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The 1005 LineThe news and information
publication of
ATU Local 1005 Prepared and
distributed by the Education
Committee
For The People Who Know Where They Are Going
March / April 2012
What’s Inside...
Officer’s Corner
page 2
Union Meeting Highlights
page 3
Federal Transportation Bill
page 6
Driver Personal Safety
page 8
Metro Transit Bus Fleet, Part 2
page 13
FTH Black History Celebration
page 14
Operators Peer Support System
page 17
Transit Safety Security
Committee
page 18
New Education Committee
Member
page 24
Minnesota lawmakers are expected to push a constitutional
amendment making Minnesota a so-called Right to Work state this
legislative session. What does that mean for you? Here’s a breakdown of
what Right to Work has meant for middle class families in 22 states that
have passed the controversial measure.
WAGES AND INCOME
• In Minnesota, workers earn higher wages than people in 20 of the 22
Right to Work states. On average, Minnesotans earned $6,150 more in
2009 than workers in states with Right to Work laws. In fact,
Minnesotans earned $10,000 more than people in Right to Work states
like South Dakota and Mississippi.
• Higher wages mean a higher standard of living. Median income in
Minnesota is $9,762 higher than the average median income in states with
Right to Work laws. Minnesota also has a larger share of good jobs that
pay well than Right to Work states, where jobs are 84 percent more likely
to be in low-wage occupations.
• Right to Work is a major threat to manufacturing workers’ wages. In 16
of the 22 states with Right to Work laws on the books, manufacturing
workers earn less, on average, than manufacturing workers in Minnesota.
In 2009, the average manufacturing worker in Minnesota earned $18.60
per hour, or $1.80 more than the average manufacturing worker in Right
to Work states. In fact, the average manufacturing worker in Minnesota
earns significantly more than the average manufacturing worker in Right
RIGHT TO WORK: NOT A
GOOD IDEA FOR MINNESOTA!
Continued on p. 11
“In our glorious fi ght for
civil rights, we must guard
against being fooled by
false slogans, as ‘right-
to-work.’ It provides no
‘rights’ and no ‘works.’ Its
purpose is to destroy labor
unions and the freedom
of collective bargaining…
We demand this fraud be
stopped.” –Martin Luther
King, Jr.
OFFICER’S
CORNER
Page 2
Dorothy MakiVice-President
LOCAL 1005
OFFICERS
President/Business Agent
Michelle Sommers
Vice-President
Dorothy Maki
Recording Secretary/
Ass’t. Business Agent
Mark Lawson
Financial Secretary/
Treasurer
Tommy Bellfield
ATU Local 1005
Union Office
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
(Closed 12:00 - 1:00)
312 Central Ave.
Suite 345
Mpls., MN 55414
612-379-2914
email:
website:
www.atu1005.com
Calendar
Education Committee
Meetings - 11:30 a.m.
on the third Tuesday
April 17th
May 15th
Membership Meetings
on the fourth Tuesday
April 24th - Mpls.
May 22nd - St. Paul
10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
I wanted to talk about the three-legged stool of transit funding. The
first leg is from our farebox. This leg is around
81 million rides strong, growing all the time - a
sturdy, strong leg.
The second leg is from the state funds. Who
remembers what happened with our state funds
last year? Anyone?... Right, they were cut last
year. By how much? Anyone?... $106 million?
Nope…they were proposed to be cut by $106
million by the new legislature of 2011. We
fought that hard and ended up with over $50
million cut. Governor Dayton was able to plug holes with one-time funds
through 2012.
The third leg is from the federal funds. Right now, in Washington DC,
we have representatives trying to pass bills that will take away our dedi-
cated transit funding that we have had in place for over 30 years (HR7).
What?! You think the one percent is not still fighting to not pay their fair
share of the financial scams that occurred? Hell no, they will fight until
the bitter end. The transportation funds are still on their target list. Though
this leg of the stool is smaller than the state’s, it is still approximately
10% of our operating funds. As we are a skeleton crew already, we could
have layoffs if any funding is cut.
FACTS: President Obama proposed a new transportation authoriza-
tion bill on February 14th, 2011 which would increase U.S. investment in
mass transit over the next six years. Since then, many other bills that are
not transit-friendly have been introduced. HR 3200 is a bill that is good
for big and small transit companies all over the USA. It gives flexibility
for the use of operating funds. If you have a bus, and a garage to store the
bus…but no operator to drive it, no mechanic to fix it…it does not serve
its purpose.
Some other funding figures are as follows:
Bus purchases: 80% federal funds, 20 % state funds
Light Rail: 20% local partners, 30% state bonding, 50% federal funds
Commuter Rail: 50% federal funds, 25% state, 25 % Anoka/Sherburne/
Hennepin counties/Met Council and Minnesota Twins.
The Three-Legged Stool
Page 3
Education
Committee
Advisor
Dorothy Maki
Chair
Melanie Benson
South
Stacey Taylor
Heywood Office
Ilona LaDouceur
Rec. Secretary
Sam Adams
Nicollet
Alec Johnson
Ryan Timlin
Ruter
Anastasia Bloodsaw
Jackie Williams
Dan Abramowicz
East Metro
Philip Jarosz
Doug Barton
Heywood Garage
Faye Brown
Vice-Chair
Debbi Sievers
LRT
Carl Rice
Lisa Callahan
725 Bldg.
Stephen Babcock
Layout
Scott Lindquist
Editorial Board
Ken Dolney
Gary Bier
(To be appointed)
January
Requests for arbitration
An FTH operator requested arbitration for a Final Record of Warning
and 20 days suspension (Electronic Devices Procedure Violation). This
case will not go to arbitration.
An FTH operator requested arbitration for a discharge December 15,
2011 (Absenteeism Policy Violation). This case will not go to arbitration.
A South operator requested arbitration for a Final Record of Warning
and 20 days suspension (Electronic Devices Procedure Violation). This
case will go to arbitration.
A Nicollet operator requested arbitration after being held responsible
for an accident on October 22, 2011. This case will go to arbitration.
Financial Secretary-Treasurer’s Report
The following members passed away since last month’s meeting:
• Richard Tretin - Retiree
• Karen Krech - Retiree
Members stood for a moment of silence.
President’s Report
Micelle Sommers reported:
The new Executive Board conducted an action beginning January 3rd.
The FTH Office lobby was picketed for a week, with signs displaying a
variety of union issues unresolved with the company. The picket group
grew larger as the week went along. This picket apparently got
management’s attention, as Michelle’s phone began to ring, and a meeting
was arranged to make the picketing stop. A list of nine demands was
given to the company. The next Tuesday, the picket moved to the
Metropolitan Council Chambers, for the Transportation Committee
meeting. The following day, the company informed Michelle that the
nine demands were met, and an additional goodwill gesture offered.
Michelle reports the company to be more receptive to resolving issues,
and there are ongoing meetings to resolve additional issues. The
membership can expect to see more actions in the future as they are
warranted.
The Legislative session begins today. Pay attention, there will be a lot
of anti-union proposals.
Appointments were announced: Sentinel- Kurt Anderson; Organizing
Committee; Political Action and Education Committee. Education
Committee appointments were delayed due to more than eighteen people
being interested. The Education Committee by-laws limit the size to
eighteen members. Members will be appointed by seniority, and
announced next month.
The Union office has moved to Suite 345. The motion passed on the
Executive Board is to buy new desks, as the old ones do not fit properly Continued on page 4
Union Meeting Highlights
Light Rail
Carl Rice #6223
Lisa Callahan #6716
Two new operators are transfer-
ring from bus to rail effective
February 27, 2012, with training
starting on Monday, February 27,
2012.
We welcome:
#9365 Deborah Ekstedt
#64283 Lori Stewart
Bus Bridge
On Sunday, February 19, 2012,
a bridge cable failed on the Martin
Olav Sabo walking bridge across
Hiawatha at 26th Street.
This means that LRT had to
place a “bus bridge” into effect.
Trains from downtown ended at
Franklin Station and a bus bridge
was set from Franklin to the 38th
Street Station.
Trains from the Mall of
America ended at the 38th Street
Station. Buses were used from the
38th Street Station to Lake Street
and on to the Franklin Station.
Operators were in two zones:
The North Zone (Twins Field
Station to the Franklin Avenue
Station) and the South Zone (38th
Street Station to the Mall of
America). On Friday, February 24
at noon the line was reopened. By
3:00 p.m. all was running normally
again.
Page 4
in the new offices.
Michelle sought to quash the rumor that she is against early retirement.
This is a false rumor. It’s under legislative control, and last time it was
offered, the Met Council decided not to participate. The Union’s only
piece is eligibility of retiree health care benefits, and this can be
negotiated when the time comes.
The letter sent to African-American employees involving a lawsuit
settled by the Met Council does not involve the union, but hopefully the
resulting improvements in customer service will benefit everyone. As of
yet the Union has not been invited to any of the meetings planning these
changes.
Vice President’s Report
Dorothy Maki talked about the union office’s involvement in political
action to secure federal funding for transit.
New Business
By-law proposals were read for information only.
Metro Transit contract proposals were read for information only.
February 2011
Arbitration requests
An OHB stockkeeper requested arbitration for Metro Transit’s failure
to pay Recognition Time for December 2011. This case will go to arbitra-
tion.
An MJR operator requested arbitration for Discharge - Falsifying of
Application. This case will not go to arbitration.
A South operator requested arbitration for discharge - gross miscon-
duct. It was also explained that if this case is not voted to arbitration, the
previously-approved cases (November 2011) would be dropped, and if
approved, this case could be combined with the previous cases. This case
will not go to arbitration.
Michelle Sommers presented the case of ATU 1005, Commuter Rail -
Outsourcing of body work. This case will go to arbitration.
Financial Secretary-Treasurer’s Report
The following members passed away:
• Robert Mercier - Active
• Robert Bruce - Active
• Albert Bittner - Retired
Members stood for a moment of silence.
President’s Report
The Lead Cashier position arbitration was lost.
President Sommers, together with CWA, UTU (BNSF Engineers), and
a community group from Duluth, met with Representative Chip Cravaak
(2nd Congressional District) to talk about how he should vote on HR 7
and HR3200.
Heywood
Ilona LaDouceur #66048
Faye Brown #6331
Debbi Sievers #64222
Maintenance
Roll call is the reliable method
for mechanics to keep buses run-
ning well with regular servicing.
After the bus is fueled, it rolls over
a plate in the floor that allows the
computerized reading of the mile-
age. It determine the miles trav-
eled in a day (TRAK); when it’s
time for the 6000-mile oil change;
or 12,000 miles work to be done -
all the way up to 48,000 miles,
when other fluids, filters, etc .
need to be changed. Days dictate
when buses are cleaned and the
lifts and A/C checked.
Every year there are goals set
and the maintenance department
achieved them last year. Our
mechanics are doing a great job.
FYI
Driver seats cost $2800, so
let's take care of them a little
better.
TIC
We’d like to congratulate and
welcome the two recent classes of
new hirees to the Transit
Information Center:
Class that began on December 12,
2011: James Biesemeier, Lottie
Lomax, Angela Biddick, James
Johnston and David Bann.
Class that began on January 1,
2012: Anthony Singerhouse, Neal
Lagos and Jared Fette.
Page 5
At the State Capitol: 1) The AFL-CIO is working to stop a Right to
Work amendment from getting put on the ballot. Call your legislators,
whether Republican or Democrat, and let them know where you stand
on RTW. 2) Transit funding looks positive. 3) The assault bill has been
jacketed and is moving forward.
Brother Todd Eddy was on the cover of the Minneapolis Labor Review.
He is working as a release staff from the Local 1005 to the Minneapolis
Regional Labor Federation, working in the RTW education campaign.
Labor Bowl - Interested members should contact the union offi ce to
sign up.
We were asked by management if we would allow clerks to work in the
stock rooms. Based on feedback from members, we are not interested in
this idea.
Update on January picket issues: 1) Pay for the hiring progression
fi x (Art.34, sec. 4) is delayed – There’s an 80% chance it will be on the
March 16th check, or 100% after that; 2) There is a bulletin being written
about having lights on at layovers; 3) Employee of the Month will get one
day of recognition time.
The Education Committee was appointed.
We welcome new members:
Dan Abramowicz , Alemu Foluke, Sam Adams
We welcome back existing members:
Stephen Babcock, Melanie Benson, Carl Rice, Faye Brown, Scott
Lindquist, Lisa Callahan, Anastasia Bloodsaw, Debbi Sievers, Phillip
Jarosz, Alec Johnson, Ilona LaDouceur, Jackie Williams, Ryan Timlin,
J.Doug Barton, Stacey Taylor
The MSRS Roth 457b will be offered by the Metropolitan Council.
DWI and Post Employment - To clear up some misunderstandings: The
blood alcohol limit on a Commercial Motor Vehicle is .04, and in your
own vehicle .08. The Post Employment Practices Policy applies to bus
operators.
Members passed the hat for Robert Mercier’s family.
President Sommers read a clarifi cation from the federal government to
Metro Transit. The new rules on hand-held cell phones do not apply to
Metro Transit, as they are government employees. Metro Transit’s own
policy still applies.
Vice President's Report
Tommy Bellfi eld announced the winners of ATU 1005 sweatshirts,
those who had attended ten or more membership meeting in 2011.
New Business
By-law proposals were read and voted upon by the members. Out of
nine proposals submitted, two were approved:
Continued on page 7
Commuter Rail Big
Lake
Pedestrian Gates
Pedestrian gates at Elk River
and Anoka Stations are installed
and operational.
Goodbye
In January, we said good-
bye to Richard Hauser
(mechanic) and Abdisiraq
Hassan (Cleaner). Both Richard
and Abdi have been with
Northstar since start-up in 2009
(Richard started in July and
Abdi in October of that year).
We are sorry to see them leave
and wish them the best of luck
in the future. Although the
Bombardier offices have been
removed, Jason Bussiere will
be on site periodically for field
modifications and general sup-
port. We thank Jason for all of
his efforts, and wish him well
on his next project with the
Sun Rail Commuter Rail in
Orlando, Florida.
Ramsey Station moves along
On January 31, the Anoka
County Regional Railroad
Authority (ACCRA) awarded
the construction contract to
Sheehy Construction Company
Inc. for the new Northstar
Station in Ramsey. The station
will resemble the Coon Rapids
Station and will include a sky-
way connection to the adjacent
parking ramp. The station is
due to open for revenue service
in November of this year.
Page 6
Senate Transportation Bill is Good for Riders,
Communities and Mass Transit
Amalgamated Transit Union applauds passage of MAP-21, urges
House to take up similar legislation
Media Contact: David Roscow, 202-487-4990
Washington, DC – The Senate transportation bill sets the right course
for transportation policy, giving states more fl exibility in how they spend
federal money and rejecting privatization provisions, says the Amalgam-
ated Transit Union (ATU) in applauding the Senate passage of Moving
Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21).
"The Senate bill is good for riders and communities, providing transit
systems with much needed fl exibility to use federal assistance to keep
service on the street and fares down to deal with the mass transit crisis,"
said ATU International President Larry Hanley. "We applaud the Senate
for passage of this bill and the leadership of Sens. Menendez (D-NJ) and
Johnson (D-SD) in steering this legislation through the diffi cult approval
process."
In 2011 ridership on the nation's commuter trains and buses hit one of
the highest levels in decades, with Americans taking 10.4 billion trips on
mass transit – which includes buses, trains, street cars and ferries. But,
since the beginning of the current recession, more than 85% of transit sys-
tems across the U.S. have been forced to cut service or raise fares. Thou-
sands of transit workers have been put out of work.
The bipartisan Senate legislation provides transit agencies with the crit-
ical funding and fl exibility they need to use their federal funds as they see
fi t. Under current law transit systems serving areas of more than 200,000
people can only use their federal funds for capital expenses such as buying
buses and trains and building new stations. They cannot use federal funds
for operations.
Consequently, many agencies simply don't have enough funding to
maintain essential service while newly-purchased transit vehicles sit idly
in their lots. MAP-21 begins to address that problem.
"This bill also recognizes that a strong transit program must have direct
funding to create and save jobs," Hanley continued. "It improves passen-
ger safety and security, and assists in the development of a well-trained
workforce."
MAP-21 continues to fund transportation through the gas tax, a dedi-
cated funding source, rather than on the backs of federal workers. And the
bill rejects privatization measures that would steer state and local trans-
portation dollars to private foreign multinational companies that have no
regard for riders or the communities they're supposed to serve.
"At a time when our transit systems cry out for more funding, it's time
for the House to stop injecting ideologically-driven initiatives which will
not help our country dig out of this economic crisis," Hanley said. "We
urge the House to follow the Senate's lead, roll up their sleeves in a bipar-
Page 7
The 1005 Line
Remember, you can always
access past and present issues
online at www.atu1005.com on
the Education page.
You can also see the results
of arbitration votes and other
meeting results.
MJR
Jackie Williams #66180
Anastasia Bloodsaw #2297
Operators –
Plainclothes police will be rid-
ing your bus. They may just flash
their badges. Please allow them to
remain discreet (if possible). Do
not get them engaged in any con-
frontations (according to the 4-day
board).
Congrats to O.D.A. multiple-
year award recipients:
10 times – Prestige Master Drivers
#8837 Vinh Lu
#9007 Kenneth Grubba
#9194 Daniel Hayes
#9478 Timothy Daniels
5 Times – Master Driver
#9629 Richard Knight
#9935 Thomas Mitchell
#66172 Moua Kham
Congrats to Safe Operator Award
winners:
14 years - #7628 Bonnie Ripple
10 years - #2019 Theodore
Bellfield
2 years - #70014 Takenya Williams
#70015 Thomas Kane
#71041 Michael Wright
1 year - #71040 Patrick Ford
Ruter is happy to receive six
part-time operators:
#72001 Michael Boland
#72002 Bradley Shustroms
#72004 Nicole Kaphina
#72005 Richard Graff
#72006 Chia Xiong
#72007 Dallas Slater
Congrats to those going from
part-time to full-time:
#70323 Andrew Dolan
#70329 Amber Sykes
#7140 Patrick Ford
#71041 Michael Wright
Re-write of Bylaw 78
Present:
78. It shall hear all cases refused by the employer and recommend further
action or dropping the case.
Effective January 1, 2013,
Change to:
78. It shall hear all cases refused by the employer and recommend further
action or dropping the case. The committee's recommendation shall be the
fi nal decision for arbitration unless appealed by the grievant to the mem-
bership at the monthly meeting. The Board shall report recommendations
at the membership meeting.
Submitted by Stephen Babcock
Add new:
A proposal for the Local’s annual budget for the following year
must be presented at the October Executive Board and Membership
meetings. A fi nal proposal must be presented at the November Executive
Board meeting for a recommendation vote, and presented to the member-
ship. The budget must be approved by a separate vote of the members in
attendance and voting at the meetings.
Submitted by Todd Eddy
CRYPTOEach letter stands for another. If you think A=F, for example, it would
equal F throughout the puzzle. Clue: X=E (Answer on page 16 )
Submitted by Pat Kelehan, Facilities Tech. #5470
Z F Y B X C X W Y D Z Y V F G H
T D Z B X D X Y W H B X C X W Y F M X H,
S K Y W T L X H Y K G P Y V Z W Y D Z Y V
F G H T D Z B X D X Y W?
February Membership meeting continued from p.5
tisan fashion, and pass a transportation bill that is good for passengers,
workers, transit systems and our communities."
About the ATU
The Amalgamated Transit Union is the largest labor organization repre-
senting transit workers in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1892,
the ATU today is comprised of over 190,000 members in 264 local unions
spread across 44 states and nine provinces, including 3,000 workers at
Greyhound Lines, Inc. Composed of bus drivers, light rail operators, main-
tenance and clerical personnel and other transit and municipal employees,
the ATU works to promote transit issues and fi ghts for the interests of its
hard-working members.
Source: ATU Email, [email protected]
Nicollet
Melanie Benson #854
Alec Johnson #66034
Ryan Timlin #66279
Transportation
Feel free to start bringing in
items for the Nicollet Garage
Sale. There’s a collection spot
just in front of A-bay.
Major construction will be
starting soon along Nicollet
Avenue, beginning in May 2012.
Many parking spots for Metro
Transit employees will be lost in
the area soon. Please be especial-
ly courteous to one another and be
careful how you park, not strad-
dling spaces or parking too close
to others’ cars.
Let’s also be extra-courteous
and helpful to one another out on
the street. If you can assist a
coworker, please do, to make all
of our jobs easier. We’re all in
this together.
The brunch to present the
Outstanding Operators’ Awards
and to honor those with 25 years
of safe driving will be held on
April 12.
Health Fair Week will take
place at Nicollet Garage on Friday,
April 20.
Maintenance
A warm welcome to new
employees in Nicollet’s mainte-
nance department:
Richard Hauser (transferring from
Big Lake) – Mechanic Technician
Shannon Whelan – Mechanic
Technician in Charge
Ray Slater - Mechanic Technician
(Alternate in Charge)
Page 8
Driver Personal SafetyStacey Taylor #70055
As Metro Transit operators, we have plenty of safety reminders about
driving the bus. Garage signs remind us to check mirrors and distance; we
are reminded to check for passengers inside and outside our bus; we are
reminded to inform about proper fares and monitor regulations about
eating, drinking, and excessive cell phone use.
No doubt driving safety, customer safety and service rules and
regulations are necessarily emphasized. With all the responsibility that
comes with driving, it feels as though our own operator safety and
protection inside the bus is sometimes overlooked, or at least far down
that checklist of reminders. The reality is that, depending on the route an
operator chooses, he or she may be subjected to daily threats or disrespect
in the forms of verbal or actual physical assaults from passengers just for
doing the job.
Occasionally, there is discussion around the drivers’ lunchroom - or
the 4-Day board posts grainy photos of an attacker - but unless an
operator has an actual incident or knows an operator who is abused or
attacked, seldom are there updates or reminders on how to keep safe from
personal attacks inside the bus.
According to the article “Assaults Continue to Rise, ATU Demands
Action” (November/December issue of the In Transit magazine), “attacks
on drivers are increasing” in both the U.S. and Canada. Last year there
were operator stabbings in major cities like Newark, New Jersey, Detroit,
Michigan, and Vancouver, British Columbia. The article quotes
International ATU President Larry Hanley calling the 2011 report on the
20% increase of New York City operator assaults “a disturbing trend.”
Across the nation, many cities, states and union officials have been
investigating putting up protective shields, driver-side doors and
strengthening or adding laws to protect drivers.
According to Acting Chief A.J. Olson of the Metro Transit Police, the
felony assaults on Twin Cities operators were at an “all-time low in
2011.”
Olson took over the reins as Metro Transit Chief of Police following
this year’s retirement of Police Chief David Indrehus. Olson said they
were “thrilled” to see this low number and credits the 2006 strategy by
transit police of putting officers aboard buses and trains for more time
during shifts. Another strategy is that police have been using more plain-
clothes officers on buses, and will continue to use more in the coming
year. “They (assaults) have been going down steadily since 2006,” Olson
added. “The trend looks positive.”
In 2011 there were nine felony assaults involving physical contact
with operators.
These assaults are defined as when an operator is actually struck, slapped,
kicked, punched or hit by a thrown object. In 2009 and 2010 there were
17 felony level assaults, coming down from about 20 in 2008 and the in
the low 40s in 2006.
Page 9
Additionally, in 2011 there were three terroristic threats of assault
involving the threat of harm by a weapon, but no weapon was actually
shown.
Olson said that one thing that concerns the police is the rise of
misdemeanor assaults that have “crept up,” hitting a high of 28 in 2011.
The misdemeanors were mostly when someone threw something at an
operator but the operator was not struck. According to Olson, Metro
Transit police are still trying to use different strategies to manage the
misdemeanors better because “those are the ones that potentially evolve
into serious assaults.” Also slightly up last year were 24 incidents of
customers spitting on or at operators. Olson pointed out that the number
is fairly consistent with 2010, when there were 22 spitting incidents.
According to South’s Assistant Manager of Garage Operations James
Perron, maintaining driver safety is a combination of driver experience,
knowledge of policies and customer service. “We need folks on the
streets that can think on their feet, be aware of policies with skills to
enforce them, and abide by policies in a way that does not inflame the
passion of our riding public.”
Perron spent five years as a driver, four years as a district supervisor
and has worked nine years in his current position. Perron admits that, in
order to maintain this level, “a thick skin” is required to operate a Metro
Transit bus. “Obviously we want to avoid operator assaults. Employees
are our number one assets. We want to protect them and we want drivers
going home healthy to their families,” Perron added.
“Drivers should establish human contact with each customer and the
person will less likely cause problems,” Perron said. “Don’t take
disrespect personally. Don’t make rules and regulations and enforcement
a personal matter when addressing customers who may be breaking those
rules.” Perron explained that operators should not assume that a passenger
will break the rules like “no eating on the bus” when he or she enters the
bus with a bag from McDonald’s restaurant. “We cannot say to
passengers, “Hey, don’t eat that on the bus,’” Perron advised. “Operators
must trust their instincts about whether or not to address certain issues.”
“If you decide to address the food policy, focus on the policy, not the
individual,” Perron added. “If the passenger is a habitual policy breaker,
let him know that you will pass the information on to your supervisor. If
something is out of the ordinary, your passengers look to the operator to
address the issues.”
“The operator’s primary concern is the safety of the passengers,”
Acting Chief Olson explained. “At Transit Police, our overall concept is
that operators are the primary constituents of the police department. We
think about it in that way because if we are taking care of our operators
that support automatically flows to passengers. The agency (Metro
Transit) has a lot of expectations for our operators, and operators are very
professional and caring people,” Olson said. “I would encourage
operators, when there is a problem, not to take it personally and don’t get
emotionally involved when it concerns you or a passenger. If you see
something, and you’re not sure it looks right, go ahead and call TCC. We
South
Stacey Taylor #70055
March Into Spring
Spring has sprung on South
Garage and there's a lot happening
in the next months.
On March 21, 2012 from
10:30 - 1, South Garage will
sponsor a Transit Safety Security
Committee (TSSC) Forum
featuring guest speaker Metro
Transit General Manager Brian
Lamb and including
representatives from the Metro
Transit Police Department, Transit
Control Center (TCC), Street
Operations, Safety and Customer
Service. A lunch of soup and salad
will be offered for a donation of
five dollars.
The TSSC is looking for a
representative from South to serve
August 2012 - July 2014. Elections
will be held soon. If interested,
please watch the boards for more
information.
An operator brunch will be
held April 12, 2012 to celebrate
driving milestones for OOA and
Safety Awards The event will be
held at the Ramada Plaza in
Minneapolis.
On April 18, 2012 South
Garage will hold the South Side
Cook Out and Health Fair,
featuring annual DEQA awards.
Retirements
John Moore, Driver 275, retired
February 2, with 28 years of part-
time service. He was South's most
senior part-timer.
Dave Erickson, Driver 2077,
retired February 17, with 12 years
of full-time service.
We wish them both the best.
Page 10
725 Bldg.
Scott Lindquist #6401
Stephen Babcock #3128
Your Seniority is Rising
The Instruction Center is start-
ing to get busy again with training.
The three instructors have been
busy with both part-time and full-
time classes.
Right now there is basically a
part-time class once a month and a
part-to-full-time class once a pick.
The part-time classes are usually
around 10 students. The last part-
to-full time class was 30. It is
hoped that the hiring will continue
and possibly increase.
The radio/electronic techni-
cians just completed several days
of training on the new Johnson
radios that will be used for the
University Corridor.
Farebox has completed the chip
install that will adjust when it is
daylight savings time.
want you to involve the transit police. Let us get involved in it.”
“A lot of the (operator) assaults that happen seem to start over disputes
about the fare or some rule operators are asked to enforce,” Olson
admitted. According to Olson, Metro Transit Police encourages operators
do no more than is required by transit policy. Operators should ask for the
fare one time and, if a passenger does not pay, or shorts the fare box, let it
go. He admits this may sound simple to operators who find it frustrating,
especially if the passenger is disrespectful. “If a person is a chronic fare
evader, make that call to TCC and ask for Transit Police support. If the
person needs to be engaged, let the police do it,” Olson added.
“There are many mechanisms in place for chronic fare evaders,”
according to John Siqveland, Public Relations Manager for Metro
Transit. “Often chronic fare evaders scoff laws in general or cause
other problems. Report them to TCC or your manager.”
Olson said that managers have the ability and forms to ask for targeted
transit police services at any location and any time of day. “We will
arrange not only to have people available there, but have them there when
it matters,” Olson added.
Olson said that they have revamped the “bus on-boards” for this year
to spread the responsibility to more officers. “There are going to be more
buses ridden on the Minneapolis’ northside; problem routes in St. Paul
like the 16, 64, 74; the north ends of the 5, 19 and 22 and the 10 on
Central Avenue. Those are the ones where presence is needed most,”
Olson said.
“I would love the talk around the (garage) lunch rooms to be how
much operators love the transit cops,” Olson said. “That’s the kind of
relationship I want to have with operators.”
The 1005 Line
Remember, you can always
access past and present issues
online at www.atu1005.com on
the Education page.
You can also see the results
of arbitration votes and other
meeting results.
Paul Kirchner, from the bus
Page 11
to Work states like Arkansas ($4.53 more), Mississippi ($3.96 more),
Oklahoma ($3.84 more), Tennessee ($3.87 more) and South Dakota
($3.78 more).
POVERTY AND INFANT MORTALITY
• Poverty is more common in states with Right to Work laws. In 2009,
the overall and child poverty rates in Minnesota were 11.1 percent and
17.4 percent, respectively, compared with a 14.5 percent overall poverty
rate and 20.3 percent child poverty rate in Right to Work states. Arizona,
which has Right to Work laws on the books, has an overall poverty rate
of 21.2 percent and a child poverty rate of 31.3 percent, and Mississippi
has an overall poverty rate of 23.1 percent and a child poverty rate of 31.9
percent.
• The average infant mortality rate in Right to Work states is 50.2
percent higher than the infant mortality rate in Minnesota.
SAFETY AND HEALTH
• Workplaces in Right to Work states are more dangerous. Workers in
Right to Work states are more than twice as likely to be killed on the job
as workers in Minnesota. In 2008, the fatal occupational injury rate in
Minnesota was 2.4 per every 100,000 workers, compared with an average
of 5.4 in states with Right to Work laws.
• Compensation for injured workers is lower in Right to Work states.
When workers do get hurt on the job in Right to Work states, the average
maximum weekly benefit is $163, or 21.7 percent lower than in
Minnesota.
UNEMPLOYMENT
• In Minnesota, workers who are laid off receive much higher
unemployment benefits than unemployed workers in Right to Work states.
Minnesota’s unemployed workers can receive a weekly maximum benefit
of $585, compared with an average maximum benefit of only $363 per
week in Right to Work states.
HEALTH CARE
• Minnesotans are more likely to have health insurance coverage than
people in Right to Work states. Minnesotans are 14.4 percent more likely
to have job-based health insurance than people in Right to Work states.
On average, people in states with Right to Work laws were 89.5 percent
more likely to be uninsured in 2009 than Minnesotans were.8.8 percent of
Minnesotans were uninsured in 2009, while the average rate of people
without insurance in Right to Work states was 16.7 percent. In the Right
to Work state of Florida, 22.4 percent of people were uninsured, and 26.1
percent of people were uninsured in fellow Right to Work state Texas.
• Children in Right to Work states are 88.4 percent more likely to be
uninsured than Minnesota children. On average, 10.4 percent of children
are uninsured in states with Right to Work laws, compared with 5.5
percent in Minnesota.
PENSIONS
• Minnesotans are more likely to have pensions from their employers
than workers in states with Right to Work laws. On average, 43 percent of
private-sector workers have employer-provided pensions in Right to Work
Right-to-Work continued from p.1
East Metro
Philip Jarosz, Dr. #65015
Doug Barton, Dr. #68273
East Metro had the most acci-
dents in the bays of any garage in
2011. If we all use a little more
caution (drivers and mechanics),
we can turn this around. We have
also had an increase in the number
of accidents on the street. Please
use your training to try to avoid
them and provide a safe ride to our
passengers.
We have a new assistant man-
ager, Bob Barton, coming to East
Metro on temporary assignment.
Also, last pick we had a dispatcher
come in from Minneapolis, Robin
Gerdsmeier. She picked East
Metro for the second time in a
row, so let’s all welcome her to the
East Metro family.
A reminder from your dispatch
staff:
If you have problems with your
bus prior to pull out - call dispatch
in ample time to either fix or
replace your bus if needed.
UNION DUES AFTER
RETIREMENT
When you retire, make sure
you maintain your member-
ship dues. Those who retire
today pay $49.80/yr. The
“Death Benefi t” is $1,000 from
the International, and $100
from the local ($1,100 total).
You will also be able to vote
on the contracts and stay con-
nected by attending monthly
membership meetings.
Page 12
states, compared to 53.6 percent of workers in Minnesota.
EDUCATION
• States with Right to Work laws invest less in the education of their children than Minnesota does. During
the 2008–2009 school year, Right to Work states made an average investment of $9,005 per student for
education, $1,991 less than Minnesota invested. Minnesota invests more per student on education than 20 of the
22 Right to Work. Two Right to Work states – Arizona and Utah – invest less than $6,000 per student.
• Greater investment in education yields greater student achievement. Students in Minnesota are more likely
than students in states with Right to Work laws to achieve at grade level in math and reading. In Minnesota, 43.1
percent of 8th-grade students are proficient in math, compared with 29.6 percent of students in Right to Work
states. And 36.6 percent of Minnesota students are proficient in reading, compared with 28.1 percent in Right to
Work states.
• Minnesotans are more likely than people in Right to Work states to have graduated from high school and
college. In Minnesota, 91.1 percent of people 25 or older have graduated from high school, compared with 84.9
percent of people in states with Right to Work laws. And 31.1 percent of Minnesotans 25 or older have graduated
from college, compared with 24.5 percent of people in Right to Work states.
So, again, the answer for us is: RIGHT TO WORK: NOT A GOOD IDEA FOR MINNESOTA!Health
Union brothers and sisters, I hope you read this and realize the seriousness of this situation. This will
affect you, your families and your neighbors and friends. In the upcoming weeks, members from the ATU
1005 will be coming to talk to you and give you more information regarding Right to Work. Listen. Learn.
And speak up and stop this from destroying what we have worked so hard to achieve. There will be updates
on our website, atu1005.com.
Thanks for listening - Ilona LaDouceur #66048
SOURCES: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Economic Policy Institute, Kaiser Family Foundation, State Health Facts.
org, U.S. House
Darell Hanson Retires After 19+ Years
Darell #9289 has
been a busy man. He
was not only a member
(and chair) of the Tran-
sit Safety and Secu-
rity Committee, but he
frequently participated in
the Bus Roadeos, where
he became friends with
the members of Heck-
lers’ Row, a contingent
of supporters including
Deb Sievers (right) and
Bernadette Martinez (lower right).
Following his retirement, Darell traveled to
China to spend a couple of weeks with his daugh-
ter, who teaches there.
We wish Darell all the best and thank him for
all his contributions.
Jay Kluge and Darell's wife, Kathy celebrate with Darell.
Page 13
Metro Transit Bus Fleet, Part 2Melanie Benson #854
This is the second in a series of articles about the Metro Transit bus fleet. The first article dealt with the
current state of the bus fleet, how many of each type of buses there are, and ideas for the future of the fleet.
This article will focus more on the differences among the various types of buses currently on the property,
primarily on the dimension differences between the standard-floor and the low-floor 40' buses, and not as much
on the 60' articulated buses.
External dimensions
Actually, the designations '40-foot' and '60-foot' are misnomers. The high-floor articulated buses are really
61'9'' long, and the low-floors are 62' 5'' long. The widths are 102'' plus 20+'' for the mirrors and 24+'',
respectively. The so-called 40' high-floor buses are 41'2'' long, and the low-floor buses are 42'6'' long.
The widths are also different. While all buses are 102'' wide, the width of the mirrors can vary. The 40' high-
floors, for example, measure 13.5''for the left mirror and 7'' for the right, while the low-floors measure 15'' each
for both mirrors.
These differences in measurement can lead to accidents if a driver is used to certain dimensions and then
drives a vehicle with different dimensions. The rear end swings out differently on the longer buses, for example,
and the wider, differently-mounted mirrors may catch on objects. If a driver is not aware of these differences,
there may be problems.
Interior dimensions
Those who have been driving the low-floor hybrid buses for years on the downtown routes along Nicollet
Mall, for example, are probably accustomed to the configurations of the buses’ interiors. Those who have driven
crosstown routes with the standard-floor buses are less comfortable with them.
The interior width of both types of buses is 96'' wall-to-wall. The width of the seats is similar, the aisles on
the low-floor buses are an inch narrower, but there are bigger differences: On the standard-floor buses, the
distance from the front door to the first available seat is 4''. On the low-floor buses, however, due to the wheel
well, the distance is 59''. If a wheelchair is occupying the spot, the distance is much greater.
There are fewer seats on a low-floor bus, and one more seat is lost with a wheelchair on board than on a
standard-floor. The ceiling height on both buses is around 80'', except in the front of the low-floor buses, where
it’s about 95''.
Windows
The windows on the standard-floor buses slide forward and back vertically, next to the passengers, whereas
the windows that open on the low-floor buses are located higher and open horizontally on hinges. Those who sit
on the upper level in these buses can feel the breeze from the open windows, but the windows are much higher
above the passengers’ heads on the lower level, because of the lower floor. Some consideration is being given to
ordering buses where the windows don’t open at all (to reduce rattles), and the interior bus climate is controlled
only by the HVAC system.
Next issue: How do the differences in bus configurations and features affect service?
Crypto Answer
IF A VEGETARIAN BUS DRIVER EATS VEGETABLES,
WHAT DOES A HUMANITARIAN BUS DRIVER EAT?
FTH Black History CelebrationFaye Brown # 6331
February 24th marked another year for the Black History Celebration at Heywood Garage. The theme this
year was education. The keynote speaker was Bernadeia Johnson, public school superintendent, who spoke on
the important of education, making sure it works.
There was singing by a young man by the name of Cameron
Wright. He has a bright future ahead of him.
I wrote a little skit on the importance of education and parent
involvement, and on the many contributions African American
inventors have made to our society, like the microwave, fire
extinguisher and the traffic light.
The food, as always, was plentiful and delicious. So many people
contributed food to the festivities.
We honored a special return guest, Melvin Carter, the 87-year-old
accomplished horn player.
There were tables with pamphlets on scholarships and vendors
selling products (Kermit Wallace of Nicollet Garage), artwork (Charles
Caldwell) and music (Kimuel Hailey of Nicollet Garage).
We’d like to thank everyone (too many to name)
who brought food; to the maintenance crew for
their magnificent cleaning (above and beyond); and
to the wonderful committee I work with. We’d like
to extend a welcome to all garages to make next
year’s Black History Celebration an even greater
success by working together to make it happen. One
representative from each garage, please contact me
through interoffice mail – Attention: Faye at
Heywood.
The winners of the raffle were: 40'' TV- Barbara
Osadchuk, Dr. #2499 of East Metro; Kindle- Marilyn
Porter of Engineering and Facilities; and a $50 gift
card- Don Mueting, Office General Counsel.
Page 14
Melvin Carter’s return to the
celebration
Left to right: Traci Williams, Demetairs Bell, Tony
Taylor, Faye Brown, and Tracey Jackson, with keynote
speaker Bernadeia Johnson (center) Not pictured: Dona-
than Brown
Superintendent Johnson emphasized the importance of read-
ing to children.
Demetairs
Bell emceed
the event.
Page 15
MJR had its Black History Program February 16th.
A $5 plate for lunch included an array of food: Dressing, ham, baked chicken,
fried chicken, sweet potatoes, macaroni, salad, red beans and rice, string beans,
cakes, pies and more. Give the ladies their respect, because the food was deli-
cious. Most of the cooking was done by Ms. Lilly Love of MJR. Thanks!!
Everyone was welcome and comfortable, and there were no distractions. Co-
workers who only see each other coming and going were able to interact with each
other. The environment and surroundings were great.
After lunch, the keynote speaker was community activist Spike Moss, who
spoke on the things we need to do as a race.
Garage Manager Doyne Parsons let attendees know how well the driver is doing who was attacked by a pas-
senger. Everyone at Ruter is anxious for him to return to work.
MJR Black History CelebrationAnastasia Bloodsaw #2297
Metro Transit General Manager
Brian Lamb
Keynote speaker Superin-
tendent Bernadeia Johnson
spoke on the role of educa-
tion in the community.
More photos from Heywood celebration:
Singer Cameron Wright
Lawrence Williams (Metro Transit
retiree) Black History Video Maker
Jeff Wostrel, Heywood Garage
Manager
Page 16
Retirements
Congratulations to January Retirees
01/02/12 Harry Lewis, MJR Op. 67132
01/03/12 David Jungwirth, EM Op. 2840
01/03/12 Diane Hehr, Hey. Op. 1068
01/03/12 Bernadine Woodards, Nic. Op.
545
01/04/12 Robert Ueeck, Nic. Op. 6381
01/04/12 Arnold Libby, OHB Coordinator
Material Management 3351
01/08/12 Edward Volk, LRT Op. 9328
01/14/12 Nancy Amerson, MJR Op. Day
2356
01/14/12 Richard Amerson, MJR Op.
64091
01/21/12 Dianna Hott, Hey. Op. 6221
01/21/12 Darell Hanson, Nic. Op. 9289
01/26/12 Thomas Kotila, LRT Op. 2632
Congratulations to February Retirees
02/04/12 Robert Bruce, Hey. Bus Op. 7604
02/18/12 Thomas Keller, Hey. Bus Op.
9366
02/18/12 David Erickson, So. Bus Op.
2077
02/25/12 Ronald Keuseman, MJR Bus Op.
1112
If you have pictures or announcements
of retirements, please contact your
Education Committee member or the
union office.
Retired Members’ Clubs
Northside Breakfast Club
Meets 8:30 a.m. the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Bar-
nacle Bill’s, Shingle Creek Parkway and Freeway Blvd,
Brooklyn Center.
Southside Breakfast Club
Meets 8:00 a.m. the 1st Wednesday and the 4th Thursday
of each month at the VFW Post, 67th Street and Lyndale
Ave. in Richfi eld.
Metro Transit Mechanic Teammate
Meets at 12:00 p.m. the 3rd Tuesday of the month at Old
Country Buffet (by Petco), 2000 South Robert St., West
St. Paul
Annual Aerosol Training
Scheduled in April
The Instruction Center will host annual aerosol train-
ing and certifi cation courses in April.
Any operator who wants to carry aerosol for self-
defense purposes must attend one of the courses. The
course will cover confl ict management skills and de-
escalation techniques. Those who attend may choose not
to get certifi ed to carry aerosol.
Attendance is voluntary and must be done on an em-
ployee’s own time. The courses are held only in April of
each year.
Following is the schedule:
· Tuesday, April 10, 10:30am to 1pm
· Saturday, April 14, 9:00am to 11:30am
· Wednesday, April 18, 12:30pm to 3pm
· Thursday, April 19, 11:00am to 1:30pm
· Thursday, April 26, 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Bus operators should contact their garage coordina-
tors to register. Rail operators should contact their rail
instructors.
2-year Re-certifi cation: Those certifi ed in 2010 to
carry aerosol are due for recertifi cation. Starting in April,
see your manager to apply for a new certifi cate. If you
are not recertifi ed by April 30, 2012 you cannot carry or
use aerosol while on duty.
Posters will be hung at all garage facilities, the In-
struction Center, and Light Rail with more information.
If you want to join the St. Paul Retiree Club,
contact one of the following:
President Howard Osterkamp (651) 731-2428
Vice-President Jay Kerkvliet (651) 489-8281
Treasurer Paul Huber (651) 698-6551
Secretary Mary Huber (651) 698-5771
St. Paul Retiree Lunch ClubMeets 12:00 p.m. the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Mattie’s (formerly Wells Lanes ) So. Concord St.,
South St. Paul 55075
Page 17Operators Peer Support System
Deb Sievers #64222
Who is a Peer Support Person?
Peer Support Personnel are your co-workers. They have been specially trained to provide emotional support
to operators who have experienced a traumatic on-the-job incident.
Purpose
As our operators face crises on the job, it is critical to have a support person on hand. The first 24 hours
following such incidents begin the emotional recovery process.
Goal
Our goal is to help our employees recover emotionally from serious, traumatic work-related incidents. Peer
Support Staff members have a clear understanding of the effects of these types of issues.
Responsibilities of Peer Support Persons:
- Keep Peer Support confidential unless an issue is life-threatening to self, others or is against the law.
- Respond to calls for help when an operator needs immediate support following a traumatic event such as
an assault or serious accident
- Serve as a link between individual employees and management; facilitate agency support for those in
need
- Serve as a resource person to provide information about the professional services available, and assist
employees in making contact with appropriate support staff. (DOR & Associates is our Employee
Assistance Program, a benefit of our insurance package. DOR & Associates is available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week by calling 612-332-4805.)
- Be on call, able to respond to crisis situations any time day or night, anywhere in the system.
Peer Support Staff are volunteers! To locate a peer support staff member, look on the poster posted in the
garage or ask your managers or garage coordinator. Our pager numbers are listed with our pictures.
New Timing of 5th Street LRT SignalsLisa Callahan, #6716
On Monday, January 23, 2012, the City of Minneapolis retimed all the street signals along 5th Street to
improve the timing from station to station, and the project is almost complete. I, for one, like the signals
southbound, but the northbound are not much better. Southbound operators, please watch your time at
Warehouse and Nicollet, for we do arrive a little early sometimes. The lighting has not been up to par on the
weekends from 1st Ave. to 3rd Ave. On Saturday or Sunday, both directions, this will cause a problem when
the Twins start. When we’re running three-consist trains and blocking the streets, maybe then they (who?) will
realize it’s important to have the lights and signals working properly.
At 4th Street and Chicago, sometimes LRT operators lose the signal going southbound. Here’s a hint: If
we lose the signal as we approach Downtown East, as soon as Chicago traffic has the green light to GO, hit
ENTER for our bar signal. It works almost every time. (If it’s already at 4th, you will have to sit another
cycle – or have the RCC help get the signal, or talk you past it.)
Is it Time for a Change, Operators? Do you think you might need a change? Light rail will be hiring quite a few drivers coming up soon, so
watch for the postings. If you think it might be for you, it’s a great time to consider operating the future of
transportation. As Rail continues to grow, you will gain seniority at a rapid pace. The Central Corridor
(coming in 2014) will need about 50 operators. In 2018, if all goes well, we’ll have the Southwest Corridor,
which will require at least another 50 operators.
So, just think: If you come aboard now, you will be ahead of the game. It’s a great opportunity. I’m glad I
did it, and many operators agree. There might be opportunities for advancement. With all that is going on they
will need supervisors, managers and mechanics. Departments such as track, traction power, signals and others
will need people. If you have a desire or need to change, please keep this in mind. Watch for postings.
TRANSIT SAFETY/SECURITY
COMMITTEE (TSSC)
MEETING MINUTES
Disclaimer:
Due to format changes, these columns are not exact replicas of TSSC minutes. We
cannot assure the accuracy of all data. The exact minutes are posted after each meet-
ing at the operating garages.
Page 18
January 1, 2012
Members of the Committee Present:
Darell Hanson, Nicollet, Committee Chair
Monica Kruger, Management Advisor
Rolland Green, LRT
Leatha Falls, Heywood
James Minelli, East Metro
Dereje Tafesse, MJR
Lisa Benson, South
Ryan Timlin, Nicollet
Others in attendance:
Mike LaVine, Police
Chuck Wurzinger, Maintenance
Brenda Himrich, Safety
Christy Bailly, Transit Operations
Pam Steffen, Customer Relations
Deb Downing, Street Operations
Dorothy Maki, Union
John Cook, FTH
Amina Wolf, LRT
Sheri Gingerich, LRT
Brad Carlson, Nicollet
Christine Kuennen, TCC
Jeff Wostrel, FTH
Ken Benzel, Nicollet
Doyne Parsons, MJR
Dave Larrabee, Risk
CALL TO ORDER
Darell Hanson called the meeting to order.
REVIEW OF MINUTES
December minutes were approved.
OTHER ITEMS
• Monica: Agenda and list of action items will be tools
to stay focused and track completed items in 2012.
• New Nicollet representative – Ryan Timlin
• Dereje Tafesse was elected to the position of
Committee Chair
ONGOING INTERDEPARTMENTAL TOPICS
Rt. 19 – Christy Bailly
§ Christy Bailly reported a task force formed
and met. Attendees include representatives
from Street Operations, TCC, Bus Operations,
Police, and two bus operators
§ Findings: Operators just want to get through
the run.
The number of calls on Rt. 19 isn’t high.
Operators don’t always call regarding incidents.
Discussed options to combat the problems
- Ex: Fewer stops, more police and st.ops coverage,
break up the run.
Second meeting will be held 1/6 with two members
from the TSSC, Dereje Tafesse and Leatha Falls. We
will have more information about exploring the options
discussed.
- Julie Johanson and Christy Bailly were riding the
19 to make observations
- Police have been watching the 19 – Mike LaVine
No felony assaults in 2011
Plainclothes offi cers are riding and will give the
operator a card once they leave the bus to let the
operator know they had an offi cer on their bus.
Operators should notice more on-boards on the 19
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Transit Service Study for Central Corridor –
Scheduled to present in February
Shoulder Lanes – Bob Benson spoke at the invitation
of the Safety Department following up topics from last
month. Points included the following:
• Handout showing current and planned bus-only
shoulders
• Process for evaluating possible bus shoulder lanes.
• Metropolitan Freeway System 2010 Congestion
Report
• Evaluation process for shoulder lanes can take up to
four years.
• During construction on 35W and Hwy 62 they took
away the shoulder lane. We provided valid reasons and
asked for the shoulder lanes back, which was granted.
• Operators should see their garage coordinator for
more information on shoulder lane location and
procedures
• Operators can be cited with a moving violation for
driving on a shoulder illegally.
• Sometimes buses aren’t allowed to use the shoulder
because of the structural integrity of the road. Using it
could cause damage to the road and driving where we
shouldn’t doesn’t look good to the public.
• Concern was raised in the meeting that Some MJR
operators are driving on the unpaved shoulder on
westbound Hwy 610 on the 252 exit ramp. Safety will
work with the MJR Coordinator and garage manager to
communicate to operators not to drive there.
• MNDOT web page at www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/
teamtransit has lots of good information on transit tools
James Minelli asked if we’ll get I94 shoulders back
and about structures being noticed along I94. Benson
indicated Jill Hentges may be able to respond to this
question. Gingrich reported signs along I94 are for
future MNPass lane.
LRT OPERATOR REPORT
Rolland Green in attendance:
• Everything is good at LRT
NICOLLET OPERATOR REPORT
Ryan Timlin in attendance:
• Retarders don’t come on until you put on the brakes.
• Maintenance – Answer please, explain reason.
Nicollet Garage just recently got the confi guration on
the new 40-foot buses.
- That’s how all the newer non-hybrid buses are set
up.
ACTION ITEM: Chuck will provide information
about retarders that activate with braking for
Nicollet operators.
FTH OPERATOR REPORT
Leatha Falls in attendance:
• Operators are glad the Rt. 19 is being looked at and
are also raising concerns about Rt. 22.
Interest in artics to reduce overloads between 2p and 4p
was expressed.
ACTION ITEM: Deb Downing will check loads on
RT 22, 2p-4p.
SOUTH OPERATOR REPORT
Lisa Benson in attendance:
• Can we get fl ashing buttons to give to passengers at
dark bus stops?
ACTION ITEM: Pam will check with marketing on
fl ashing LED button inventory
• Can we provide a refl ective case for go-to card users?
They can use them to alert bus operators at dark stops.
ACTION ITEM: Pam will look into adding
refl ective material to Go-To cards or to accessories
(like cases) that could be offered.
EAST OPERATOR REPORT
James Minelli in attendance:
• Minelli reported Rt. 64 has security issues at night.
He mentioned crowding and that artics might help
ACTION ITEM: Deb Downing will look into loads
on evening Rt. 64.
• Can the 1200 buses have alligator clips for the paddle
board?
ACTION ITEM: Chuck Wurzinger will look into
alligator clips for 1200 series buses.
MJR OPERATOR REPORT
Dereje Tafesse in attendance:
• An operator was spit on and she was taken to the
hospital by a Street Operations supervisor. The
supervisor left her at the hospital without a ride.
What is the procedure? Deb Downing: Policy - Drop
them off and then call the TCC when they are ready
for a ride and they will come back to get them. Deb
requested that she and DJ talk after the meeting so she
can get more specifi c information and follow up.
- Peer support is also available to the operators
after assaults.
SAFETY REPORT
Brenda Himrich in attendance:
• No report
POLICE REPORT
Mike LaVine in attendance:
• 2011 only nine felony assaults. Seven of the nine have
been arrested.
• Four already in 2012 - Two were young, female
assailants.
Could be because kids are out of school
Assaults were discussed
On NYE there were so many gunshots fi red that the
shot spotter system failed.
• Mall Of America incident happened 12/26 - Operators
were threatened.
No operators were injured or assaulted
• There was an increase in police details the week
before Christmas and also NYE.
• The free rides on NYE contributed to an increase in
calls.
• James Minelli: Is there anything we can do to help
the assailants be sentenced? It seems like judges just let
them go. Mike LaVine:
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Citizens/bus operators can form a court watch group.
You would show up for court and give victim impact
statements, which can sway a judge’s decision.
We would have to track the cases through the judicial
system.
Lack of repercussions for assailants can lead them to
assault again. Stiffer sentences can deter people from
assaulting again.
LRT REPORT
Sheri Gingerich and Amina Wolf in attendance:
• Bar signals at 4th and Chicago are diffi cult to see - as
bar signals burn out the larger head will be installed.
These issues will be addressed at the management
level and not in this meeting.
• Regarding concern for operator safety when making
late night reliefs at the Franklin Station: The operator
of the last northbound train is asked if they want to
make the trip. If he/she does not want to, the relief
operator will carry a portable radio to the station.
• We want open communication between operators and
management and many of these issues can be resolved
at that level, not in this meeting.
• Representatives from LRT Safety - Brenda is the
representative for both bus and LRT.
LRT Safety Specialists are working on other projects
and won’t be attending the meeting.
ATU sees the lack of representation as a sign of
disrespect, but understands that they are busy.
• Interchange project starts in March and will be
completed by 2014. Where the Holiday gas station is
located now will be a large transit hub.
Demolition of tail tracks
A new platform and elevated tracks will be
constructed in the next two years.
STREET OPERATIONS REPORT
Debra Downing in attendance:
• Washington Ave. bridge narrow, sharp right turn has
been resolved.
• 4th to 10th Ave – Cars are parked too close. Deb will
bring info next month (Can you explain this issue?)
• Chicago/Lake Transit Station pavement markings
-The building management company will have to take
care of that and it probably won’t happen until the
Spring.
• Veteran’s hospital bus stop will be moved in the
Spring.
• 11th/3rd Ave – Will bring answer next month
• Traffi c light at 5th and Nicollet Sheri Gingerich: City
of Minneapolis is going to retime the lights.
It’s starting this year, but will take some time.
• Washington Ave to 35W bridge - Detour and RI are in
place.
TCC REPORT
Christine Kuennen in attendance:
• Salting of the Chute. - Only one snow issue since last
meeting
Dereje Tafesse saw them salting, Lisa Benson saw it
wasn’t.
Christine will follow up with MNDOT again.
• New TCC supervisor – Antoinette Brasson. Hired into
TCC in December 2011. She has three years experience
at Metro Transit in Customer Service Department.
She is working on her Masters degree in Business
Administration.
• Provided detailed incident information to the Rt. 19
task force.
• TCC is removed from RTK agenda because of lack
of time available to TCC. They will be at the Safety
forums and other outreach opportunities.
• All 2011 TCC new hires are receiving one full day of
training with a Bus Operator in the fi eld. Working Title:
“Day in the Life of a Bus Operator”. They meet the
Operator at the garage and ride from pull-out to pull-
in. Purpose is to better understand the operator’s point
of view. Rest of TCC staff will have this scheduled
throughout 2012.
• Christine Kuennen also introduced a two-hour
supervisor training module entitled “Life of the Street
- The Bus Operator Perspective,” and invited two
operators from FTH, along with John Cook for a small
group seminar. This took place in late December 2011
and it went extremely well. Christine will roll out more
sessions with rest of TCC staff throughout 2012.
• ACTION ITEM: What type of information would
you like to hear from TCC?
• Darell Hanson would like to recognize the work the
TCC supervisors do for the operators. They do an
excellent job.
MAINTENANCE REPORT
Chuck Wurzinger is attendance:
• Seatbelts tightening up – Staff checked the seats but
couldn’t replicate the problem. If this happens to you,
please, write up the bus, so they can look into the issue.
• Destination sign key pad lighting: Maintenance staff
looked into it and with the operator’s interior light they
could see the pad okay. Try using the light, if you still
have issues let us know.
Lisa Benson – It’s an issue in the dark when you want
to change your sign quickly.
ACTION ITEM: Bus Maintenance will check
Page 21
this again and will contact Gillig about making
improvements in this area.
• Cup holders on artics: We will build a prototype and,
once approved, will install.
• Interior mirrors will be moved over a little bit so they
aren’t blocked.
• Other mirrors?
• New Defect Report: Still under revision
• Parking brake valve: Hard to push down, won’t pull
up. Write up the bus when you have a problem.
• Fare box height: Issue resolved - The fare box is
currently in the best location as decided by a committee
from Bus Operations, Safety, Fare box repair and Bus
Maintenance.
• Cleanliness of seats: Ricardo has a product they can
put on the seats Action Item: Bus Maintenance will
gather more information about Ricardo product.
Maintenance is going to work with fuelers and
cleaners to do quality assurance on the seats. Will
make sure they know what is considered clean.
Write up any bus that needs attention.
• Location of stiffness adjustment on drivers’ seat will
be discussed after the meeting. ACTION ITEM:
Chuck will contact the manufacturer about the
location of the stiffness adjustment on drivers’ seats.
RISK
David Larrabee in attendance:
• Len Theil is retiring.
• Accidents are down in December.
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
Pam Steffen in attendance:
• Will provide information for Rt. 19 to Christy
• No LRT transfers: Customers don’t believe operators.
Sales operations informed our customers in many
different ways that the transfers would no longer be
available.
Operators tell customers to contact Customer
Relations and they will follow up.
Don’t issue transfers and say they can use them on the
LRT. That creates more problems.
Super savers will slowly be eliminated as well.
Slowly moving all customers to Go-To cards.
• Fare evasion: Stickers on the fare boxes that say “No
transfer issued without full fare”
Operators can point to that and say it’s the policy.
Please talk to the operators about their opinions on the
stickers.
ATU: It might not be the best time to be militant on
the fare.
ACTION ITEMS
• ACTION ITEM: Chuck will provide information
about retarders that activate with braking for
Nicollet operators.
• ACTION ITEM: Deb Downing will check loads on
RT 22, 2p-4p.
• ACTION ITEM: Pam will check with marketing
on fl ashing LED button inventory
• ACTION ITEM: Pam will look into adding
refl ective material to Go-To cards or to accessories
(like cases) that could be offered.
• ACTION ITEM: Deb Downing will look into loads
on evening Rt 64.
• ACTION ITEM: Chuck Wurzinger will look into
alligator clips for 1200 series buses.
• ACTION ITEM: What type of information would
you like to hear from TCC?
• ACTION ITEM: Bus Maintenance will check
this again and will contact Gillig about making
improvements in this area.
• ACTION ITEM: Chuck will contact the
manufacturer about the location of the stiffness
adjustment on drivers’ seats.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Anleu, Recording Secretary
New Education Committee Member Sam Adams
Sam Adams #3634 is in his 12th year at the Transit Information Center,
where he works as a Transit Information Representative, proofreader and
phone coach. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. (That and a quarter
will get you a cup of instant coffee in the Heywood offi ce.)
As a Certifi ed English Major and Internet addict, he is happy to help write
and proof articles and research topics of interest to Local 1005's membership.
His interests and activities include labor history, the Occupy movement, year-
round bicycle commuting, Irish music, crock pot cookery and gardening with
native plants. He wants respect for transit workers and all public employees, a
strong Local 1005 and a stronger international labor movement.
Submissions for Letters to the Editor are subject to approval of the
Editorial Board and space considerations. Letters to the Editor are
solely the opinion of the author and do not represent endorsement by
ATU Local 1005 or the Education Committee. If you have an edito-
rial to submit, please contact a committee member or our
advisor Dorothy Maki at: [email protected].
Page 22
Letters
To The
Editor
Free Rides for Veterans
I always wondered what veterans thought about being able to ride Metro Transit city buses free. I decided to
ask some of the passengers who were “service connected” and others who were not “service connected.” It was
amazing how so many had so much to say about how helpful it is to them. Metro Transit allows drivers to ac-
knowledge the veterans who are “service connected” by giving them the free rides.
The ones who were able to ride free were eager to talk about how convenient it was for them. After asking so
many passengers, I thought about going to the VA Medical Center to talk to more veterans.
This is where I met a man named Joe. Veterans receive money once a month at all different levels of pay -
anywhere between 10% to 100% disability. Joe is at 30%, which is $276 a month (and mind you he was hurt over
in the service). He’s living in low-income housing. His rent is $60 a month, he was spending $86 for a monthly
bus pass, so he only had $130 left for food and personal items. Once he got his free rides, he said he feels like
Metro Transit cares more than the government does. It’s unbelievable how I make more money than veterans
who fought for their country.
Joe also rides a scooter. Now that he doesn’t have to buy that $86 bus pass, and can have his PCA (Personal
Care Assistant) worker ride free with him, it’s very comfortable for him.
Others, who weren’t service connected, were very upset. They feel they would have had to be hurt for them
to get free rides. They say the fact is that they served their country, too, and they didn’t feel the policy was fair to
non-service-connected veterans.
Non-service-connected would love to be recorded, too.
Anastasia Bloodsaw - MJR Operator #2297
Corrections and Clarifi cations on DWI StoryDeb Sievers #64222
First, I would like to apologize for any confusion.
I spoke with an offi cer from State Patrol Law Enforcement Agency last week.
He clarifi ed that if you are driving a commercial vehicle, your blood alcohol level cannot exceed .04. In
your personal vehicle, your blood alcohol level cannot exceed .08 or you can lose your license and CDL.
You will lose your job as a bus operator for Metro Transit if you get a DWI and do not have your license back
within 30 days.
Mechanics are also required to have a valid CDL. Many employees believe that if they were to get a
DWI, they could just move to a job where a CDL is not required. Not only would this be a large pay cut, but
a job may not be open, leaving you with no options to retain your job.
So, once again: "THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK!!!"
Page 23
We’ll Miss you, Karyn Karyn (Karen) Krech, Driver 100, was special and unforgettable. Her passengers
knew this, her coworkers recognized it, and Paul Walsh, reporter for the Minneapo-
lis StarTribune, saw it when he read her obituary. So he featured her in expanded
obituary on February 3, 2012, entitled “She Loved Route 21 and it loved her.”
(www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/138612979.html)
Karyn’s funeral on February 10 was a beautiful testament to how well she was
loved. It was attended by coworkers (including her life partner Margo Trujillo,
Heywood maintenance), retirees, managers and passengers, who gathered to give
one another comfort, to pay their respects and to tell stories. Attendees were sad-
dened to hear that Karyn’s sister passed away the morning of Karyn’s funeral, also
of breast cancer.
Karyn’s kindness, energy, dedication and sense of humor will continue to inspire
both drivers and passengers, especially on the 21-line, a line she drove for 30 years and where she became a Lake
Street legend. Upon learning of Karyn’s passing, for example, a driver on Lake Street pulled her bus over to
observe a moment of silence.
As one of Karyn’s passengers said, “If you felt bad, and she talked to you, you felt better.” Another remarked
on her “beautiful personality.” Yet another former passenger observed that, “If Karyn was driving, there was no
trouble on the bus.” She respected others and they respected her.
Small wonder that Karyn’s favorite quote was: “Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.”
In MemoriamRobert Marcel Mercier, age 47, of rural Arlington passed away on February 10, 2012.
Robert was born on November 11, 1964 in Detroit, Michigan to Marcel and Cecile
(Mathe) Mercier. He married Sue Neelan from Arlington on May 13, 1995. Robert is
survived by his wife, Sue; children, Ashley and Joel; father, Marcel of Grand Rapids,
Michigan; siblings, Muriel (Marlin) Dryer of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Collette Mercier
of Ogden, Utah, Gisele (Thomas) Mix of Ada, Michigan, Gerald (Becky) Mercier of
Ogden, Utah, Yvonne Mercier of Upland, California, Paul (Mary Jo) Mercier of Birming-
ham, Michigan, Monique (Paul) Diffl ip of Big Rapids, Michigan; and many nieces and
nephews. He was presently employed at NorthStar Facility in Big Lake.
Robert W. "Butch" Bruce, Jr., age 63, of Coon Rapids, passed away peacefully surrounded by
family on February 12, 2012. He is survived by loving wife Linda, with whom he shared nearly 43
wonderful years of marriage; daughters, Laura and Heather (Ryan); grandchildren Luke and Alyson;
mother Marilyn; sister Sandi (Howie); and many sisters-in-law, brothers- in-law, nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by beloved father Robert W. Bruce, Sr. and many
aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Butch #7604 was hired as a part-time driver July 8, 1996, was promoted to full-time April 26,
1997 and retired from FTH on February 3, 2012. He passed away on February 12.
Albert James "Jim" Bittner, age 76, of Bloomington, died peacefully at home January 9, 2012. He was a beloved husband,
father, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Helen; siblings, John, Fred,
Mary Ann; twin sons, Christian and Christopher; grandchildren, Samuel and Grace. He is survived by his wife of 54 years,
Evelyn; children, Mary (Gary) McAlpin, Ann (Gregory) Schiffer, Norbert (Barbara), Nadine (Jim) Reinhardt, Joan (Rick)
Hiel, Danette (Bill) King, Jim (Christine), A.J. (Annette) Samuel (Amber); 41 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; siblings,
Betty Mitchell, Barb (Ron) Hoppe, Bernard (Lisa). He was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Bloomington
and People of Praise Community.
Jim, Operator #7021, retired from Metro Transit in February 2000. He was re-hired part-time on June 15, 2000 and left
service from East Metro on April 7, 2004.
His favorite saying is "Joy is the net of love in which we catch souls."
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 writing to the Medical Review Officers (MRO), copies of: the Litigation Package* of the initial test. (this will
tell you how your test turned 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,
including union 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 behalf during this meeting because I believe it may lead to disciplinary action taken against me. If I am denied my right
to have a union representative present, I will refuse to answer accusational questions and any I believe may lead to
discipline.
New Requirements for CDL Carriers
DOT Medical Certifi catesAbout the Law:
The Federal Government has passed a new law regarding CDL holders which ties the medical examiner
certifi cate (DOT physical card) to the commercial driver’s license.
License Renewal:
By 2014, all CDL holders must have self-certifi ed their operating status and provided a current medical
examiners certifi cate. MN Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) is collecting
and copying the medical examiner certifi cates when a person applies or renews their CDL.
Self-Certifi cation Form:
When renewing their license, CDL holders will have to fi ll out a SELF-CERTIFICATION FORM.
Metro Transit Employees are Exempt:
All Metro Transit CDL holders should mark Box 2 on the Commercial Driver License Self-Certifi cation
Form. We are exempt from 49 CFR part 391.
If you work for another company:
Only employees who work for another company that requires a CDL should mark Box 1 and produce a
medical examiner certifi cate.
If you have a temporary DOT card:
The CDL holders are expected to fax or mail in their temporary DOT card to DVS, or stop by a local DVS
location every time their DOT changes.
