The 1005 LineThe 1005 Line

Continued on Page 4

Our Contract Expires this Summer!Volunteers Needed to Help Build Solidarity During Negotiations

This is an important period for our union and its members. Especiallygiven the outcome of the last contract negotiations, the current negotiationsrequire the union to make a clear stand on the issues we're fighting for. Themembers, our families and our livelihoods depend on it.

We don't want a strike. But we know that if our union isunited, informed and determined, we can get the contractwe want and be able to avoid any necessity of suchextreme action.

Most members don't make it to union meetings, andmany of us aren't even aware that the contract is in negotia-tions again. It's important for us to reach out and engageour members around this issue.

In December of 2007, the Local 1005 Executive Board and membershipvoted to form a sub-committee of the Education Committee to conduct thisoutreach during the negotiations process. We are appealing to members tovolunteer to help carry out this important task.

What would this sub-committee look like? That's up to the group todecide, under the guidance and authority of the Executive Board and themembership. Primarily, this group would conduct its work based on pastinternal organizing experiences of the AFL-CIO, as well as any creative newideas we can come up with. It would involve meeting every so often to stayupdated and informed.

Being “go-to” people (in addition to our normal union reps) about contractissues, the volunteers would reach out to the wider membership in variousways, such as distributing information at the garages. More importantly, theseinformed individuals could converse with other members to clear up any mis-information or misconceptions.

We know that jobs with benefits and pay such as ours are few and far-between these days. We have the union to thank for what we have. However,a union is only as strong as its members. A union with an uninformed andinactive membership is (forgive the cheesiness) like a bus without a driver.

March / April 2008

The news and information

publication of ATU Local 1005

Prepared and distributed by the Education

Committee

“My friends, it is solidarity oflabor we want. We do notwant to find fault with eachother, but to solidify ourforces and say to each other: "We must be together; ourmasters are joined togetherand we must do the samething."

Mother Jones, born in 1830Union organizer and crusader

1871-1921

What’s Inside...

Officer’s Cornerpage 2

Union Meeting Highlights page 3

Transit Humorpage 4

Transit Safety & Security page 8

Local 1005 Women’s History:Ruby Petersonpage 11

Retirement Parties pages 14, 16

Retirements & Anniversariespage 18

For The People Who Know Where They Are Going

OFFICER’SCORNER

Page 2

LOCAL 1005OFFICERS

President/BusinessAgentMichelleSommers

Vice-PresidentJerry Ewald

RecordingSecretary/Asst.Business AgentScott Tollin

FinancialSecretary/TreasurerChuckGudknecht

Calendar

EducationCommittee 2:30 pmMarch 18thApril 15th at theUnion Office

Executive Board& Union MeetingMar 25 - St. PaulApril 22 - Mpls. 10:00 AM / 7:00 PM(New pm start time)

Union OfficePhone612-379-2914email:office@atu1005.comwebsite:www.atu1005.com

Chuck GudknechtFinancial Secretary/Treasurer

Union Meeting Attendance After the Union Meeting on January 22, I stopped by East Metro.

While there, I talked to an operator who had just pulled in and was onhis way home. When I asked him why he didn't attend union meetings, hespoke softly about not remembering the dates on which union meetingsare held - even though he opened his wallet and showed me his 2008Membership Card.

A ReviewOur Local By-Laws have established that regular union meetings 1)

be held on the fourth (4th) Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am and 7:00pm, and 2) union meetings alternate between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Our Local By-Laws however, are not the only place where you canaccess information concerning our union meetings. Date, time and loca-tion information can also be found on all of the union bulletin boards, onyour 2008 membership card, in “The 1005 Line” publication and on ourATU Local 1005 website (www.atu1005.com).

Attend the Union Meeting - Why?There are many reasons to attend Union Meetings and become an

active member, but for me it comes down to this. In a perfect world,unions would be unnecessary and our members would be richly rewardedgiven their invaluable and essential service. Unfortunately, we do notlive in a perfect world and by necessity unions become extremely impor-tant as a corrective force - a sort of counterbalance to those who do notbelieve in the union or what it stands for. There is a need for a workingorganization that represents the interests that we all have in common suchas a collectively bargained contract, benefits, contract enforcement andjob protection.

So why attend union meetings? The very existence of our union doesa great deal more than protect and aid those who are members of it. Onereason our attendance is not greater on union meeting days, I believe, isbecause too many members rely and depend on the protection and sup-port which the existence and activities of the union gives them. Thesemembers are willing to take refuge behind the union without coming for-ward and taking an active part in it. Those who do not attend unionmeetings are like those who do not vote - they weaken the democracy

Continued on Page 16

Page 3

Education Committee

AdvisorScott Tollin

Chair Members Rotate

SouthLiz Goldberg

Vice ChairRyan Timlin

Heywood OfficeIlona Mattila

NicolletMelanie BensonAlec JohnsonCurt Botner

Overhaul BaseOpen

RuterScott Lindquist

East MetroOpen

Heywood GarageDorothy Maki

LRTMargo Trujillo

725 Bldg.Stephen Babcock

Layout

Editorial BoardKen DolneyDan AbramowiczChuck Feucht

Union Meeting HighlightsJanuary 2008 Meeting

ARBITRATION REQUESTSPresident Sommers presented the arbitration request for an Operator

out of the Heywood Garage. The Operator was discharged for violatinga 'Last Chance Agreement' (LCA).

Management's Position - The Workers Comp that the Operator was claiming was denied.- Had exceeded the number of occurrences allowed in a rolling

calendar year under the 'Last Chance Agreement.'- In addition to the absences for the injury, Operator had number of

other occurrences and lates which violated her LCA.Union's Position

- The Operator had no knowledge of the late occurrence.- The injury should have been accepted under Workers Comp.- The Operator had an understanding with the Garage Manager that if

a note were brought in from the Operator's physician verifying shoulderinjury and being unable to work, the absence would be overlooked underthe LCA.

The members voted to send this to arbitration.

Vice-President Jerry Ewald presented the arbitration request for anOperator out of the East Metro Garage. The Operator was discharged forViolations and Overall Record.

Management's Position-The Operator had four violations (in a rolling calendar year), along

with five filed customer complaints, when discharged.- In addition, the Operator was in a Record of Warning for an acci-

dent and failure to report the accident. (St. Paul Police reported the acci-dent to Metro Transit).

- Has a history of not signing off on violations- Pulling out late after being issued a Final ROW

Union's Position- Operator does not recall signing a Final ROW.- Ten minutes is not adequate time to get a bus ready, thereby result-

ing in late pullouts.- Five customer complaints are not sufficient to warrant discharge.- Counting the accident reported by St. Paul police as two accidents

resulting in ROW is not warranted.- The Operator is being harassed by the Assistant Transportation

Manager.The members voted to send this to arbitration.

PRESIDENT’S REPORTUnion by-laws allow a steward to be appointed. It has been decided

to appoint a steward to fill in temporarily at the Heywood Garage. GregStowie will represent maintenance members at Heywood.

Currently, Light Rail has no safety policy for its Operators. It doeshave an absenteeism policy and violation policy that mirror the policy

Continued on Page 13

Page 4Let's keep our union strong. Let's help out our elected leaders. Let's be in solidarity with one another as we

all fight for what we want: a fair contract. This bread-and-butter aspect of the union is the one that affects us all.Even if you've never been to a union meeting, this is your chance to take part, to help butter your own bread, tofind out what we can achieve when we are united as a union.

To get involved, please contact one of us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Alec Johnson, Nicollet Garage, #66034 612-703-6086 (cell), alec.johnson@gmail.com

Ryan Timlin, South Garage, #66279 612-718-5844 (cell), ryantimlin@gmail.com

Organize Continued from Page 1

Update on the Organizing CommitteeAfter getting Rochester City Lines organized, we decided to take a step back and check on some other tar-

gets. We have a few in mind, so stay tuned. Also, with our contract negotiations and getting the RCL contractgoing, Michelle and the other board members need to concentrate on getting the best deal for the union mem-bers on both properties. The Organizing Committee meets once a month at the union hall. If you would like tojoin us, please contact Marlin Jensen at 612-810-7802 or contact the union office for more information. - DebSievers.

Historical Transit HumorFrom a magazine jointly published by the Minnesota Transportation Museum, Inc. and the Minnesota

Streetcar Museum:

From 1937 to 1947, the Twin City Lines Employee Credit Union and Amalgamated Transit Union Local#1005 jointly produced a monthly newsletter titled Twin City Lines Bus and Trolley News. Aimed at employees,it promoted credit union and labor union issues. Most issues included columns covering each of the stations(streetcar barns) and bus garages. These columns mostly recorded small items of human interest, such as anemployee having a new baby, getting married, going off to the war and quite a few things less momentous.Sifting through the newsletters, however, reveals material that gives a feel for the work life, issues and humor ofstreetcar employees. They are presented in chronological order and by work location, with explanations addedin italics as needed.

December 1937NorthsideIn the 1930's an extra board trainman was unpaid until he was assigned a run. We have heard of many ways

by which an extra man tried to get a run for himself, but the hand-painted cuspidor goes to Fred Nelson forinventing the most ingenious plan we have yet heard of. Fred had a 5:30 call one morning and his son Russellwas marked up for a day run. Fred had the alarm clock. When it rang, he got up, shut it off and went to workwithout resetting it for Russell. Russell scratched and Fred got the run.

Jan. 1944North Side StationOne strategy for dealing with extremely long workdays was not to go home between shifts. Trainmen could

bunk in the station's upstairs dorm between runs.

Dan "Early Bird" O'Connell earns worm, gets razzberry. After spending a night in the Transit Hotel, Dan gotup bright and early, galloped down the stairs, bawled out the office force for not calling him, ran across thestreet, downed a scalding cup of coffee, beat it out into the yard, switched five cars out of his way and pulled outexactly one hour ahead of time.

Page 5

The Great Famine that devastated Ireland in the 1840's caused the deaths of750,000 Irish and sent hundreds of thousands of emigrants to America. Most of theIrish settled in industrial cities, where they labored at backbreaking jobs, lived inovercrowded tenements, were practically owned by company "bosses;" and their chil-dren were deprived of an education because they had to toil in mines and sweatshops.These immigrants met with resentment and prejudice: Newspaper ads and job post-ings often added: "No Irish need apply."

Although the majority of early Irish immigrants were common laborers, as the nineteenth century progressed,Irish American workers could be found at all levels of almost every occupation. For example: An Irish-borncontractor, William Kingsly, presided over the construction of the massive Brooklyn Bridge; and Irish laborers,both skilled and unskilled, did much of the excavation work for the foundation. For years, Irish immigrantsdominated the labor-intensive jobs in the construction industry. With heavy labor came long and grueling hoursin often dangerous working environments. Yet pay increases were rare.

Over time, Irish Americans banded together to organize unions to improve the working conditions of alllaborers. In 1879, Terence Powderly, a son of Irish immigrants, was elected head of the Knights of Labor, anational association of unions, which grew to include more than 700,000 members. Labor's success was short-lived, as the industrial magnates tightened down in response to worker unrest. Yet Irish-Americans like TerencePowderly and Mother Jones had changed the course of the American labor movement forever.

At the turn of the century, P.J. McGuire, a second-generation Irish American, and Sam Gompers co-foundedthe American Federation for Labor (AFL). By 1910 (by some estimates), nearly half of the AFL's 110 unionswere led by Irish-born or Irish Americans. By 1920, union membership had risen to new heights, reaching 5million nationwide. With the increase in numbers, the unions' ability to facilitate strikes and boycotts posed areal threat to industries. Soon negotiations were taking place and the working conditions for U.S. laborers beganto improve dramatically.

The AFL-CIO and its Irish HeritageIn 1955, George Meany, who began as a plumber's apprentice, became the first head of the merged American

Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the nation's largest labor organization.Today the AFL-CIO, which represents more than 13 million working Americans, is directed by John Sweeney, asecond-generation Irish American.

Irish Americans in Politics and IndustryIn 1828, Andrew Jackson became the first president of the United States of Irish heritage. In America's

short history, the list of Irish politicians who have influenced its system of government is both long and distin-guished and includes Presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, as well as Senators George Mitchell andDaniel Patrick Moynihan, to name a few.

The son of Irish immigrants, Henry Ford would go down in the history books as the man responsible forintroducing the concept of mass-production and for making the first car affordable to the middle class, theModel T.

Irish Americans in the ArtsF. Scott Fitzgerald, Edgar Allan Poe, Thomas Flanagan and Frank McCourt are among an extensive list of

Irish American novelists. Actress Maureen O'Hara was from Ireland.

ConclusionIrish immigrants played a significant role in diversifying the early American populous and paved the way for

future ethnic groups to do the same. The United States of America will forever show the indelible and remark-able stamp of the Irish. Source: http://www.ailf.org/ipc/policy_reports_2001_Irish.asp

The Irish in the Labor Movement

Page 6

Come to the ATU 1005 Picnic Prizes, Games

(Water Park - Additional Charge) June 1st - 11 am to 3 pm at Battle Creek Park

located just south of I94 & McKnight Rd.Food, Games, Prizes

Bring the whole family!!!!Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Chips supplied

Potluck (Bring something to share)Bring your Own Beverage

Need Volunteers - Contact Your Board Member

FTH Black History Celebration A Huge Success!with speaker State Supreme Court Justice Alan Page

The Heywood drivers’ room was filled literally wall to wall as people gathered who wanted to hear AlanPage speak about how he became a State Supreme Court Justice. In welcoming him, Brian Lamb spoke aboutthe importance of "persistence".

Alan Page shared his parents' inspiring words of wisdom:

- "We don't care what you do when you grow up, but do it well."- "To be really good at what you do, you have to work at it every day, all the

time."

Then he offered his own words of wisdom:

- “If I'm not trying to be good, the best I can be, I won't be anything special."- "Focus on the task at hand."- "Strive for excellence. Seek excellence. Excellence doesn't just happen."- "Each of us can have an impact on one child."

Justice Page remarked after his presentation thathe had spoken to several groups recently, but thosegathered at Heywood Garage impressed him themost.

Congratulations to the Organizing Committee formaking this program such a success: Demetairs Bell,James Cushenberry, Sharon Robinson, TonyWilliams, Patricia Williams, Tracey Jackson,Traci Williamson, Anthony Harris, Mark Johnson, Lamar Robertson.

Page 7

Union ContractLabor Agreement

Collective Bargaining AgreementWhatever you call it, it means the same thing: Representatives elected by union members meet with rep-

resentatives of management to work out an agreement (contract). The proposed agreement must be voted on bythe membership of the union and lived with for the term of the contract.

Local 1005's current contract with Metro Transit expires on July 31, 2008. Both parties have been meetingtogether since early December. Our Local 1005 officers went into negotiations with 77 proposals submittedeither by the union office or by individual members. Management started out with 44 proposals. After an ardu-ous process of give and take, eventually a “final offer” is presented to the membership for a vote.

The contract covers such topics as:- Wages and wage progression- Benefits- Working conditions- Job classifications- Grievance procedure

The Grievance Procedure

A union member has the right to "file a grievance" if that member: 1) believes that the contract has been vio-lated in some way, or 2) has been disciplined and doesn't believe the discipline was "just and merited" (Article 5,Section 1). Union officers say that a majority of grievances are filed in this second category. Important note:There are time limits for filing a grievance (7 days from notice), so if you want to act on an issue, you must seeyour Executive Board member and file within seven (7) days of notice of the incident.

The first step in a grievance is held with the facility manager, the grievant, the Executive Board member atthat facility, and other parties as needed. Note: Some issues are not arbitrable.

If the grievance is denied, it may go to the second step, which involves the member, a union officer or two,generally the facility manager, middle management from the department involved, and other parties as needed,such as someone from Labor Relations.

If the grievance is again denied, it could go to the third step, where the member and union officers meet withthe facility manager, upper management from the department concerned, and other management representatives.

If the grievance is not resolved at the third step, the member generally has the right to go to the ExecutiveBoard for a recommendation vote and to the membership for an arbitration vote.

In an arbitration, a neutral party hears both sides of the case and renders a decision that is final and binding.Arbitrations cost money (about $3000 each for management and the union) because of attorneys' fees and thepay for the arbitrator. These account for the periodic deductions from members' paychecks. Another alternativefor settling differences is mediation, which costs nothing.

For more information on grievances, please consult Articles 5, 11 and 13 of the Collective BargainingAgreement available through your Executive Board member or at the union office.

Most grievances concern discipline administered for violations of company policies like absenteeism andcustomer service. The vast majority of the hours the union officers have in a day (outside of contract negotia-tions) is spent handling grievances. Let's all be careful not to violate these policies, but do consult your unionrep if you feel management is mistaken or has violated your rights. If you need a copy of a policy, request itfrom a manager. If you need help understanding it, please consult your union board member.

For complete details please seethe Safety and Security Boardlocated in every garage.

Page 8

Transit Safety and Security CommitteeMembers:David Hanson, ManagementAdvisor, Street Supervisor. David Rogers, Chair, Rail Op.Curt Botner, Nicollet Op.Michael Craven, MJR Op.Allen Juaire, East Metro Op.Jeffrey Thompson, Hey. Op.Mary Vasterling, South Op.Pamela Hamlow, MJR Op.

JanuaryOthers in Attendance

Mike Robeck - TCCSupervisor Georgia Stinson - AsstDirector Field OperationsBrenda Himrich - Managerof Bus & Rail Safety Chuck Wurzinger Chad Loeffler - TCC. Supervisor Jane Whim, StreetSupervisorPhil WalljasperDavid Larrabee

for 13 years.Between Friday 12/21 andWednesday 12/26 there were onlyseven stuck buses. Drivers weretold to only call in if it was anemergency. Too many calls over-load the TCC.Incoming Call StatsAugust 1Bridge Collapse - 247 Calls August 2Day After - 274 CallsNovemberNormal Day - 174 CallsDecember 4, 4"Snow- 710 Calls

MAINTENANCE REPORT:Chuck Wurzinger: Maintenance isinvestigating slippery floors onnew 7100 hybrid buses. Byreviewing videotapes Maintenancehas determined people are fallingdue to other factors. Only one per-son fell due to wet floors. Othersare tripping over other passenger'spersonal belongings. One fellbecause he missed the stanchion,while others are falling due tounknown reasons.

Maintenance applied anti-skidmaterial on the floor. Not surehow that is working so far.Flooring is made by Altro. Theycame out to look at flooring andinformed us that the floor is actu-ally less slippery, but it doesn'thave grooves, like we are used to.Now the water and ice are on thefloor. Future buses will haveflooring that has more aggressivegrips.

Electrical drains are happeningafter long weekends or if an oper-ator turns the retarder off.Information needs to get out to theoperators about the risks of turn-

ing off the retarder. Doors werehaving a delay in closing. Themanufacturer came out to look atthem. Turns out the connectorcords were too short and with alittle flex of the bus it wouldbecome disconnected. 15 newlow floor, 40 foot Atics. Not surewhere they will be placed

New tire contract with Michelin, adifferent tread design, will helpwith traction. Over the next twoyears Goodyear will be phasedout. In three years all buses willhave Michelin tires.

45 buses will be out of serviceand for sale, 24 - 1994 Articbuses, 21 - Gillig buses.LED lights on new buses, nomore florescent. Follow up on"video Tape Sticker", Bruce islooking for a universal spot. It'shard with all the different kinds ofbuses. Chuck is going to take pic-tures of possible locations.

STREET OPERATIONS: JanieWhim in attendance: Painting on11th St(Hawthrone) has beencompleted. Crosswalks have beenpainted at Chicago/Lake TC todiscourage jay walking in thearea.

SAFETY REPORT: BrendaHimrich in attendance: Preparingto test straps at East Metro. Howto Help Older Drivers.

RISK MANAGEMENT: PhilWalljasper and David Larrabee:No increase in claims due to thestorm. There have been sevenslips and falls in the 7100 buses.Next month “year end” informa-tion will be available. Increase in

TCC REPORT: Mike Robeck:TCC has hired two new people.Chad Ladda who has worked atMetro Transit since November2004 as a Sales OperationsSpecialist. Chad administered theMetroPass program and was theprogram lead for special events,ticket sales and platform needs.Tim Bauman comes to us afterretiring from the City of Rosevilleas a Police Sergeant. Tim waswith Roseville for over 20 years.Tim has also been a part timePolice Officer with Metro Transit

ridership, 3% increase in claims,and 20% decrease paid out inclaims. Locations where mostaccidents happen, Heywood #1,MJR #2, East #5, South #7.Decrease in bus/object collisions.Increase in bus on bus collisions.LRT has approximately $1000.00in claims paid out.

No Police report. No LRT report.

OTHER: Bike Racks: Allen:Regarding bulletin #83, whichstates, "Should the bike rack beinoperable passengers may bringtheir bicycle on board, if it is safeto do so." A fellow operator men-tioned that he didn't feel it shouldbe up to the operator whether ornot someone can bring their bikeon the bus. He wants to knowwhat the company policy is.Operator is concerned about cus-tomer complaints being usedagainst them at a later date. Jim:Doesn't see that happening unlessthere is a pattern. Company policyis it's up to the operator.

Respectfully submitted,Emily Anleu, Recording Secretary

At the GarageNicollet

Contact Melanie Benson - Dr. 854

Nicollet employees arereminded to be courteous in theuse of the parking lots. Anyonewhose car straddles two slots isdepriving a fellow employee of aparking space. Imagine if itwere you cutting it a little tooclose for your plug-in time, andyou might scratch becausesomeone has been a bit careless.Remember, parking spaces onthe street are severely limitedaround the garage; so "Be ahon' and only take one."

There will be some majordetours and reroutes for Nicolletwork due to the closing of 46thStreet. Please be sure to watchfor details.

The Nicollet Club is lookingfor volunteers. Please contactNicollet Garage CoordinatorJoel Terrell.

Page 9

FebruaryOthers in Attendance

Mike Robeck - TCCSupervisor Chuck Wurzinger -Maintenance Jane Whim - StreetSupervisor Bill Porter - Deputy Chief ofOperations, Admin Lt. Jim Franklin -Metro Transit Police Scott Tollin - ATU

TCC: Mike Robeck: Concernedabout the use of the covert andovert buttons and whether or notdrivers know when to use them.Concerned the operators are beingunresponsive to TCC questions.New Business: MPD putting pas-sengers on buses without fare toget them out of downtown.

MAINTENANCE: ChuckWurzinger; Maintenance has beenmaking alterations to make thefloor situation better. Installedheaters, applied anti-skid materialon the floor, and installed addi-tional stanchions. Cushions havebeen added to seats.Reprogrammed back door to closequicker after handle release. Wason a two second delay, now is ona ½ second delay Working onglare issue with florescent lights.

New color scheme to incorporateall Metro Transit products; Buses,LRT and North Star commuterrail. Blue and yellow on whitebus. All new buses will have newcolor scheme once it's approvedby the Council.40 foot Gillig buses by April.Hybrids in June and July. Allgarages will have new low floorbuses. New Tire Contract withMichelin. Mechanics say theyoffer a softer ride. Be aware.

45 buses will be out of serviceand for sale, 24 1994 Artic buses,21 Gillig buses. Additional dashfans: Researching retrofit of allexisting buses with two additionaldash fans. Waiting to hear fromBrenda about feed back from driv-ers regarding the two fans. Allnew buses will come with twofans.

STREET OPERATIONS: JanieWhim; Double turn on 36th is

Continued on Page 12

At the 725BLDG.

Contact Stephen Babcock

The Material ManagementDepartment is having a pickthat will take effect approxi-mately the first week in April.

The Farebox department iscontinuing to bring parts onlinefor the maintenance and repairof Metro Transit collection system.

Parking at the facility alwaysseems to be in a shortage withemployees, new hires in train-ing, visitors to the Credit Union.Please be considerate where youpark.

Calling all RubyPeterson storiesMelanie Benson isinterested in compilingremembrances of Ruby by people who workedwith her or rode herstreetcar and/or bus.She can be contactedthrough interoffice mail(Driver 854, NicolletGarage), by phone(612-823-8768) or bye-mail (melanieben-son@comcast.net).

Page 10During the WWII

years, 500 womenresponded to the call fortransit workers. RubyPeterson was one ofthem.

Twin City Linescommended their pro-fessionalism and friend-liness. However, afterthe war was over andthe men came back, nowomen were hired asoperators between 1945and the early 1970’s.

This phenomenonoccurred in industriesthroughout the country.Women who had earneda living wage andengaged in meaningfulemployment outside thehome for the first timewere simply discarded."Rosie the Riveter," theimage of the strong,capable, independentwoman, was replaced byimages of women goingback into the kitchen, tohearth and home - andhusbands.

1944 Recruitment Ad

Ruby Peterson - Unforgettableby Melanie Benson

The last issue of "The 1005 Line" included an article about Karen Krech, Driver100 out of Nicollet Garage, who recently retired after almost 30 years of service.Karen almost exclusively drove the 21-line (Selby-Lake).

Twenty-eight years ago, another 21-line driver retired after 36 years: RubyPeterson, Cap # 4437 of Snelling Garage. Ruby had begun driving streetcar in1943, one of several hundred women who entered the profession when the maledrivers joined the armed services during World War II. Yet, unlike most of the otherwomen, Ruby didn't leave the job when the men came back. She stayed on and

made the transition from streetcars to buses in 1954. When she retired in 1980, she was driving run number 1on Selby-Lake. She said she drove the 21-line because "nobody liked it."

Ruby was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on February19, 1916. She grew up on a farm in Onamia, Minnesota,the first of five children. When she applied with TwinCity Lines in 1943, the person doing the hiring questionedwhether she'd be physically capable of doing the job(Ruby was quite petite). She answered that if she couldpick up and carry a calf, she could certainly handle what-ever physical demands were made on the job.

Many drivers and passengers still remember Ruby.She was known for being tough, but she also had a softheart: One rider told of how, when he was a teenager, sheactually went off route to take him home during a bliz-zard.

After her retirement, Ruby attended retirees' meetingsfor years. The guys called her "Queen Ruby." She alsogave generously of her time when the ATU Local 1005 Women's Caucus met her during the 50-year MotoretteReunion in 1993. Cheryl Kienietz-Hall interviewed her for the Snelling Garage magazine in 2001, the yearSnelling closed. Ruby was always willing to share fascinating stories and had a very quick wit. In 1994, Rubywas one of the speakers at an event honoring women who had been pioneers in non-traditional occupations. She"brought the house down." People were laughing so hard their sides hurt. She held that stage like a professionalcomedian.

Ruby lives near her sistersHazel and Evelyn in St. Paul.She's 92 years old.

Sources: Snelling magazine,2001; Twin Cities by Trolley: TheStreetcar Era in Minneapolis andSt. Paul by Aaron Isaacs and JohnDiers, 2007; Terrance Kelly,St. Paul (Retirees) Lunch Club;Minnesota Streetcar Museum;Hazel Moore

Some of the first motorettes, hired to replace menduring WW II , get their car assignments in 1943.

A group of former "motorettes" at Lake Harriet for their 50th Reunion in1993. Ruby is the petite one in the center front row.

Page 11

complete. Verent DVRDownloads. New wireless tech-nology allows Dist Sup to performDVR downloads within wirelesstransmission range without physi-cally connecting to the DVR. Itwill allow Police and DistrictSupervisors to access live cam-era feeds during incidents.

No Safety report.

No Risk Management report.

POLICE:: Lt. Jim Franklin inattendance: Response time:Priority 1: Goal 10 min. Met goalin: Nov 93%, Dec 100%, Jan100%. Priority 1 calls in 200789%, goal 90%. Changes inscheduling will occur on February23, 2008. Should increase/spreadcoverage. Currently there are fouronboard officers, after schedulechange six. Officers will rideproblem routes. Created an SOPfor Priority calls. Toned calls onradio to ID Priority Calls. 5 mininto call TCC will ask for update.If they don't make it in less than10 min police have to explainwhy.

No LRT report.

OTHER: Curt: Drivers concernedabout not seeing passengersunloading bikes. Jeff: 8 Pointmirror check.Mike: Request that the customerslet you know where they're gettingoff and remind you that they needto get their bike. Curt: Can webring back the de-escalation classthat is offered along with Aerosoltraining?Allen put together districtSupervisor and TCC list of RadioID numbers to be posted at thegarages.

Brenda needs to correct websiteand find out if it is safe to storeluggage on the rack above wheelwells on low floor buses. DavidHanson will research , Verentdownload presentation. Followup on Fare concerns: People buy-ing limited mobility passes at LRTthen using them on the bus. TheNext Garage Forum will be heldat East Metro in April. To BeAnnounced.

Respectfully submitted,Emily Anleu, Recording Secretary

For complete details please seethe Safety and Security Boardlocated in every garage.

At the GarageLRT

Contact Bob Boyle or Mark Ammend

Welcome to the four new trainoperators, Rudy Cogshell (2247),Mary Barnd (64221), Bruce Otiso(5920) and Chang Yang (64391).

Congratulations to Mary Johnson(3819) on her promotion from trainoperator to rail supervisor andMark Ammend (9217) from full-time train operator/relief railinstructor to full-time rail instruc-tor.

The city of Bloomington and MetroTransit are adding a new light railstation on 34th Avenue at AmericanBlvd. The planned opening datewill be the fall of 2009, around thesame time Northstar is due to be upand running. At the 28th AvenueStation, construction of the four-level Park’n’Ride ramp is on sched-ule. The plan is to open it this fall.Crossing signals along 34th Avenuehave been giving train operators abad time for the last few months.The city of Bloomington has beenworking hard to fix the problem,and the signals should be workingcorrectly by mid-March.

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Aerosol Classes Offered

At the beginning of each year, Metro Transit offers Operators achance to become certified to carry aerosol spray while on duty. Thespray may be purchased at Uniforms Unlimited, with the amount deduct-ed from the yearly uniform allowance. Officer Eddie Bova (retired NewBrighton police officer) from Centurion Skills, facilitates the classes.The remaining classes are:

March 13th 1-3pm East Metro GarageMarch 18th 7-9pm South GarageMarch 20th 1-3pm Instruction Center

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At the GarageSouth

Contact Liz Goldberg

You are cordially invited toattend the "South Garage

Grand Re-openingCelebration"

Monday, March 10, 2008

South Garage was originallyconstructed in 1981 at 2100 MTCRoad. Louis B. Olsen (who passedaway in 2007) was the MTC'sGeneral Manager at the time.Twenty-seven years later, with therecent renovation just completed,the new addition is now ready forcompany! Time to party! The fes-tivities will include an official rib-bon-cutting ceremony, cake, lunch($5 donation), fantastic raffle prizes($1 tickets) and also "2008Operator Recognition Day" tohonor South’s best. Don't miss thishistoric event!

(Check out our new epoxy androck floor and old/new PacificOcean Blue lockers.)

Smith System of DefensiveDriving - Can you name the FiveKeys? Safety Keys is offered at theInstruction Center on Thursdaysonly - contact your garage coordi-nator.

Beginning the first of this year,"ride-alongs" began at South withthe objective of observing andassessing all operators’ pre-trip andin-service behavior. These assess-ments will be filed and on record.Be prepared and review your"Driver’s Handbook" and theprinciples of the "Smith System."

A basic Smith outline is availableon-line:http://www.siu.edu/~ritzel/cours-es/302s/SIPDE/SmithSystem_files/frame.htm

for bus operators. Light Rail Management and the Union will be meetingin an effort to create such a policy.

The first four employees in the maintenance career ladders at LightRail have graduated.

In the arbitration for a member who was discharged for inappropriateuse of computer, the discharge was upheld. President Sommers stressedto be especially careful in what you say or bring up when using MetroTransit computers.

The arbitration decision regarding loss of ATU bargaining positions inPayroll has still not come down. The Union continues to wait for ananswer.

The arbitration regarding the Disability Policy has been put on holdwhile Management and the Union meet to try and resolve this issue.

ATU 1005 Scholarship information is being posted on the unionboards at the garages. For information or an application, see yourExecutive Board member.

Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) is, at this time, 90%funded. This means that the system is in good shape!

Management conducted a 'Health Audit.' After checking, the unionhas found out that Management can do this. If you have not filled out theaudit you must do so ASAP. Failure to do so will result in your loss ofdependent coverage benefits!

Negotiations continue with Rochester City Lines. To date, the twoparties have reached TA's (tentative agreements) on a significant numberof issues. One of the TA's is that the contract will be effective January 1,2008. Things look good.

Negotiations with Metro Transit continue. While progress continues,it has slowed down now that we are getting to the "meat & potato"issues. The feeling is still that Management wants to get this settled.

VICE-PRESIDENT'S REPORTVice-President Jerry Ewald read the names of members who are eligi-

ble to receive an ATU 1005 sweatshirt. To qualify for one, you musthave attended at least ten union meetings during the last year. If youthink you have qualified, call the union office.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT- Financial Secretary/Treasurer Chuck Gutknecht read the names of

the five retired members who had died in the last month. - Four members came forward at the AM meeting to take the oath of

allegiance.

NEW BUSINESSProposed By-Law changes were read for information only. These

proposals will be voted on at the February 2008 union meetings (Mpls.):- Change the jurisdiction of Local 1005 from the metropolitan area to

cover the State of Minnesota. - Clarify the language in By-Law #91 - Change the rebate for attending union meetings from $5.00 per

meeting (must attend at least six (6) meeting per year to be eligible forrebate) to 10 cents per meeting. #118

- Amend the Oath of Obligation.

Union Meeting Notes Continued from Page 3

Bill Porterexplains to Mike thatfoxes are not ourfriends. Mike wasaccidently bittenwhen a fox wanderedinto the Ruter stock-room while he washaving lunch,jumped up on thetable, ate his lunchand bit him. He had to go through a series of rabies shots.

A few days after retirement, Mike and his wife left for Lady Lake,Osceola, Florida to spend the rest of the winter playing golf.

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Mike Rood, Supervisor ofMaterial Management, presentsMike with his 18-year ServiceAward. Mike started as a vaultpuller, progressed to a cleanerand, eventually, a stockkeeper.

Fellow employees look on as Mike retires, hoping that they will be next.

Jerry Ewald, ATU 1005 Vice-President, presents Mike witha union jacket for his years ofmembership.

Mike Swarek’s Retirement PartyHeywoodOffice

Contact Ilona Matilla

TIC is hiring four new peo-ple to work as TransitInformation Reps. After thejobs were posted in January,more than 150 people appliedfor these positions. After apply-ing, those who fit the criteriaare brought in for testing.Those with the highest testscores come in for their firstinterview. Based on that inter-view and their test scores, afinal 8-10 applicants will beasked to return for a second andfinal interview.

The new training class istentatively set to begin onMarch 17th and will go 4-6weeks. From experience, I cantestify that it is an intense and,at times, stressful period.Testing is done throughout thetraining process to see if thenew hire is grasping and com-prehending the information.

After the training is com-plete, and if the trainee hasscored well enough on the teststo continue, the next step is"coaching." This phase cantake anywhere from 1-4 weeks.Trainees are on the phones tak-ing the calls while a "coach" sitswith them listening to the callsand watching how they processthe calls. The coach reviews thecalls with trainees, helping themin areas where they need helpand giving them feedback andsuggestions. As this processcontinues and the trainee getsmore experience, in time theyincrease their confidence andability to do the job on theirown. At this point a TICSupervisor will sit with themand monitors several calls; andwhen they feel they have thetools and ability, the supervisorwill decide whether the traineeis ready to "turn in."

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Black History Potluck Thanks go out to the fol-lowing people whohelped make the BlackHistory Month Potluck asuccess at MJR.

McKinley Bogan #7763gave us a very interestingand informative talk onBlack History.

Tim Daniel #9474 supplied his musi-cal talents playing some traditionalmusic to add flavor to the proceed-ings.

Margaret Stephens #9066 made upsome posters pertaining to BlackHistory in the U.S. for everyone tolook at.

The Potluck itself wassupervised by LoreneEvans #838, JeffStephens #9071 andScott Sternthal #2224.Thanks also to all theothers who broughtfood and attended theevent.

CRYPTOEach letter stands for another. If you think X=O, for example, it wouldequal O throughout the puzzle. Clue: X = V (Answer on page 19 )

BR C EDBXLD FCGLJ C KCO CF C MCTQXLD

BJ FNCF HCMMLE C JMLLOQXLD?

At the GarageRuter

Contact Scott Linquist

Snowbound Bus StopsThis year has been especially

bad for snow not being clearedfrom downtown bus stops. DriverThomas Noland #64123 has spent alot of time this winter writingOCR's, calling both city and evenstate officials about who is responsi-ble for clearing snow from themany bus stops downtown. It turnsout to be a much more difficultproblem than anyone can imagine.

Metro Transit apparently is notallowed to clear the snow except inthe immediate vicinity of a MTshelter. The city claims that theycannot clear the snow, that it's theresponsibility of the land/ buildingowner. All the city can do is waituntil the owners default on theirresponsibility, and then the cityclears the stop and charges theowner.

This means a few weeks' delay!There is a city street inspector whoclaims to put in work orders forproblem areas, but there's still noaction.

The latest effort that Tom hasmade is to contact the State. Henow has a contact in the Governor'soffice who is trying to work throughthe Met Council to get somethingdone. We will see where this goes. Ithas been frustrating with threemonths of inadequate snow removaland no resolution in site. Tom is notletting go in his efforts, and hope-fully this will translate into results.

Keep up the good work, Tom!

David Blumberg RetiresThe retirement party for David Blumberg, Nicollet Garage Driver #97, was held on February 6, 2008. In addi-tion to the other employees and retirees who attended, Dave's family was there, as well, including his wife, hischildren and his brother Neil, who had also been a MetroTransit driver until his own retirement in 2004.

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Safety Specialist Jon Uzpen honors David for driv-ing a full 30 years without a chargeable accident.

Bill Porter displays David's impressive collection ofpins awarded for safe driving.

Scott Tollin presents David with a union jacket, say-ing, "I hope it's the right size." Somebody from thecrowd called out, "2X!" (It seemed to fit him justfine.)

Assistant Transportation Manager Donathan Brownpresents David with his 30-year Service Award.

(and are generally among its loudest critics). Some do not come to meetings because the union stands for thingsthey do not value. If that is the case with you, attend meetings, get involved and then work from within tochange it!

What Happens at a Union Meeting?Our Local By-Laws describe our Union Meetings, but to highlight just a few agenda items:- We discuss requests for arbitrations and then vote on the merits of each request;- The President's Report is given;- Reports of Delegates and Special Committees are presented; and- A discussion of old and new business keeps all of us up to date and informed on current union business.

Other Reasons to AttendA meeting generally lasts a little more than an hour. The Union Meeting venue is a great place to socialize

with union brothers and sisters about common interests, ideals and beliefs. Our meetings always have rolls,donuts, fresh fruit, coffee and orange juice for your consumption. At every meeting an ATU Local 1005 jacket,golf shirt, T-shirt and baseball cap are given away as door prizes. A member attending 10 monthly union meet-ings during the calendar year qualifies for an ATU Local 1005 sweatshirt. And finally, there is a financialincentive to attend union meetings; Members who attend between five and twelve union meetings during the cal-endar year will be paid $5.00 per meeting. Hope to see you at the next Union Meeting!

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Holistic Healthby Dorothy Maki

dmsilva9082@aol.com

Maybe we can learn somethingabout nutrition from other ani-mals. For example, rats will workto raid bins of wheat, BUT nottouch bins of fully- processedsugar. They know something thatwe don't: Processed sugar has aminus nutritional value. Wewaste energy to digest and processthe sugar, getting nothing in returnbut empty calories.

Here are some sugar cane prod-ucts that have some nutritionalvalue:

Turbinado Sugar: A type ofsugar cane extract made by steam-ing unrefined raw sugar.

Sucanat Sugar: (a contractionof "Sugar Cane Natural") is non-refined cane sugar. Unlike refinedand processed white sugar,Sucanat retains its molasses con-tent. It is essentially pure driedsugar cane juice. Sucanat rankshighest in nutritional value of allmajor sugars. It may be confusedwith Turbinado - but is fundamen-tally different. Turbinado containsonly a trace amount of its originalmolasses content. Sucanat retainsits full molasses content and fla-vor.

Cane Molasses: A thick syrupby-product from processing sugarcane. Sulphured molasses ismade from young green sugarcane and treated with sulfur diox-ide. First they strip the leaves,and then they crush and mash thecanes. The juice from this isboiled to concentrate and sulfurdioxide added to promote thecrystallization of the sugar.

First Molasses: This is from thefirst boiling and removal of sugarcrystals and has the highest sugarcontent.

Second Molasses: Created froma second boiling and sugarextraction, it has a slightly bittertinge to its taste.

Black Strap Molasses: This isfrom the third boiling. The major-ity of sucrose has been crystal-lized (which is white refinedsugar) and the molasses containsthe vitamins and minerals (calci-um, magnesium, potassium, iron).Final molasses: Contains 20-

30% sucrose and 15-25% glucoseand fructose.

Around the world, sugar caneand sugar beets are consumed indifferent forms. Here are a fewmore:

Panela: Unrefinedfood product fromCentral/SouthAmerica. Basically itis a solid piece ofsucrose and fructoseobtained from theboiling and evapora-tion of sugar canejuice. Other commonSpanish names forthis are: Chancaca,Papelon, Piloncillo,Panocha, Atado Dulceor Empanizao.

Rapadura:Originated inBrazil/Venezuela -They would pour themixture into the form of a brick -easier to transport, more accessi-

ble, cheaper, healthier (rich indietary iron.)

Gur or Jaggery: Made in Indiaand Pakistan, this product is simi-lar to Rapadura.

Muscovado: Type of unrefinedsugar with strong molasses flavor.(Also known as Barbados) Verydark brown, coarser and stickierthan most brown sugars, unlikethe brown sugar here in Americathat adds molasses to refinedwhite sugar. Muscovado was oneof the most prominent exportsfrom the Philippines in the 1800's.It is commonly used in cookierecipes and whiskey.

Sugar

As with all vitamins and food supplements, seek advice from

your physican.

RetirementsCongratulations to January Retirees

01/06/08, James Livingston, E.M. Gar., Bus Op. F.T.00127.01/05/08, Roger Mandery, Hey. Gar., Bus Op. F.T.00265.01/05/08, Louis LaClare, Hey. Gar., Gar. Coord.00598.01/03/08, John Archer, Maint. Lic.Elec. 01463.01/19/08, Michael Skwarek, Instr. Ctr., Head Stock.03412.01/12/08, Gregory Maranda, OHB., Sr. Mech.05169.01/05/08, James Obedoza, OHB., Sr.. Mech. 05172.01/04/08, Gary Nash, Mech., Shlt. Maint. 05221.01/19/08, Larry Knapp, OHB., Sr.. Mech. 05324.01/11/08, Chersu Vang, E.M. Gar., Bus Op. F.T.06013.01/26/08, Magdy Gabrawy, E.M. Gar., Bus Op. PTDay 07645.01/05/08, Leland Jacobs, E.M. Gar., Bus Op. F.T.07804.01/03/08, Harvey Karger, Hey. Gar., Vault Puller09252.01/02/08, Dennis Dewing, Hey. Gar., Bus Op. PT65126.

Congratulations to employees celebratingAnniversaries

April 20085 YEARS 04/29/03, Theresa Thomas, Hey. Bus Op. FT, 02088.10 YEARS 04/06/98, Carol Hansen, TIC Rep, 03608.04/13/98, Kenneth Urman, E.M. Bus Op. FT, 09859.04/13/98, Deneen Crowley, E.M. Maint., Helper I, 09860.04/13/98, Allen Thompson, Hey. Bus Op. FT, 09863.04/13/98, Lorolei Struss, Hey. Bus Op. FT, 09865.04/13/98, Craig Van Nuland, Hey. Bus Op. FT, 09871.04/18/98, Anthony Payne, Hey. Maint., Cleaner III,05557.04/18/98, Diane Schultz, Hey. Bus Op. FT, 09873.04/18/98, Thomas Mansk, So. Bus Op. FT, 09876.04/18/98, Clarence Maloney, Maint. LRT Helper, 09877.04/18/98, Lawrence Heck, MJR. Bus Op. FT, 09892.04/20/98, Stephen Williams, Hey. Bus Op. FT, 09882.

04/20/98, Daniel Langenfeld, E.M. Bus Op. PT Day,09883.04/20/98, Jerry Hedy, E.M. Bus Op. FT, 09885.04/20/98, Won Yang, Hey. Bus Op. FT, 09890.04/27/98, Sheldon Ziegler, Pub. Fac. Helper III, 05800.04/27/98, Michael Vermeersch, E.M. Bus Op. FT, 09896.15 YEARS04/05/93, Russell O'Neil, E.M. Maint., Sr. Mech., 05271.04/05/93, Douglas Giossi, Nic. Maint., Mech., 05472.04/26/93, Traci Williamson, Schedule Dist, TIC-Fltr,03473.04/26/93, Antonio Johnson, Hey. Bus Op. FT, 09345.20 YEARS04/11/88, David Hopwood, Stores Lead Stockkeeper,08824.04/11/88, Kimuel Hailey, Nic. Bus Op. FT, 08831.30 YEARS04/10/78, Gary Dreke, Farebox Equip. Maint., 03667.35 YEARS 04/24/73, Robert Cunningham, Mech. Shelters, 03117.04/27/73, Steven Oman, Bldg Maint. Sr. Mech 01486.

May 20085 YEARS 05/02/03, Julie Obedoza, Bus Maint. Clerk 02338.05/31/03, Dennis Boelter, Stores Stockkeeper, 39039.10 YEARS05/04/98, Robert Marvin, MJR. Maint., Sr. Mech., 05559.05/04/98, Mark Hansen, OHB Maint., Sr. Mech., 05560.05/04/98, Scott Jordan, Hey. Maint., Sr. Mech., 05561.05/11/98, Judith Bushey, Hey. Bus Op. PT Wkend., 0581105/16/98, Brian Shaw, So. Bus Op. FT, 05814.05/16/98, Pamela White, E.M. Bus Op. FT, 05819.05/16/98, Michael Buscarino, Rail Train Op., 05823.05/26/98, Donald James, OHB Maint., Mech., 05563.05/26/98, Lyneil Dixon, Nic. Bus Op. FT, 05824.05/26/98, Donna Standifer, Hey. Bus Op. FT, 05827.15 YEARS05/03/93, Steane Nyoki, Hey. Maint., Sr. Mech., 05468.05/17/93, Patrick Whelan, MJR. Maint., Cleaner 03476.05/17/93, Fred Day, So. Bus Op. FT, 09352.20 YEARS05/09/88, Duane Bennett, MJR. Bus Op. FT, 08836.05/09/88, Vinh Ly, MJR.-Bus Op. FT, 08837.30 YEARS05/08/78, John Stang, Brake Shop Maint., Mech., 05231.05/22/78, Elaine Rider, Transit Store Cashier Mpls,03106.05/30/78, Joseph Koran, Bldg Maint. Lic. Elect., 05232.35 YEARS05/21/73, Richard Walker, So. Bus Op. FT, 00257.

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Submissions for Letters to the Editor are subject to approval of theEditorial Board and space considerations. Letters to the Editor aresolely the opinion of the author and do not represent endorsement byATU Local 1005 or the Education Committee. If you have an editori-al to submit, please contact a committee member or our advisor Scott Tollin at: stollin@atu1005.com

LettersTo TheEditor

Transportation Bill Passes!Thanks to your faxes, calls, and emails, the Minnesota state legislature just voted to override Governor

Pawlenty's veto of the transportation bill!

This bill secures a dedicated source of funding for a transit system that will help Minnesotans reach their des-tinations safely and conveniently.

"This is a historic step forward for transit in Minnesota," says Lea Schuster, Executive Director of Transit forLivable Communities. "Our legislators needed to take decisive action, and they ultimately did what was best forMinnesota."

The transportation bill includes a 1/4 cent region-wide sales tax dedicated solely toward transit. This willgenerate approximately $117 million per year for transit needs across Minnesota. Ultimately, transit needs anestimated $235 million per year to fully leverage federal matching funds that currently go to other states, but thisbill is a good step forward, notes Schuster.

Transit funding in the transportation bill will go toward the following:· Construction of eight new dedicated transitways (i.e. light rail, commuter rail, and bus rapid transit) · Doubling bus ridership by 2020 · Creating better transit facilities and new park & ride capacity · Providing revenue to local governments for bicycle and pedestrian projects · Expanding transit in Greater Minnesota

This could not have happened without your efforts! Thank you for making this areality! Sources: Transit for Livable Communities - www.tlcminnesota.org

Answer To CRYPTO: IF A DRIVER TAKES A NAP AT ALAYOVER, IS THAT CALLED A SLEEPOVER?

There were no editorials.

ATU Wins Payroll Arbitration

Printed below is the final paragraph of the award:

“Based upon the foregoing and the entire record, the grievance is sustained. The Arbitrator orders restorationof all duties related to the processing of Transit employee payroll back to the ATU bargaining unit. This orderprohibits non-bargaining unit employees from performing that payroll work, unless and until, the parties resolvethe matter through bargaining.”

Beverly MitchellMarch 26, 1942 ~ February 4, 2008

The following text is from the program for the "Home Coming Celebration" honoring Bev's life:

Beverly Mitchell, born March 26, 1942, Akron, Ohio to Daisy and Herman Mitchell.Beverly moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where she resided until she was called to herheavenly home on February 4, 2008.

Beverly retired from MTC Bus Company after twenty-two years of service. She wasa union representative at Nicollet Station. She transferred to maintenance and retiredfrom that position in February, 2002.

Bev (as everyone called her) loved to travel and loved the game of golf. On her free time, you would findher on the golf course swinging her clubs. She loved gathering monthly with her birthday group. Bev lovedsewing, knitting, fishing, and making blankets for her friends and family. But, her real passion after retiring,was working as a Guardian Ad Litem Advocate for abused children for Hennepin County.

She became a member of the Macedonia Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Charles Graham.She taught Sunday School and was an Usher.

Bev leaves behind her sons, Mark (Denise) and Anthony (Betty), one sister, Delores (Gene), one brother,Herman (Jake), Jr., and former daughter-in-law, Lori Mitchell. She also leaves 20 grandchildren, 8 step-grand-children, and a host of nieces, nephews, special cousins & many friends. Special mention to: Donnie King,Mickie White, Helen Jenkins, Bea Burkhalter, Barbara Harris, and Kay Alexander.

In Memoriam

DRUG TESTING RIGHTSIf you do not use the specific wording when you request results from a positive drug test, the agency has no obligation to comply.All they are required to do is give you a paper stating the results are positive. Every employee has the legal right to request, in writ-ing to the Medical Review Officiers (MRO), copies of: the Litigation Package* of the initial test. (this will tell you how your testturned up positive); the Confirmation (breaks results down into specific levels); the Threshold levels (baseline of all tests)

The litigation Package can be nearly 100 pages of technical data, which cannot be analzed or understood by a layperson, includingunion officers. Professional interpetation is available at member’s expense, starting at about $50. minimum.

WEINGARTEN RIGHTS STATEMENTIf disciplinary action is suspected, read this statement to your foreman: I request to have a union representative present on my behalfduring this meeting because I believe it may lead to disciplinary action taken against me. If I am denied my right to have a unionrepresentative present, I will refuse to answer accusational questions and any I believe may lead to discipline.

Lyle WallaceWallace, Lyell "Bud," Proud Member of Transit Union Local 1005 for over 50 years, Age 86, of Maplewood,

died Jan. 15, 2008. Preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Vickey Wallace; sister, Verna Okenoski and brotherCharles Wallace Jr. Survived by wife of 62 years, Marion "Jane"; children, Bonnie (Wayne) Sanderson; Michael(Sandra) Wallace and Patty (Doug) Pearson; 10 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; brother, Warren Wallace;sister, Goldie Wiesner; sister-in-law, Martha Wallace and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Leonard, J. Charles "Gypsy"Leonard, J. Charles "Gypsy" of Arizona, 25-year retired member of ATU 1005. Preceded in death by parents

John and Olga; mother-in-law Myrtle Bickford; sons-in-law Sonny and C.A.; brothers Orville, Merrill, John, andone great-granddaughter. Survived by Patrica,loving wife, friend and companion of 49 years, 124 days; childrenDonna (Gary) Lindstrom, Marion Murharsky, Julie (John) Mitchell, Michelle (Rich) Miller, Robin (ColinHollingsworth) Buck, Charles (Nancy) Leonard, Scott (Lynn), Leonard, Patricia Cardwell; 20 grandchildren and19 great-grandchildren; sisters Yvonne (Max) Jensen, Shirley Hatcher; brother Roger.

Served in the Marines during the Korean War. He was an avid golfer and rock collector, fisherman, stockcarracer, dogsled racer, and enjoyed crossword puzzles. He loved winning against his wife and kids in cribbage.