail and All King County Employees, their families and friends are invited bus system that extends all the way to Washington, DC. We were to show off their antique, classic or special interest cars, trucks, impressed with the efficiency and motorcycles or any other vehicle at the 18th Annual King County cleanliness of the MTA system and we used it to travel around Balti- Employees Car Show. Registration fee is $5 per vehicle. more whenever possible. Great Prizes and giveaways. Free lunch for all contestants. Historically, the first day of the conference is devoted to conference Additional lunches may be purchased onsite. registration, a tour of the host city and a friendly, but important, golf tournament. Titled “The Big Time For more information e-mail us at [email protected] or Hackers” Golf Tournament, it features a very competitive round call the MEHVA hotline 684-1816 of golf between the Caucus’ best players. This year, our own John Bouie came in at second place Sponsored by the Metro Employees Historic Vehicle Association - (actually very close to coming in first). Friday and Saturday was MEHVA spent actually doing the business