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

Autumn 2013

What’s Inside...

Officer’s Corner

page 2

Union Meeting Highlights

page 3

57th ATU International Convention

page 7

TSSC Minutes

Page 11

Roadeo Winners

page 14

Privatization Issues, Challenges, and

Opportunities

page 15

Green Line Update

page 19

Employee brunch

page 20

Theresa Collins #1378

Ice Cream Social

page 21

Low-Wage Workers In Revolt

page 23

ATU Local 1005 Picnic Prize List

page 24 (Pictures on page 30)

What Really is Affirmative Action?

page 25

"A stronger and more demo-

cratic labor movement is an es-

sential ingredient in a revitalized

movement for progressive change

and social justice, which I believe

is so important to this country's

future".... Michael Goldberg, As-

sociation for Union Democracy

ATU 1005

ELECTIONS At this year’s ATU Inter-

national Convention, ATU

1005’s Michelle Sommers

was elected as an Interna-

tional Vice-President (see p.

2). Since her election to that

position, Local 1005 Vice-

President Dorothy Maki has

been Acting President. In or-

der to fi ll the position of ATU

President, an interim election

was necessary.

The two positions up in

the October 15 primary were for

President and Recording Secretary

(Mark Lawson had to resign to run

for President.) Dan Abramowicz and

Stephen Babcock ran for Recording

Secretary/Ass’t. Business Agent, and

Dan won the election with a majority

of votes cast.

For the position of President,

there were seven candidates: Peter

Huston #9974, Fred Snelson #5449,

Mark Lawson #6986, Bob Patkoff

# 9038, Joseph Mitchell #67293,

Andrey Piskun #71046 and Faye

Brown #6331.

In a primary election, one candidate must win 50% plus one of the total

votes cast. If that does not happen, there is a runoff election. The run-off

election was on Wednesday, October 30, between Mark Lawson and Fred

Snelson. Mark Lawson won.

The next scheduled election for a three-year term will be held in

November, 2014. Many thanks to all the candidates, voters and workers

who made this elect a success.

This is our Union!

Ballot clerks Lillie Loving and Jody

Theisen, MJR Maintenance Board member

Steve congratulates Dan on his

win, "We are all ATU!"

Less than two months ago I was elected an International Vice

President of ATU at the International Convention in San Diego. I am the

first person from our local to serve in a position in the International. I

will do my best to represent.

A week before the San Diego convention, I did not know I would be

in this position. It wasn’t planned. I was not selected for the position. I

had to decide, literally overnight, whether to take on the challenge to run

against the endorsed candidate. I made the choice to run, and the

delegates made the choice to elect me. So I am bringing my knowledge,

my skills, and my attitude to the International.

All the IVPs met at the end of the San Diego convention, and from

there I went straight into the job of helping in a Chicago local. There was

no side-trip to Washington. My home remains here in Minnesota. For

the past month, most of my working days have been spent in Chicago,

and that will continue for awhile. I have no idea where my next

assignment will take me.

Everything I learned about the union comes from 1005. This was my

first union job. I can't begin to thank everyone for all the help and

support over the years. We had some ups and downs but we always

found a way to get the job done. My days with 1005 prepared me for this

new role. I’m ready for the challenge.

I am still under a leave of absence from Metro Transit. I’m still paying

my local union dues. I won’t forget where I came from.

OFFICER’S

CORNER

Page 2

Michelle SommersFormer

President/Business Agent

LOCAL 1005

OFFICERS

Acting

President/Business Agent

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:

office@atu1005.com

website:

www.atu1005.com

Calendar

Education Committee

Meetings - 11:30 a.m.

*Meeting Date Changes

November 12th

December 10th

Membership Meetings

*Meeting Date Changes

November 19th - St. Paul

December 17th - Mpls.

10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

From the conven-

tion fl oor after being

elected ("And no,

Jerry, I didn't cry.")

Page 3

Union Meeting Highlights

August

Executive Board recommendations/Requests for arbitration

In each of the following cases, members appeared before the Executive

Board to discuss their requests. Because their requests were

recommended for arbitration, they did not have to appear before the

membership.

A Nicollet operator requested arbitration for a Responsible Accident.

The Executive Board voted to recommend this case for arbitration.

An LRT operator requested arbitration for a Discharge: Misconduct.

The Executive Board voted to recommend this case for arbitration.

An FTH operator requested arbitration for a Discharge: Absenteeism

Policy and Overall Record. The Executive Board voted to recommend

this case for arbitration.

An FTH operator requested arbitration for a Discharge: Responsible

Accident with Bicycle. The Executive Board voted to recommend this

case for arbitration.

Other business

The State Fair 2013 Letter of Agreement was read, discussed and

recommended for adoption. The membership voted to adopt.

Financial Secretary-Treasurer’s Report

The following members passed away since last month’s meeting:

Timothy Perez – Active

Leonard Christensen - Retired

Donald Oshman - Retired

Members stood for a moment of silence.

President’s Report

Michelle Sommers reported:

Rochester contract negotiations have stalled. The main issues are

healthcare and the lower wage rate. Some actions are being planned to

deal with this situation.

An arbitration case was lost in which a bus side-swiped a garbage

truck.

Metro Transit is being investigated by the Department of Labor on

FMLA Second Opinions. The DOL will contact some individuals for

interviews.

At the last meeting of the ATU Health & Safety Committee, we met

with the FTA in Washington, D.C. They are talking about finally hosting

a national conference on operator assaults and driver restroom breaks.

The ATU International Restructuring Committee (I’m a member)

has come out with recommendations to be heard at the International

Convention next week. They are proposing Joint Service Councils to help

small locals with contract administration and paperwork. Joint Industry

Councils would help deal with specific private employers, bargaining and

Education

Committee

Advisors

Dorothy Maki

Mark Lawson

Chair

Melanie Benson

South

Theresa Collins

Heywood Office

Ilona LaDouceur

Rec. Secretary

Sam Adams

Nicollet

Alec Johnson

Ryan Timlin

Ruter

Jackie Williams

Joseph Oladipo

East Metro

Philip Jarosz

Doug Barton

Heywood Garage

Faye Brown

Vice-Chair

Debbi Sievers

LRT

Carl Rice

Lisa Callahan

Joseph Otoo-Essilfie

725 Bldg.

Stephen Babcock

Layout

Editorial Board

Ken Dolney

Gary Bier

Page 4

contracts with First Transit, MV, etc. This

also would include an increase in the

International monthly per capita of $1.50 in

July 2014, and an additional $1.50 in July

2015.

We are trying to attend all the

transportation funding meetings possible

right now to build the coalition to get a good

transportation bill passed next year.

Mark Andrew received the Regional

Labor Federation endorsement to be the next

mayor of Minneapolis. He will be good for

transit.

There’s a new state law on sick leave

effective August 1st. Now you can use up to

160 hours of sick leave to care for family

members. This does not change the sick

leave policy - an occurrence for a family

member still counts (unless covered by

FMLA). The contract language of 10 days

for FMLA care of a family member is now

overridden. This is Bulletin 84 for bus

operators.

The MSRS is doing well, and has had a

14% return on investments so far this year.

Retirees will now be able to have their retiree

dues deducted monthly from their MSRS

check, if so desired. Starting in 2015, there

will be some reduction factors which will

take effect for early retirees. Call the MSRS

for information on your specific case.

Vice-President’s Report

Metro Transit’s open enrollment is coming

up Oct. 30- Nov 15th. Consider a generous

contribution to the ATU 1005 Hardship

Fund. Board Members and officers will be

in the facilities talking about it.

There will be a Labor Day Parade at the

State Fair Grounds. There’s free admission if

you march in the parade.

New Business

A resolution to stand in solidarity with

Justice for Terrance Franklin was read and

discussed. A standing vote was taken. The

motion failed.

South Transportation Board Member-elect,

Arthur Hayne, took the oath of office.

Light Rail

Carl Rice #6223

Lisa Callahan #6716

Joseph Otoo-Essilfie

# 67312

Light Rail welcomes these new operators starting on October 7:

Donald Helgesen #2458

Lorna Sheehan # 2488

Gregory McClellan #65176

Mohamed Ali #66198

Annette Butler #67087

Robert Rahim Muhammad #67249

Jony Erena #67387

Eddie Moore #67419

Hamza Noor #64362

Abdusemed Ahmed #68302

Pao Moua #68308

Christina House is the new Coordinator for Light Rail.

Christina joined Metro Transit as a bus driver in October 2007

and went to Rail in July 2008. She became a Relief Instructor

for Light Rail on June 2009 and a Full-time Instructor on

September 2012. In her new position, Christina will coordinate

with management on a wide range of activities, including

training new and veteran operators for the Blue and the Green

Lines.

Rolland Green also accepted the position of Full-time

Instructor in September of 2013. Rolland was a bus operator at

Nicollet and MJR Garages. He joined the Rail team on

September 2009 and became a Relief Instructor in November of

2012. His primary responsibility is to train new and veteran

operators on the blue and the new green lines.

A cozy new exercise room for Light Rail has been

completed on the third floor of the Light Rail Operations and

Maintenance building. It has been fitted with a 40-inch flat

screen TV for comfort while exercising. Management has also

replaced the old TV in the operator break room with a brand

new 60-inch flat screen TV for the operators.

There are 12 new radio channels. Almost all radios have

been updated. If you see any trains that haven’t been updated,

please let the RCC know and write it up.

Checking in to get your track warrant has changed. There is

no more direct contact. It’s all done via phone and computer

now.

Remember, operators, to take your trash with you when you

leave the cab. And last trains in, please turn in the lost and

found. Take care of the trains. We do have to share them with

everyone. The new cup holders are nice, but I take it a few of

the operators don’t like them because I see them being taken

apart. Some of the new seats are already hard to adjust.

Page 5

Union Meeting HighlightsSeptember 2013

Request for Donation

The “Raise the Wage” Minimum Wage Coalition requested

that ATU 1005 sign onto a resolution of support, and make a

contribution. A motion passed to endorse “Raise the

Wage” and contribute $250.00.

Arbitration requests

A South operator requested arbitration over a Medical

Disqualification. After discussion in which Judy appeared and

made a statement, the Executive Board voted not to recommend

this case for arbitration. On appeal, the membership voted not to

send this to arbitration

Two LRT maintenance employees requested arbitration after

being charged with occurrences for not reporting twice on the

same calendar day (two cases). This case will go to arbitration.

An LRT Operations Mark-Up Issue will go to arbitration.

A Nicollet operator requested arbitration over a Filed

Customer Complaint. This case will go to arbitration.

Other Business:

A motion to consider the following proposal submitted to the

Executive Board failed:

The ATU 1005 Executive Board shall direct/implement that a

“special edition” newsletter be published. This “special

edition” newsletter shall be for the sole purpose of providing a

forum in which any and all nominated/qualified candidates for

the upcoming union election may submit articles introducing

themselves along with their positions to the membership at

large.

This “special edition” newsletter will be published in a

timely manner and distributed to the membership at least ten

(10) days prior to the election.

Any and all details necessary in carrying out this motion

shall be the responsibility of and at the discretion of the

executive board.

Financial Secretary-Treasurer’s Report

The following member passed away since last month’s

meeting:

Richard Kirkvliet- Retired

Members stood for a moment of silence.

President’s Report

Acting president Dorothy Maki reported:

The Stockkeeper training program is moving along well.

Ron Laumeyer is working with me. This will help other ATU

members obtain the qualifications for the job.

The coalition for the Transportation Bill includes roads and

bridges. I went to Blue-Green Alliance event “Repair America

Bill” on repairing the infrastructure. We aren’t proactive, but

Heywood

Ilona LaDouceur #66048

Faye Brown #6331

Debbi Sievers #64222

Sam Adams #3634

TIC

Congrats to the five new TIC hires.

They have all completed their training

and coaching and are now full-fledged

Transit Information Representatives.

A special shout out to friend, long-

time union brother and first-time TIC

Trainer Sam Adams #3634 who, along

with very long-time union brother Gary

Bier, had a successful first class (five of

five).

Construction

September was a trying month with

the construction right at our feet at

Heywood. There was some construction

in our front parking lot for a short period,

but the big obstacle was the construction

going on out in front of our facility on

6th Ave. N./Olson Memorial Highway

due to the Interchange across the street.

Who knew that that because of a con-

struction closure from our facility going

east to the Holiday Station where it meets

5th Street N. and 5th Ave. N. could be

the nightmare it was? For example,

going to the lower lot to retrieve a staff

car to bring to the front of the building to

load supplies for a Travel Booth event

took 25 minutes (versus the normal five

minutes). We were all in for more head-

aches than ever that month.

Buses were detoured from turning

left from Olson Memorial on to north-

bound 7th St to the street just west of

Oak Lake Avenue. This included buses

already detoured from the detour on pull-

ins and pull-outs!

Thankfully, they have reopened 6th

Ave to traffic. We are so grateful!

Page 6

MJR

Jackie Williams

#66180

Joseph Oladipo

#66152

Congratulations

MJR would like to congratulate Michelle

Sommers on her election as an ATU International

Vice-President. Thank you for your great work.

Drivers will miss you and management will dance

joyfully.

August saw the retirement of Driver Roger Kellene

#2261. He had over 12 years of service with Metro

Transit, all at MJR. Happy retirement, Roger.

Congratulations again to Annette Duscheres

#72276. She successfully defended her garage title in

the Roadeo. Her wing woman was Leatha Falls who

followed with Garage second place. Only eight active

MJR drivers were brave enough to try the course this

year and only two were women. What happened to

the other 180???

Ms. Lillie is big news. Do a Google search of

"Lillie Loving." She is the September featured driver

on the Metro Transit page Rider's Almanac ‘Know

your Operator.’ Congrats, Ms. Lillie! Keep on smiling.

Garage amenities

After years of talking about a kitchenette in the

garage, the renovation has been on going over the last

two years and is still in process. Our GM Doyne is

still pushing for it.

Two thumbs up to MJR Club members Carmen

#67015 and Joel #2101 for serving breakfast to raise

money for the TV. Thank you.

We are having good conversations about parking

etiquette. People are more aware and speaking up.

There should be no double parking in the front.

People who want to double park should do so at the

back of the lot. Be courteous of other drivers.

Running Time Committee

The garage manager has appointed two drivers to

a running time committee for the #5 line. The aim is

to improve running time between noon and the end of

rush hour. If you have any ideas on how to make the

route run better, talk to committee members Elmer

#6733 or Joe #66152.

waste money by being reactive.

U of M workers are looking for support. The U is

looking to take $1.8 million out of their healthcare.

They showed up for us at our rallies.

Please call these key transportation legislators if you

live in their district (list on back table).

Vice-President’s Report

Dorothy Maki reported:

I flew into San Diego early for the Latino Caucus.

By Sunday it was clear that many locals wanted

Michelle to run for International Vice-President. She

decided to run.

I knew from Sunday through Thursday that I would

work on a speech to nominate her. It was a pleasure.

We’re losing one of the best. We need Michelle at

the International- to fight the lawyers and to have a

higher profile.

We’ll miss her. I’m not ready with four years in

office to fill her 17-year shoes.

New Business

A motion passed to pass the hat for Latino Caucus

member Victor Torres, who is a State House

Representative in Florida.

Nominations (accepted, only) for the interim

election for President/Business Agent:

Peter Huston #9974, Fred Snelson #5449, Mark Lawson

#6986, Bob Patkoff # 9038, Joseph Mitchell #67293,

Andrey Piskun #71046, Faye Brown #6331

Nominations (accepted only) for the interim election

for Recording Secretary/Assistant Business Agent:

Stephen Babcock #3128, Dan Abramowicz #6225.

REPORT OF ROCHESTER

Dave Gosha reported: Next mediated negotiations are scheduled for October 16th. We will see how things go. We may need to do some actions - stay tuned. We will need a schedule of volunteers. The new pick is coming at the end of October. Jim would like to do a one-day pick on a Saturday. How do you feel about that? (Consensus is to stay with the current contract language for picking.) The new Route 19 will be included in the pick if the city is ready with it by then. It will add approximately two positions. Rick Brown’s last day was today. He has retired and is moving to Arizona. The “Open Enrollment” was for non-union employees. We will have open enrollment after the contract is settled. What we have will stay in place until then.

Page 7

East Metro

Philip Jarosz #65015

Doug Barton #68273

POD13

Over the next 10 weeks train-

ing for the Washington Avenue

Mall will be implemented. All

operators are required to take this

training. Please see George or Tim

in instruction before signing up for

this training.

New Pull-in and Pull-out

Procedures For Next Pick

The ongoing construction of

the I-35E corridor will bring in

new changes for getting into and

out of East Metro beginning with

the pick in December. Pull-ins

will proceed as follows: All bus

traffic will be diverted to Jackson

Street (Rte. 68) to Cayuga.

Proceed down Cayuga hill R into

East Metro. Pull-outs: Exit out

East Metro R onto Cayuga, L on

NB I-35E Ramp VR on York

(Buses Only Slip Ramp), R on

Westminster to Cayuga.

The reasoning behind the two

routing procedures is to minimize

the impact on Cayuga Hill at

Jackson. Stay tuned for updated

procedures in regards to routing of

car traffic and changes of existing

routes as the December pick draws

closer.

57th ATU International Convention

"So Much More"

“Change is the law of Life. Those who look to the past or the present

are sure to miss the future.”

Javier Perez, International Executive Vice-President

From Convention Literature:

The Amalgamated Transit Union, AFL-CIO, CLC, is the largest

international labor organization representing transit workers in the United

States and Canada. Founded in 1892, the ATU today is comprised of more

than 192,000 members in 254 local unions spread across 45 states and

nine provinces in Canada. We represent a broad range of frontline transit

workers providing public transit, school transportation, intercity bus

service, light rail, para transit, ferry services, and maintenance and clerical

service as well as firefighters and other municipal employees. The ATU

works to promote transit issues and fights for the interests and welfare of

Page 8

725 Bldg.

Stephen Babcock #3128

Electronic Department

Greg Springer, electronics

technician has left service. We

wish him well. They are looking

for a replacement.

The new buses have started

arriving again for their video

and radio installs / updates.

Farebox Department

There will be four positions

opening up soon.

Training Department

Professional Operator

Development 2013 (POD 13)

POD13 is mandatory for all

bus operators (part-time, full-

time). Classes are being held at

the OSC/725 building and oper-

ators must report to class on

time and in proper uniform.

They also offer some weekend

classes. Full-time instructor

Denny Johnson will be teaching

all the classes with the help of

one relief instructor from each

garage.

POD13 is being split into

two areas: First, a one thirty

minute presentation on intersec-

tions; and second a two hour

presentation on WATM

(Washington Avenue Transit

Mall). WATM is were Metro

Transit buses will drive on LRT

tracks from Walnut Street to

Church street. The WATM pre-

sentation will include classroom

instruction as well as actual

driving on the WATM.

SOP’s for right turns, left

turns, straight ahead intersec-

tions, and the WATM will be

distributed during this

mandatory class.

its hard-working members and all working people.

ATU delegates from across North America began arriving in San

Diego, California for the 57th International Convention that began

Monday, August 26 and ran through Friday, August 30. The theme of the

Convention “So Much More” reflects our conviction that while we have

accomplished so much since our founding in 1892, we have only begun to

realize the full potential of our international union.

ATU delegates elected international officers for the next three years,

heard from notable speakers, addressed the 21st -century challenges

faced by Labor and the transportation industry, and made plans to create a

brighter future for transit and allied workers. Among the speakers were

transit advocates, Senator Elizebeth Warren D-Ma,, Rep. Tammy

Duckworth D-IL. and Ontario New Democratic Party Leader, Andrea

Horwath.

ATU delegates charted a course for the future at with the restructuring/

addition of Industry Councils. The new structure defines a strategic

vision to raise standards and build power for transit workers, and to fight

for more and better public transit. These dramatic changes to the ATU

structure were approved to better fight multi-national transit companies,

and funding measures were passed to sustain these efforts. Delegates also

voted for a series of resolutions to increase educational and training

opportunities.

Delegates re-elected International President Larry Hanley and

International Secretary-Treasurer Oscar Owens. International Vice

President Javier Perez was elected to ATU’s number two spot as

International Executive Vice President.

“I am honored and humbled to be re-elected to lead a union of leaders

and activists who make a difference in their communities,” said Hanley.

“Our leaders recognized we face many challenges. Multi-national

companies are trying to take over transit systems at the expense of

workers and riders. Billionaires and their political stooges are attempting

to destroy democracy, gut public services, marginalize workers and

debilitate communities. Our delegates voted to make critical changes to

restructure ATU to better arm locals both large and small to confront these

battles.”

“The Convention is where our local and international leaders take

stock of our International Union as it is today, while refining our vision of

the future,” said Hanley. “We meet at a challenging time for our members,

public transit riders and all workers. Ridership is at record levels, but

many transit systems are still cutting service or raising fares. Billionaires

and the politicians who serve them have spent the last five years tearing

apart the laws that enable workers to collectively bargain and to have

decent lives.”

Delegates took part in the first-ever ATU Convention Training

Academy. This innovative educational experience is part of the Union’s

continuing efforts to enhance the skills and abilities of our local officers

and members as they respond to the new challenges facing transit workers

and the industry.

Page 9

Nicollet

Melanie Benson #854

Alec Johnson #66034

Ryan Timlin #66279

Nicollet Garage Sale

The garage sale on September 7th

was very successful. Drivers will be

able to continue enjoying cable TV,

and a portion of the $900+ proceeds

was shared with maintenance. Many

thanks go to all of the volunteers who

worked so hard on a very hot day to

make this possible. Special thanks go

to Maria Flores #6942 for her energy

and commitment.

Retirement Party

Safety Specialist Jon Uzpen retired

on October 1st after 40 years of

employment. He will be replaced by

Marilyn Hood, previously the Safety

Specialist at Heywood Garage.

New Garage Coordinator

Following the recent retirement of

Joel Terrell, Nicollet Garage was look-

ing for a new Coordinator. Jerry

Larsen #9763 has accepted the posi-

tion of Garage Coordinator for

Nicollet, and will begin this new

phase of his career on October 12,

2013. Jerry had been a Relief

Instructor since October 2001 and has

most recently been at East Metro

Garage.

We look forward to working with

Jerry, and we welcome him to

Nicollet.

Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction

The road project on Nicollet

Avenue between 36th Street and 40th

has come to an end after a very long

summer of detours and obstacle-

course driving. Buses that have been

detouring on Blaisdell southbound and

1st Avenue northbound are finally able

to drive on Nicollet Avenue once

again.

Classes ranged in subject from “Obamacare” to grievance

procedures and ranged from an hour to several hours. The classes

gave the opportunity to ask questions, comment, and share/learn

information.

Delegate Report Submitted by Stephen Babcock

Michelle Sommers Elected ATU Vice-President #18

The candidates nominated for union positions remained

unchallenged and were declared winners by unanimous vote until we

reached the position of Vice-President #18. Two candidates, Paul

Bachtel of Local 587, Seattle, and Michelle Sommers, ATU President

of Local 1005 were nominated.

The candidates knew prior to the nomination that they were in the

running. Campaigning had begun as soon as they had arrived in San

Diego prior to the start of the convention. Michelle campaigned

aggressively by going to individual caucuses and requesting

endorsement. Paul was not sitting idly by. He had also been visiting

caucuses, but not by himself - he had the backing of President

Hanley and was accompanied by Javier Perez, future International

Executive Vice President. On Thursday, Paul came out with his

flyer and a letter of endorsement from President Hanley.

Michelle had come out with a ! yer on Wednesday that listed some of her quali" cations, along with her endorsements: ATU Latino

Caucus, ATU Midwest Conference Board, ATU Ontario Conference,

ATU Florida State Labor Conference Board, ATU Ohio Joint

Conference Board, ATU Texas State Labor Conference Board, ATU

Illinois Joint Conference Board. Paul’s local was out campaigning, as

were the 1005 delegates.

By Thursday, Michelle’s endorsements had increased, but

at the time of nomination it was felt that the election could go

either way. Dorothy Maki, ATU 1005 Vice-President, made the

nominating speech for Michelle while other 1005 delegates stood at

the microphones. Paul’s delegates nominated him. After the vote

was taken, it took some time to tally the results. The vote count was

327-204. The rest is history. Paul gave a gracious concession speech of unity and respect for Michelle. Michelle is now the International

Page 10

South

Theresa Collins #1378

The maintenance staff has an

awesome working relationship

with the drivers, and they work

very hard to keep our buses well-

maintained and nice and clean.

The next time you see someone

from the shop, make sure and tell

them thank you.

Billy Gamble will be coming

back to the South shop from East

Metro to be the 2nd-shift foreman.

Welcome back home, Billy!

Radio,farebox and bus bad-

order slips are now available in the

fuel pump/wash rack area, so

please always remember to write

up your bad-order bus.

The Southsider's Club has dif-

ferent cookouts throughout the

year. The volunteers who work

hard so we can have a nice meal

should be acknowledged. They

are:

Art Hayne #9414

Cornelious Sykes #847

Ann Marie Deneen #1274

Art Shelton #1347

Anna Penland #68310

Darlene Evans #65105

Latchman Bhagwandin

(Jerry)#6990

Thanks! You all ROCK!

Congratulations on your retire-

ment, Frank Webster #64068!

V.P. for the Midwest

(although they can

relocate her anywhere).

On Friday she was told

to report for arbitration

in Chicago the following

Wednesday.

In other related

convention news: Tommy

Bellfi eld and nine other

local fi nancial offi cers

received “Oscar” awards

for outstanding performance as Financial Secretaries in their local unions.

Marlin Jensen achieved a personal milestone in exchanging pins with

other locals (a custom at these get-togethers).

Mark Lawson was appointed to the Rules Committee, Michelle

Sommers was appointed to the Laws Committee and Marlin Jensen was on

the International President / General Executive Board Report Committee.

John Nichols, international columnist, named the ATU as the “Most

Valuable National Union” in 2012 for ATU’s community response to

Hurricane Sandy, among other things. The ATU stepped up and not only

supported its own members but also transit riders in the wake of this

devastating storm.

On Monday night there was a charity event/concert for ATU Disaster

Relief. Music was provided by the Beach Boys. Everyone had such a

good time that the

Beach Boys played

for four hours non-

stop to a dancing,

singing crowd.

A tribute to

Martin Luther King

was provided by

Marilyn McCoo

and Billy Davis Jr.,

original members of

the Fifth Dimension.

TSSC Minutes – June 27, 2013

In Attendance:

Monica Kruger, Nicollet ATM – Management Advisor;

Kermit Wallace, Nicollet – Chair; Jerry Langer, MJR;

Terry Zeimet, LRT; Deb Sievers, FTH; Cornelious

Sykes, South; Shanghi Ly, East Metro;

Captain Mike LaVine, Metro Transit Police; Mike

McNamera, LRT; Jim Perron, LRT; Brad Cummings,

LRT; Eric Anderson, LRT; Christy Bailly, Bus

Transportation; Mark Lawson, ATU; Emily Anleu,

Recording Secretary; Jouquitta Johnson, Bus

Transportation Intern; Brenda Himrich, Safety

• Monica called the meeting to order. Agenda /

Approved May’s minutes.

General summary of pre-meeting recap • Reps are able

to bring up issues or concerns from operators in the

garage.

• Leave the main meeting time for bigger issues that

can be problem solved by the bigger group. -Police

calls are being addressed by others outside of the

committee. You might have received an email from

Captain LaVine

• Robbinsdale locks - Cornelius Sykes is working

outside of TSSC meetings on issues about Robbinsdale

Transit Center locks and improved security, especially

related to the women’s restroom.

• Refl ective stripes - Cornelius Sykes reported concern

about refl ectivity of bus stop signs. Deb Sievers agreed

to locate the bulletin about giving feedback on new bus

stop signs and forward information to Cornelius and

Monica.

• LRT is in the process of fi guring out the best avenue

for concerns or issues

• Perception of the police presence -There is a

perception that police go where there is a lot of energy,

for example Red Line, instead of being available for

buses.

- Captain Lavine – Discussed Red Line. Free rides this

week, so there is more police presence. In the future

there will be two offi cers there checking fares. Offi cers

are additional to current staff

• Contact information for reps and members will be

provided to operators so they can easily raise concerns.

• We want to get tentative agendas out 2-3 weeks

before the meeting and will update about a week before

the meeting.

• Monica would like to develop criteria to determine

what issues we address. Option Evaluation for Decision

Making Sheet

• Legal

Capt. LaVine addressed questions about legal options

that exist for offi cers and operators, practical issues for

handling situations and things that are important for

operators to communicate to offi cers.

- Captain LaVine – If you have a hot concern that needs

to be addressed, please email me ahead of time so I can

address it before the meeting.

There was an issue about kicking a person off the

bus or trespassed or the Offi cer asking that the person

be allowed to stay on the bus. This was addressed

with the Offi cers with a Roll Call sheet explaining that

Offi cers responding to a call from the Operator should

initially fi nd out from the Operator what the problem is

and what they would like done.

• If the Operator wants to make a Citizen’s Arrest, have

them sign the Citizen’s Arrest Form, but it is still at the

Offi cer’s discretion whether to arrest, or not arrest, after

investigating the circumstances.

• If the Operator wants the suspect removed, the

suspect should be removed.

• If the Suspect has a problem with the Operator, the

suspect should be referred to Customer Service to

fi le a complaint. - Legal options - What conditions

need to be met for someone to get arrested? • For

misdemeanors police can’t arrest unless they witness

the crime.

• You need to be willing to make a citizen’s arrest if

the offi cer hasn’t witnessed a misdemeanor. Based on

the offi cer’s investigation, this may allow the offi cer to

arrest.

• Citizen’s Arrest - needs to be explained to operators

more often - You won’t for sure go to court.

- Operators could get subpoenaed and then they would

need to go to court. Contact your manager so we can

help you with this process.

- Offi cers can make an arrest on a felony with probable

cause, i.e. Operator assault

- We need enough evidence that the person probably

committed the crime. Clothing, description, pick them

out of a line up.

Page 11

- Operator will be asked if they are willing to

participate in the prosecution. If you aren’t willing, the

person probably won’t be charged.

If you get subpoenaed for Court You will need to go to

court and testify about what happened.

Most of the time the Assailant will get a plea bargain

- When should you make a citizen’s arrest - Chronic

fare evader.

- You have to be willing to sign the citizen’s arrest if

it’s a misdemeanor

- Sometimes the police are able to locate the suspect

after they left the bus. Please indicate to TCC that you

want the person to be arrested.

Pressing charges factors:

- Did the person commit a crime?

- Is it something that you feel they should be arrested

for?

- Is the person still on the bus?

- Provide good information about what happened.

- Can’t arrest over stroller issues.

- There are state statutes about eating and playing

music.

- It becomes a crime after the operator asks them to

stop and they don’t.

What about the times when they are wearing

headphones, but we can still hear the music? • Call for

a supervisor or police.

• Advise them, if they don’t listen, call the police and

they will be taken off the bus.

• They can be arrested if the operator has already

asked them to stop what they are doing.

You are in charge of your bus and if you want someone

off they will be taken off.

- Can the TCC be notifi ed when a suspect has been

apprehended so they can tell the op? Captain LaVine –

I think that would be a good idea.

Monica Kruger – TCC usually gets that information,

but don’t often pass it on to the operator.

• Monica will talk to TCC management to talk

about options for communicating this information to

operators.

• Mark Lawson– If you want to know what happened

go to your manager and ask for the SSR (Special

Situation Report)

• Jim Perron – TCC tries to minimize calls to operators.

Citizen’s Arrest form: You might need to fi ll out a

victim impact statement. • It’s good evidence to have in

court

What about allowing the rest of a group to ride after

one of them has been kicked off? • If you want them

off the police will take them off.

• Articulate a good reason why.

• Call TCC right away to make sure the police will

come back out there.

• The group is allowed to board the next bus.

Mob issue – They pile on the bus and no one pays. •

Call TCC for police

• Operators can pass up a large unruly group.

• Transit Supervisors and police can call TCC and have

them tell the operators to pass up a group.

- School passes are discounted on July 16 except for

summer school - Some students are still trying to use

their cards.

Call TCC for police

Letting family members use a student pass is fare

evasion.

• Kermit Wallace - Limited mobility Go-To cards

are purchased and then given to people who are not

supposed to use it. - This will be discussed at another

meeting

• There is an open section at the end of the meeting

to allow management attendees opportunity to give

information. Some said they would communicate ahead

of time if they had things they wanted to talk about or

bring up an issue

• Problem solving form

• Next meeting suggestions: -Limited mobility

- PCA’s

- These will be discussed outside the meeting before

being added to the agenda.

Page 12

Page 13

TSSC Minutes – July 30, 2013

In attendance:

Monica Kruger, Nicollet ATM – Management Advisor;

Kermit Wallace, Nicollet – Chair; Jerry Langer, MJR;

Terry Zeimet, LRT; Deb Sievers, FTH; Cornelious

Sykes, South; Shanghi Ly, East Metro

Captain Mike LaVine, Metro Transit Police; Christy

Bailly, Bus Transportation; Emily Anleu, Recording

Secretary; Jouquitta Johnson, Bus Transportation

Intern

• Monica called the meeting to order.

• Prioritizing Issues in the Operator meeting

• Minutes were approved.

Upcoming meetings

• Training Workshop – Scheduled on 8/6. - Shanghi

can’t be there. Should we reschedule? – No – Work to

enroll her in the workshops when offered for general

enrollment.

• Next TSSC Meeting – 9/12 MJR

Bylaws

• Draft of bylaws as well as other Information and

guidelines were distributed.

• We need to fi nd a time to work on these.

• If you have any suggestions about how we schedule

time to work on them please tell Monica or Kermit and

we will fi nd time to work on them.

Contact information was reviewed.

Security improvement and problem solving items

• A Tool for Prioritizing Concerns has been used by the

Representatives. - Topics evaluated were teens causing

problems on transit vehicles, teens hanging out at

Transit Centers, assaults, limited mobility and PCA fare

abuses and cell phone issues.

- Highest rated issues were the two about teens and cell

phone issues.

- Teens causing problems on transit was given the most

priority. This topic was chosen to focus on. We’ll use

a problem-solving process like the one from the recent

workshop.

- Teens hanging out in transit stations and cell phone

use on vehicles may be handled separately in other

ways or at other times.

• Cornelius Sykes: Captain LaVine, has the teens

causing trouble on transit gone up or down in your

opinion? - Captain LaVine: I have been tracking the

issues surrounding MPLS students.

- It’s an education issue. We need to educate them

on how they should act on Transit.

- There were 101 cases where we were called by

MPD, bus ops, etc.

• Cornelius Sykes: Is there a way that we can have

certain passes active only until 6pm and some active

until 10pm? - Christy: We did a pilot study with limited

passes for truant students.

- Captain LaVine: Once kids were issued limited passes

they were eager to fi gure out what they could do to get

the extended pass. Maybe the schools can use that as a

behavior changer.

- Kermit Wallace: Can the parents and the students

have more information that if they act up then their

passes will be limited?

- Monica Kruger: More so, what information is

available for the students and parents? At this point in

the problem solving process, let’s focus on questions

that gather information versus offer solutions.

• Group work - Symptoms, facts, etc. About teens

causing problems on transit vehicles. Summertime kids

are bored and they ride buses to the malls • Hanging

out at bus stops

Not riding the bus to a destination, just from stop to

stop

There are ring leaders that hold the train doors to

show control.

Posturing and showing off

Pulling the cord for every stop

Drug use

Theft – Cell phone, purse

Teens packed and overcrowded trains might cause

our paying/regular riders to fi nd another form of

transportation.

Fare evasion

Mob mentality

Customer Service Complaints

Loud music and cell phone usage

• Captain LaVine gave the following updates: - Metro

Transit PD caught the guy who was in the women’s

bathroom at Robbinsdale

- MN Laws regarding 4th degree assault: Effective

August 1, 2013, “Transit Operators” were added to

State Statute (609.2231 S11) which states in part:

- The person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if (1)

the persons assaults a transit operator or, intentionally

Jack Berner #8927, FTH

2nd Place (Pictured Above)

David Wagne #72339, FTH

Rookie of the Year

Mark Probasco #69044, EM

East Metro Champion

Randy Finch #128, South

South Champion

Annette Deschnes #72276, MJR

MJR Champion

Page 14throws or otherwise transfers bodily fl uids onto a

transit operator; and (2) the transit operator is acting

in the course of the operator’s duties and is operating

a transit vehicle, aboard a transit vehicle, or otherwise

responsible for a transit vehicle.

- A person convicted of these “slap and spit” type of

assaults against bus and train operators could receive

up to a $3,000 fi ne and one year in prison.

- Misdemeanor is now a gross misdemeanor • Don’t

need a citizen’s arrest

• They can be arrested and taken to jail

- Cases : • July 12 – operator on the Rt. 18 was spit on,

gave good description and the suspect was arrested.

• July 9 – Rt. 11 passenger threatened bus operator over

fare evasion. Person was arrested.

- Disorderly conduct: On July 16th at Maplewood

Transit Center a male suspect came up to the bus

and asked for a transfer and she told him no and

closed the door. He tried to pry it open and then

ran to the driver’s window and tried to pry it open

as well. He then stood in front of the bus. He

was arrested and booked for Disorderly Conduct,

Interfering with Transit and Tampering with a

Motor Vehicle.

• Cornelius Sykes: When will the rest of the fl eet that

has annunciators get them? – End of 2014

- Canned messages: We did a pilot and we received

good feedback on it.

- Playing a canned message is considered a warning

for a rider.

- Christy Bailly will check on when the canned

messages will be authorized to be used.

• There is a concern about kids playing in the streets at

Bush and Atlantic. Christy Bailly: We can send over a

transit supervisor to check it out.

Jeanne O'Neill #2116, Nicollet, was

the Nicollet Champion and the fi rst

woman to fi nish among the top three

in the overall competition, winning

3rd Place.

Roadeo Winners

Michael Stenberg #71018, FTH

Champion/Heywood Champion

Page 15

Amalgamated Transit Union 2013

Privatization Issues, Challenges and Opportunities: Smart Choices NeededAs reported by Ilona LaDouceur #66048, TIC

At the International ATU Women’s Conference held here in Minneapolis in June, one of the workshops we

attended was about privatizing transit, and I wanted to share this with my union brothers and sisters. While

privatization may not initially sound like one of the “hot” issues” (e.g. transit funding, cell phone policy,

contracts), it is fundamentally important in many ways.

If we lose work to “opt-outs,” our union members are losing work. Losing work means losing money - one

of the biggest impacts. I have heard stories from people who work or have worked for some of our opt-outs, and

they’re concerned about the safety of the buses they and their coworkers operate. Some report that there has

been less then quality and safe maintenance performed on a number of these buses. Some of the opt-outs do not

hold to the same high standards as Metro Transit does.

As a TIC representative, I also see the inconsistency in the quality of service and the timeliness of these

privately-operated routes. Something strange is happening if sometime during any given day a B Line bus

(537/538/539) is not running 15 or more minutes late. Don’t get me wrong, any route anywhere does run late at

times. But from where I am sitting, it is a lot more frequent with the opt-outs. Our riders also tell us that some

of the operators are not professional at times, rude or dismissive to them other times. Supposedly subcontracting

routes to these companies saves the Metropolitan Council some money, but at what cost?

When Cities Privatize Transit, They Lose Control

No one in the private sector would contract out a crucial internal operation without knowing the full scope of

management issues. The public sector deserves the same respect. Private firms don’t typically contract out work

that involves their core customer base directly, nor do they give control of their capital equipment to outsiders.

For contracting out to work in public transit, that is precisely what is required.

As policy makers argue for privatization, they rely on certain assumptions about “government inefficiency”

vs. “business efficiency” - that Government is wasteful, complacent, etc. while Businesses are “lean,” “effective,”

“innovative,” and “sharp,” due to competition. Further it is promoted that private businesses will do things better

and cheaper, that there’s no downside to giving business a chance to do the job better.

History of Transit Privatization

There was a surge of privatization in the 1980s and 90s. Denver, San Diego, Phoenix and other cities saw

mixed results (short-term vs. long-term). Privatizers claimed that the benefits to Cities were that labor rates

would shrink and pension plans would be scrapped. For these results, sure there is a potential for short-term

savings. However, with the disadvantages of lower wages and reduced benefits come unhappy workers who are

not able to make a livable wage. This then leads to major turnover issues, training problems, safety issues and

threats to the quality of service. Businesses claim this is just healthy competition, but it’s nothing like that. It has

been and would continue to be a straight-up monopoly. A competitive environment is difficult to maintain with

only a handful of companies providing transit service.

Huge foreign corporations have absorbed small private providers. There are only a few major players left

(MV, Veolia, First Transit, Transit Team). There are no incentives to provide high-quality service. There is no

accountability, because profit is the only real motivator.

So, with transit monopolies in place, there is truly less incentive to provide the best and safest service to our

customers as possible. With increased privatization will come more service cuts, fare increases and/or cutting

corners with maintenance and safety. The resulting loss of control and lack of transparency leads to disaster.

These costly promises of saving money reduce the standard of living for workers and diminish transportation

services to our communities. Then comes the realization that the mechanisms that had been used to calculate the

competition issues and the costs aren’t at all what were promised.

Page 16Headlines from around the U.S.:

From the GreenBay Press-Gazette November 16, 2011: Green Bay Drops First Transit as Bus Manager,

Will Run Metro System

“After five years, the city decides to bring work back in house.”

From Long Island’s Newsday February 17, 2012: NICE to trim service

"Private bus line says it need to close $7.3M gap; Claims it will only scale back on less popular routes.

Veolia slashes service only six weeks after taking over LI bus service.”

From the San Diego Union-Tribune April 4, 2012: BUS PRIVATIZING SAVINGS not as touted; About

$1 million realized, not the $10 million NCTD had hailed before outsourcing

“All of the savings were achieved through cuts – First Transit slashed annual bus service hours by

14,000.”

From The Sacramento Bee April 7, 2004: Yolo County Looks to Fix Bus Woes. High Driver Turnover

Spurs Talk of a Sacramento RT Merger

“County asks First Transit to agree to improve its bus operators’ benefits in hopes of keeping drivers on

the job longer. First Transit paid its top drivers only $14 an hour, and lost 30 of its 56 drivers from 2003-

2004. Massive service delays, and maintenance issues….”

From the Denver Westward January 31, 2002: Bus Stopped: The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and

Round as RTD Struggles to Find a Competent Contractor

“Promised 40% savings - In first six years, costs of contracted service rose at a rate

double that of the rest of the system. Cost to city = $9 million”

From the Savannah Morning News April 2, 2013: Chatham Transit Ends Public-Private Partnership

“Chatham Area Transit (CAT) in Savannah announced that it is dumping Veolia Transportation less than

three years after entering into a contract which the French conglomerate. The CAT Chairman said simply that

the experiment ‘was becoming too expensive.’”

From NBC in the Bay Area March 6, 2013: Fairfield Officials Fine MV Transportation 295 Times For

Poor Performance

“Between 2008 and 2010, the private company was fined 295 times by local transit officials in the town

where it is headquartered for poor performance, including too many accidents, missed bus runs and late

buses.”

ATU GOALS ARE TO ENSURE THAT ANY POTENTIAL COST SAVINGS ARE PROPERLY

MEASURED AND WEIGHED AGAINST POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS ON SAFETY AND

SERVICE

A former Denver transit executive spelled out some features of privatization: “…savings by paying workers less,

offering fewer benefits, deterring employees for remaining a transit agency long enough to reach top of pay

scale…” Key – offer at least “reasonable” packages so service is not affected.

American Public Transit Association (APTA) Executive:

“I don’t want to sound like I’m against privatization, but there’s no inherent advantage of it,” Guzzetti says.

“There’s nothing about that private-sector manager that makes him a better manager than a public-sector

manager … Of course, if the savings are all, say, in the labor part, then you say all you’re doing is competing for

the lowest wages, and that’s a decision that the local community has to make.”— Charleston City Paper, May 1,

2012

Page 17

Fun Fact: Since July of 2001, ATU members have been involved in 21 work stoppages in the U.S. 81% of

these strikes have been in the private sector.

The real facts about Privatization

Privatizing transit services results in fewer, rather than more bidders.

Cost savings are far slimmer than projected, and decrease over time.

40% of systems say service quality and customer service suffer negative impacts from privatizing.

Safety, maintenance concerns, high employee turnover all contributed to this negative impact on

service quality.

Incremental savings may be found after contracting out, but by the second round of contracting, savings

disappear.

Big companies deliberately low-ball initial bids, then jack up costs after eliminating competition.

Comparing public vs. private is deceptive. Add the cost of monitoring private firms to ensure that the

level of service is maintained and savings often disappear.

What really happens:

Initial cost differentials are small (if at all), and other costs frequently eclipse even these small savings.

When routes get contracted out, transit systems spend much more than they had anticipated in

monitoring the level and quality of service provided by private entities, both of which inevitably decline

over time.

Universally recognized – private bus companies present low bids by offering substandard wages and

poor benefit packages. These circumstances inevitably lead to high turnover, fewer experienced workers

and a decreased level of safety and security measures.

We have two choices:

1. Privatization = shrinking, deteriorating service

2. Funding = expanding, improving service

This is where we start:

Building Community Campaigns and Powerful Coalitions

A coalition is an organization of organizations working together for a common goal. We build coalitions to

amass the power necessary to do something we cannot do as a single organization. The basic steps in building

coalitions are identifying common interests, reaching out to community groups, setting up a meeting and creating

mutual goals or targets of interest

How Do We Build Effective Coalitions?

Understand the distinct interest of each participating group. It is important that all the members of a coalition

understand each other in order to build on their strengths and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Choose unifying issues to work on.

The advantages of coalitions are clear: we win what we couldn’t win alone. We increase the impact of an

individual organization’s effort. It helps increase resources for our cause, draw new leaders into the work, and

broaden the scope of our work.

Getting Started

Identify groups in your community that have a stake in transit. There are many groups out there who either

rely on transit or believe in its importance. Environmental groups, smart-growth advocates, senior citizen

organizations, churches, disability groups, anti- poverty organizations, and university student groups are just

Page 18

some examples of pro-transit groups that may be present in your community and may even already be engaged in

lobbying for better transit

Think About Messaging

After you’ve got a good list of potential transit coalition partners in your community, the next step is to think

about how to approach them. Talking about your next contract fight won’t win you support from potential

community partners. However, talking to groups about the larger issues, such as the need for more funding,

better service, and the role of transit in economic growth will appeal to their self-interest and help link them up

with your local.

Set Up a Coalition Meeting

After you’ve identified potential allies in your community and you’ve thought about how to communicate

with them, the next step is to set up an inaugural coalition meeting. You may want to pick a date, time and

location in advance ahead of time, so that you have something specific for potential partners to commit to.

Identify Mutual Goals and Targets of Interest

When you have your first coalition meeting, lead the discussion but don’t dominate it. Find out what goals

each of your partners have, and what kinds of changes they’d like to see.

Member mobilizers can help you build coalitions and establish a greater presence in the community, without

requiring more time commitments from you as a Union Officer. Begin by identifying the “1’s” in your local who

are interested in organizing other members around issues, actions, legislation, and community-related topics.

Now that you’ve done the hard work--you’ve organized internally, tapped member mobilizers, built coalitions

with community groups, and identified a strategic goal--you get to do the fun part: brainstorming some collective

actions.

The tactics you choose should create excitement and enthusiasm among your membership, show your union’s

power, make the target of the tactic uncomfortable, and earn positive media attention.

Basic Criteria for a Good Tactic

1. It is focused on the decision maker of the campaign.

2. It puts power behind a specific demand.

3. It meets your organizational goals as well as your issue goals.

4. It is outside the experience of the target.

5. It is within the experience of your own members, and they are comfortable with it.

Gathering union members together with community partners for a rally can be a powerful and highly visible

way to energize members and earn free media attention.

A rally by its nature depends on turnout—a significant turnout shows strength, while a poor turnout backfires

with weakness. Turnout for a rally depends on personal communication— face-to-face and by phone. For these

reasons, a rally should not be the first tactic you go to, but a capstone on a series of smaller actions that get

attention and get members pumped up.

Building coalitions adds strength to the ATU’s position and puts additional pressure on decision- makers who

want to respond to their constituencies. If elected officials perceive that their proposed changes in public policy

are being opposed only by a few disgruntled employees and their union, they will probably proceed. If, however,

they are bombarded with letters, postcards, petitions, visits, telephone calls, and news articles calling attention to

and opposing their proposals, they may be convinced to stop them.

References: International ATU PowerPoint Privatization at ATU Women’s Conference; MN2020.org; Wikipedia

Page 19

Talent Corner by Deborah Sievers

If you or someone you know has some special talent and would like to share it with your co-workers,

please contact Deb Sievers at Heywood Garage or leave a message at

612-963-0298.

Fundraiser for 'Working

Partnerships'

On Monday, September 16,

2013 a golf tournament was held to

benefi t “Working Partnerships,” a

program of AFL-CIO Community

Services of Minneapolis.

This includes the ATU 1005

Hardship Fund, which helped eight

of our Local 1005 members this

year.

Pictured are Gordy Ravel-

ing, MJR dispatcher; Ted Ravel-

ing, Nicollet dispatcher and Russ

Hoosline, Heywood driver.

Green Line UpdateLisa Callahan #6716, LRT

The Light Rail Green Line along University Avenue is now 94% complete. We have been testing on the Green

Line since August doing some Electrical Magnetic Interference (EMI) testing from the west bank to the east bank.

This was supposed to be done by now, but the testing isn’t going so well. They have been making minor repairs

to the rail and it’s coming along. We have done some testing while being pushed, with no electrical (we call it dry

running). They also did a live wire test and went to Fry and University Avenue. That’s good progress.

On Saturday, October 5th we took three trains to the new facility in Saint Paul for storage, and I was part of

the journey. We left the Hiawatha storage at 5:45 a.m. and got to the Saint Paul facility around 12:00 p.m. with a

few minor setbacks. The vehicle that was towing the three-train consist had a hard time making it up the incline

on University and Malcolm, where rain had made the rails a little slippery. After an effort of about 45 minutes we

were up and at ‘em and moving right along. When we got to 5th and Minnesota, a dump truck was parked on the

rails. Again we had to wait to fi nd the owner of the vehicle, who fi nally arrived about an hour later.

All in all, it was a great experience. People were coming out of the woodwork to watch as we putted along

University. There’s still more testing to come and there are more trains to move to the new facility. Soon, all the

electrical will be up and running so we can start testing the rest of the tracks.

That’s all for now. I will report next time on new developments as we get the Green line ready for the opening

in June.

Page 20

Employee Recognition BrunchTheresa Collins #1378, South

As a 25-year employee, I was invited to attend

this year’s Met Council Employee Recognition

Brunch, held on Wednesday, September 18th at the

Harriet Island Pavilion. The weather was great and

the food was superb! Attendees came by bus.

This year’s theme was: Together Everyone

Achieves More (TEAM). Guest speakers included

Met Council Chair Susan Haigh, Regional Administrator Pat Born, Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb

and special speaker Governor Mark Dayton. The governor thanked us for our dedicated work at Metro Transit.

A variety of Met Council members, managers and Re-

gional Director Pat Born gave acclamations to 20, 25, 30,

35 and 40- year-service employees. Special recognition was

given to Nicollet Garage Maintenance Manager Sy Sharp

for 50 years of service. Bus Maintenance Rodeo winners

were also honored, along with those receiving safe-driving

awards.

I brought my camera with me to take pictures of my

coworkers. It was nice to see so many dedicated employees

at this event. Please enjoy the photos.

CRYPTO

Each letter stands for another. If you think M=E, for example, it would equal E throughout the puzzle. Clue:

X=O, D=E (Answer on page 35) Submitted by Pat Kelehan, Facilities Tech. #5470

A Z B X - C X W V D W T F S G R V G T S X H Q J P G J X R F S D

L K P W G B K F X W L X P P D B K H T D G K A T H B S K

M X X J Q G K W.

Page 21

Theresa Collins #1378 Rejoins Education Committee

I have been a driver for the past 25 years. I have worked out of old Nicollet,

Heywood, new Nicollet, and I am currently working out of South.

Over the years I have been involved in many activities through work: a former

Education Committee member, Community Outreach, Nicollet Club, Fit for Life,

Transit Safety & Security Committee; and I have volunteered for many different

union events.

I grew up in Anoka and was

raised by hard-working parents. Ours

was a union household. My dad is a

retired Teamster trucker, and he was

also a union steward for many years.

Some of my hobbies are movies,

dining out, traveling, crossword

puzzles and reading trashy romances.

I have been a single mother for many

years. My son is 21 years old and is starting his fourth year of college, where he is on the honor roll.

I thought you would enjoy the before and after pictures. As you can see, in the last 25 years I have changed a

lot.

Heywood Ice Cream SocialFaye Brown #6122, FTH

On September 17, 2013, Heywood Garage held one of many fundraising events hosted by the Hospitality

Committee, formed to give our drivers a

show of support when they are out with an

illness, injury or death. The ice cream social

was a way for everyone to enjoy a cold treat

and meet each other.

The committee consists of three drivers:

Felicia Bennett, Kenyia Benson and myself,

Faye Brown. We do this to show the kind-

ness that we all can show for one another.

Special thanks to the drivers, Brian Funk,

Steve McLaird, Jeff Wostrel and the many

other managers, offi ce personnel, mainte-

nance and dispatchers who supported this

event.

Greg Springer #69027

Leaves Service

Employees of the Radio/Elec-

tronics Department say goodbye

with a farewell lunch.

Page 22

ELSADeborah Sievers #64222, FTH

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guages. Our Metro Transit Police Department has several that are in use.

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Interpreters are available 24/7 and 365 days a year. When the button on the device is pushed, an operator

comes on and quickly directs the user to one of the highly skilled, qualified interpreters fluent in the required

language, as well as English.

Law enforcement and first responders find that using the ELSA is

great for fast response times and accurate information to save lives.

Using the device gives the officers and first responders:

1. Immediate response

2. Ability to assess situations accurately

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Union Volunteer Hours Rewards Program

Members, we have a variety of areas that need volunteers and involvement of membership.

Please become more involved with the Union! Call 612/379-2914 and let us know your phone number and

what days and times in the future are best for you to help with an effort. We have rewards for our appreciation of

your efforts:

10 hours -Hat

25 hours - ATU Jacket

50 hours - Laptop briefcase (canvas)

100 hours - Leather Jacket from Union House

Page 23

Low-Wage Workers In Revolt

Ryan Timlin #66279, Nicollet

February 14th, 2011 was a turning point in history, and in the labor movement in the Unites States. It was the

fi rst day of protests in Madison, Wisconsin that would soon rapidly culminate into a tense struggle at the state capitol. Sadly, these actions ended in defeat. Where the struggle collapsed, however, a much-needed discussion for the working class began to grow in its place. It may seem late to bring up events from three years ago, but since then, the nation has witnessed an upswing in strikes. From the struggles in Longview, Washington with the ILWU (International Longshore and Warehouse Union) to the Verizon workers’ strike, to the Chicago Teachers Union’s historic victory against Rahm Emanuel in Chicago, there has been a marked rise in activity within the labor movement.

In November 2012, workers walked off the job at a Walmart warehouse in Illinois, organized under the banner Our Walmart. Later that month, that action inspired 200 fast-food workers in New York City to walk off the job, calling for $15 per hour and a Union, under the name Fast Food Forward. The Our Walmart campaign hasn’t ended, as it still fi gures out ways forward to keep fi ghting. The momentum, however, has swung towards the Fast

Food Forward campaign. In fact, a quote from a TIME Magazine article makes it clear:

“It’s absolutely going to continue to grow,” says Steven Ashby, a professor at the University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations. “I see no signs from all the people I’ve talked with that it’s going to falter. At this point it hasn’t reached its peak yet. The energy of the workers, their passion, their commitment, is very, very high. They basically feel like, ‘We’ve got nothing to lose.” (Times Magazine “Fast Food Strikes Go Viral” August 27, 2013)

The campaign spread from New York City to multiple cities across the entire nation this spring, where workers walked off their jobs. One of the largest places of action was Detroit, which saw its largest strike day so far on August 29. Earlier in the week, it was estimated that 35 cities would have strike actions, but as the day drew near it was clear that this had been an underestimate. The day of the strike there were strike actions in about 60 cities.

With so much energy building up behind the struggle for fast food workers, it’s easy to wonder why this sector of all industries is leading the way. One of the biggest reasons for so many of the strike actions is because the fast food worker isn’t the stereotypical teenager with a summer job any more. More often than not, it is people in their late twenties or older. Many are parents trying to live on the minimum wage while raising a household. This more than likely will be a continuing trend, as the July jobs report shows. Out of the 162,000 jobs created in July, 65 percent of the positions employers added were with low-paying retailers, restaurants, bars and service chains.

The actions caused McDonalds to respond and defend its low wages. In July, McDonald’s created a website to show that fast food workers could survive off of minimum wage. Called the “Practical Money Skills Budget Journal,” the site’s guide to living suggested that a person working in the fast food industry needs a second job to make ends meet. Showing a monthly budget of $2,060 and 70+ hours on the clock, McDonalds’ budget shows that living paycheck-to-paycheck is indeed possible, as long as your basic necessities like health insurance, heat, child care, and adequate groceries are not included in this “Practical Budget.” This is coming from a multi-billion dollar company.

Since the strikes have taken place, there have been gains made. Jonathan Westin, who helped organize New York’s fi rst fast food strike as the executive director of New York Communities for Change, says some local workers have seen wage increases of 25 to 50 cents per hour. Some Chicago strikers have also gotten higher wages (Times Magazine “Fast Food Strikes Go Viral” August 27, 2013). These are not huge gains, but they are gains nonetheless. Ultimately the lesson for these workers is that only through direct struggle is there a way forward to better wages, better working conditions, and the right to organize.

One of the major keys to success is community and labor organizations fi ghting together. SEIU (Service Employees International Union) is the main union working with groups like New York Communities for Change to form Fast Food Forward. What this partnership has done is allowed the unions to build stronger links to

Page 24

communities. For too long it seems most unions have just stuck to the day-to-day tasks of what is going on in

their locals, forgetting that their members are a part of the larger community. What happens there affects every

worker.

The movement for fast-food workers continues to grow. In many ways, the struggle is still in its infancy. One

thing has become clear, however. With each escalated action, more low-wage workers are emboldened to join in

the fi ght. There will be many curves and obstacles ahead, but there is no going back. Exactly how these strikes will play out still waits to be seen, but the past three years have provided a possible glimpse of a fi ghtback from labor in the United States.

1 Game System- Wii Judson Jones

2 Union Jacket Linda Bueno

3 Jax $100.00 Dan Abramowicz

4 Lunds $100.00 Vernon Hutchinson

5 Cub Foods $50.00 Dennis Berg

6 St. Paul Grill $100.00 Bonnie Green

7 Shelf System- LG Mike Qualy

8 Union Polo Shirt Cheryl Kienietz-Hall

9 Google Nexus 7 John Powell

10 Nye's $75.00 Keith Severson

11 Holiday $50.00 Amalio Perez

12 Nelson's Cheese & Deli $50.00 Ken Dolney

13 Rainbow Foods $50.00 Marlin Jensen

14 $100.00 Holiday Gift Card Tom Frazier

15 Union Hoodie Matthew Stauffer

16 Bachman's $200.00 Otis Meneese

17 Mancini's $100.00 Karl Obermeyer

18 Weber Grill Trinity Jensen

19 Cub Foods $75.00 Ed Anstett

20 Ipad Mini Sreytouch Anderson

21 Basil's $100.00 Carmen Baumgardt

22 Union Letterman Jacket Stephen Nichols

23 Recognition Day (Metro Transit) Gary Bier

24 Union Bank $50.00 Scott Hielsburg

25 Union Hoodie Jon Bendix

26 Knife W/ Sharpener Don Baker

27 Rainbow Foods $75.00 Christopher Ptacek

28 Union Hoodie Skipper Kringen

29 Rainbow Foods $50.00 Philip Jarosz

30 Nelson's Cheese & Deli $50.00 Ken Dolney Jr.

31 Union Jacket Ernie Meyer

32 $100.00 Holiday Gift Card Judy Jackson

33 St. Paul Grill $100.00 Paul Brown

34 TV- 40" Sony Barb Osadchuk

35 Union Polo Shirt Brendan Anderson

36 Union House $100.00 Jay Jensen

37 Union Pullover Peter Mooers

38 Ipad Mini- 64 Richard Bork

39 Mancini's $100.00 Traci Williamson

40 Union Letterman Jacket Neal Lagos

41 Xbox Game System Jessica Kern (Blodgett)

42 Jax $100.00 Tom Joerndt

43 Weber Grill Marsha Smith

44 Nelson's Cheese & Deli $50.00 Daniel Kirley

45 Recognition Day (Metro Transit) Brooks Letourneau

46 Rainbow Foods $75.00 Corrie Nelson

47 Union Hoodie Tom Mevissen

48 Holiday $100.00 Jesse Long

49 Google Nexus 7 George Hernandez

50 Shelf System Jeanette Roberge

51 Union Pullover Richard James

52 Knife Set Melissa Mensah

53 Nye's $75.00 Charnelle Larson

54 $100.00 Holiday Gift Card Martin Olufson

55 Cub Foods $50.00 Gordon Raveling

56 Basil's $100.00 Francene Akins-Ross

57 Twins Sep.14th -4 Tix Tina Shamekh

58 Union Bank $50.00 Rocky Richardson

59 Lunds $100.00 Eric Cox

60 Holiday $50.00 Richard Walker

61 Union House $100.00 Terry Dolney

62 Galaxy Tab 2 Stephen Babcock

63 Union Pullover Deborah Sievers

64 Cub Foods $75.00 Jim Swartout

65 Bachman's $200.00 Charles Ricard

66 Nelson's Cheese & Deli $50.00 Mark Hansen

67 TV- 47" LG Susan Mitchell

14.5 $200.00 American Apparel Gift Card Wayne An-

dermann

30.5 $200.00 American Apparel Gift Card Kurt Ander-

son

50.5 $200.00 American Apparel Gift Card Maria Flores

50/50 Drawing ($231.00) Russel Dixon

Painting Drawing Dasha Lawson

Ipad Drawing Cameria Miller

2013 ATU Local 1005 Picnic Prize List

Look at these great prizes!

Page 25

What Really Is Affirmative Action?Joseph Otoo-Essilfie, M.A. #67312, LRT

Many people have preconceived ideas about affirmative action and resist information that contradicts their

beliefs. Even many advanced-level textbooks about affirmative action contain factual errors about the topic,

especially on the topic of “quotas.” Affirmative action is one of the most controversial and most misunderstood

subjects in the business curricula.

Understanding affirmative action and how it interacts with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is of

prime importance to both employees and employers. Hopefully, what I’ve written will help elucidate this very

sensitive and important topic to clear up some myths we may have about affirmative action.

Misconceptions about affirmative action

These myths include:

a. Minorities and females cannot be fired under affirmative action.

b. Under affirmative action, all an employee must be is a female or a minority to be placed in a job.

c. Affirmative action prevents employers from hiring white males who are more qualified.

d. Affirmative action requires employers to remove qualified whites and males from their jobs in order to give

these jobs to minorities and women, whether they are qualified or not.

e. Most employees who obtain jobs under affirmative action plans are not qualified for the job.

f. Workplace productivity and efficiency always suffer under affirmative action plans

g. There should be no affirmative action because the best person is always the one who gets the job.

h. Employers cannot apply to females and minorities the same job requirements they do to males and

nonminorities.

i. Hiring quotas and preferential treatments are permissible

under affirmative action.

These are some of the misconceptions about affirmative

action and, incredibly, some college textbooks contain some

of these factual errors.

The History behind Affirmative Action For a clearer view of what affirmative action is, a few lines about the history behind its enaction would be helpful in explaining this important law/executive order. The first African slaves were brought to North America in 1619. Slaves were considered property and necessary for economic development. They had no rights and at some point slaves outnumbered the indigenous people by a wider margin. Some difficult laws were passed during this period to keep slaves as “slaves,” and slavery continued for over 200 years. The civil war began in 1861 after an attempt by the country to abolish slavery turned into a bloody civil war between the northern and the southern states. The northern states triumphed and slavery was abolished when the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was passed, only to be replaced by Jim Crow laws which kept African-Americans and women in somewhat the same position as they were during slavery. Segregation and racial discrimination went on for many years until 1954, when public schools were desegregated. Another milestone was achieved with the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 abolishing discrimination on the bases of race, sex, color, religion and national origin in employment, education, public accommodation, and receipt of federal funds.

Page 26 The federal government, in addition to the Civil Rights Act, also requires that employers take steps to expand job opportunities to qualified women and minorities in order to bring them into a workplace from which it has been determined that they have previously been excluded, thus making the workplace more reflective of their availability from which the employees are drawn. This is what is known as “affirmative action” in its simplest form. It is a requirement imposed by Executive Order 11246 and its amendments first by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941. This Executive Order underwent several amendments and, in September of 1965, President Lyndon Johnson, inspired by a highly-mobilized civil rights movement, signed the current version into law.

I will not be able to cover all the details of this topic -but there are some important parts that needs mentioning: Like Title VI, this law prohibits government agencies and contractors from discriminating against any employee or any applicant for employment on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, or national origin; government agencies or contractors take steps (affirmative action plan) to ensure that the workplace is demographically reflected accordingly; empowers the court to “correct” (legal affirmative action )

employers who are found to be intentionally engaging in unlawful employment practices; and it also advances the employment of qualified veterans. This explains the reason why, when applying for any government job or a federally contracted job, the question of whether or not you are a veteran is asked on the application form. A major difference between Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and affirmative action is that affirmative action is the intentional inclusion of qualified minorities previously excluded from the workforce due to the vestiges of the past; and Title VII (passive approach) is the prohibition of workplace discrimination. It is clear to readers by now that the Executive Order 11240 (Affirmative Action) is an active approach to correcting under-representation and designed to remedy our current workplace inequities based on race or gender. Under the executive order, companies are required to develop “affirmative action plans” and consider it as management tool or as an integral part of the way companies conduct business. It should also have quantitative and qualitative aspects. The quantitative aspect takes into account how many qualified women and minorities there are in a given geographical area for a particular job or an open position. The qualitative aspect, on the other hand, develops a plan of action to address any under-representation based on the availability of qualified women and minorities in the geographical area.

Learning/Teaching Affirmative Action Correctly Teaching and learning of affirmative action has been plagued with so many misconceptions so much so that many people resist any information that contradicts their beliefs.

The issue of “quotas” in affirmative action, for example, is simply not correct - and yet that is the belief in many minds. The word “quota” does not appear anywhere in the executive order, and factually the Civil Rights Act of 1964 clearly prohibits the idea of quotas in hiring.

A common misconception is that Most employees who obtain jobs under affirmative action plans are not qualified for the job. This is clearly not the case, for the order calls for equal employment opportunities for both qualified women and minorities.

Another misconception is that affirmative action requires employers to remove qualified whites and males from their jobs and give these jobs to minorities and women whether they are qualified or not. This is troubling because it causes fear, hatred, workplace conflict and the mistrust of the hiring process which can have a negative effect on productivity.

It is hard to find the reason for these misconceptions, but one reason may be that there is inaccurate information in some college text books. Some indeed contain factual errors on this very sensitive but important subject. These text books go as far as to state that affirmative action plans require “preferential treatment” of women and minorities. Other academic literatures contains factual errors like “quota based on race and gender is used in hiring”. Quotas, instead, are used by the courts to force compliance from an organization with a long- standing history of employment discrimination (judicial affirmative action). A typical example is the Sheet Metal Workers V. the EEOC in 1986.

What employers are doing nowadays is voluntary affirmative action, where the employer institutes an affirmative action plan regardless of whether the employer is expected to do so or not. It is a proactive measure to avoid discrimination claims if it has been determined that women and minorities were previously excluded from the hiring process. Affirmative action, correctly understood and taught, is a program that: (1) applies to only government and government contractors; (2) requires these government employers and contractors to tell the government about the differences between their workforce demographics and their labor market demographics; (3) and must also show or prove to the government that they are trying to reduce these differences through a program (affirmative action plan) that includes goals and timetables and a documented good- faith effort to achieve them.

Opinion of Affirmative Action A 2005 poll on minority rights indicated that about half the country (50%) of Americans favored affirmative action programs for racial minorities while 42% opposed such programs. In 2001, a poll by the same organization had shown 47% in favor and 44% opposed - relatively consistent positive opinion about the program.

The same opinion poll also showed that, among African

Americans, 76% of self-described conservatives, 71% of

moderates, and 76% of liberals favored affirmative action.

Among whites, most conservatives oppose affirmative

action, but moderates and liberals support rather than oppose

it.

Conclusion

Seeking the true meaning of affirmative action is as good

as the program itself, for it helps ward off unnecessary

speculation and conclusions. It is also important to mention

that, after over 30 years of the program, its success has been

stupendous. Today more than half of the United States

workforce now consists of women, minorities and immigrants,

a marvelous achievement. Perhaps we need to turn Affirmative

Action into Affirmative Diversity in order to compete effectively in the ever-increasing global competitive

Page 27

environment.

Even though prejudice is not dead completely, it has suffered some wounds that may eventually prove fatal in

the coming years. In my opinion the most important factor in getting the progress achieved so far to improver is

getting line managers to buy into the idea - not just putting the burden on Human Resource departments. Perhaps

line managers’ worst fear is the lowering of standards; but it has been proven time and time again that a well-

managed diverse workforce is more potent and makes business sense. Some managers believe that the hiring of

women and minorities is just a social and moral responsibility (a very good reason), but given the nature and

scope of today’s competitive challenges, “Affirmative Diversity,” so to speak, is a must if companies and

organizations want to succeed.

Sources:

1. Fryer, Roland G,. Jr. & Loury Glenn C. "Affirmative Action and its Mythology". Journal of Economic

Perspective 19, 2005, 147-162

2. Thomas R. Roosevelt, Jr. "From Affirmative Action to Affirmative Diversity" Harvard Business Review 68(2),

1990, 107-117

3. Crosby, Faye J. "Understanding Affirmative Action" Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 15, 1994, 13-41

4. Beeman, Mark, Chowdhry, Geeta, and Todd, Karmen. "Educating Stidents about Affirmative Action: An

Analysis of University Sociology Texts". Teaching Sociology, 28, 2000, 98-115

5. Dawn Bennett-Alexander, Lawra Hartman (2009) 6th Edition - Employment Law for Business

(Misconceptions, Executive Order 11246)

In the next issue, we will discuss FMLA “The Basics.”

Page 28

This is the fi rst class of Rail operators which began training on October 7th for the new line. The class of 11

new operators in a group picture with instructors Rolland Green, Ali Haasan, Hugo Fuentes, and Joseph Otoo-

Essilfi e

Donald Helgesen #2458

Lorna Sheehan #2488

Gregory McClellan #65176

Mohamed Ali #66198

Annette Butler #67087

Robert Rahim Muhammad #67249

Jony Erena #67387

Eddie Moore #67419

Hamza Noor #64362

Abdusemed Ahmed #68302

Pao Moua #68308

Light Rail Students and Trainers

Retirements

Congratulations to August Retirees

08/02/13 Harold Lindsay, Hey Gar. Mech.Tech.

64431

08/29/13 Frank Webster, So. Gar. Op. 64068

08/31/13 Roger Kellene, MJR Gar.Op. 2261

Congratulations to September Retirees

09/07/13 Ronald Vrnak, EM Gar. Op. 6404

09/07/13 Rodney Ruffell, Hey. Op. Gar. 9818

09/26/13 Gloria Allen, Sr. TIC Rep., 3338

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 AM 2nd Tuesday of each month.

Coon Rapids American Legion,

11640 Crooked Lake Blvd NW Coon Rapids, MN

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

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

If you want to join the St. Paul Retiree Club,

contact one of the following:

President Howard Osterkamp (651) 731-2428

Vice-President Peter Lam (651) 770-8968

Treasurer Paul Huber (651) 698-6551

Roger retired on Fri-

day, August 30th, with

12 years of service.

He was joined by

family members, son

Tom Kellene and Char

Perry.

Roger is looking for-

ward to spending more

time up north enjoying

his travel trailer.

Page 29

Frank Webster #64068

Retires from South

On August 29, Frank retired with nine years of ser-

vice. Helping him celebrate are then-South Executive

Board Member Tom Loehlein and managers Tony Elia

and Frank Stumpf.

Frank is busy enjoying his grandkids, and looks for-

ward to doing some traveling.

Executive Board Member Gordy Ravel-

ing presented Roger with his ATU jacket.

Roger Kellene #2261 Retires

Page 30

Page 31

Photos by John Hawthorne, LRT Maintenance Board Member, Stephen Babcock, Education Committee

Page 32

Back in the DayMelanie Benson #854, Nicollet

Sometimes it’s fun, interesting or even necessary for us to learn a bit about our history so that we can better

appreciate our present or learn valuable lessons from our past. Perhaps this retrospective can be an ongoing

feature of our newsletter. For now, let’s journey back to the mid-70’s, when the transit system was run by the

Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC).

Physical facilities

There were only three bus garages (two had been streetcar “barns”) - Nicollet and the old Northside Garage

on Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, and Snelling in St. Paul. Each garage had a pool table.

All of the MTC management personnel, as well as transit information and customer service, were housed

above the Nicollet Garage. There were only two assistant managers at Nicollet.

Picking procedures

Drivers were not forced to pick work. At the end of the pick, any work not chosen would go on the extra

board. At Snelling, the extra board was four pages long. Drivers could estimate when their work would change

by the rotation on the board.

Drivers' Schedules

Early on, drivers’ work was written and kept under glass. The only person who could change anything on

that work with a pencil was the garage manager. Drivers had to copy their work down on pieces of paper or

notecards they carried. If drivers were in a hurry, they might call out, “Does anyone have Run XXX written

down?”

An improvement was made when printed-out runs were places between two pieces of plexiglass in an orange

plastic frame, a “paddleboard.” Drivers simply removed them from racks and carried them on the bus. (It would

be interesting to know how much paper is used now in the “computer age.”)

Equipment and Street Operations

Driving the old red buses was sometimes a challenge. The air conditioning was practically nonexistent. If it

worked at all, the power it drew from the engine slowed the buses down so badly that a driver could forget about

staying on schedule.

There was no power steering, so drivers got a lot of upper-body exercise steering around tight corners.

Buses had no radios. Drivers who couldn’t deal with problems on the spot had to find a pay phone and use

the dimes they carried to call the garage dispatcher for help. Upon returning to the garage, these dimes would be

refunded. (This wasn’t as much of a problem as it sounds, since pay phones used to be everywhere, before the

invention and proliferation of cell phones.)

Training

In 1973, training used to consist of classroom followed by new hires being assigned to a senior driver for

ride-alongs. The senior driver decided how much driving time the trainee got, and (more or less) observed,

sometimes using the time to chat with passengers. There weren’t “instructors” as such.

Safety and Security

The job of the safety supervisor used to be to do ride-checks with three drivers per day.

Garage managers used to decide whether accidents were chargeable or not.

Since there were no cameras, the chargeability of accidents had to be determined by (often-unreliable)

witnesses and the drivers themselves. (Apparently, the cameras used now have exonerated more drivers than

they have implicated.)

This is just a small sampling of how things used to be and how much they’ve changed. If anyone in any

department would like to volunteer information for this column, please feel free. You can send contributions to

melaniebenson@comcast.net or contact the Education Committee member at your garage. Thanks.

When you have an issue with a person on the bus

about something, and they call in on you, sometimes

the question from a manager is, “Did you read the

memo?” Some drivers read these memos, their “bus

bible,” and they will enforce them to the end. That’s

just the way some are, so don’t try to change them -

change the memo policy. Why do we need to read

them, when all management does is tell us to

accommodate the passengers?

MEMOS addressing practices that we have had to

later allow:

DON’T allow baby strollers on bus with children in

them, ask passengers to fold up the strollers. (You are

called in your manager’s office and told to allow them

on next time)

DON’T allow Go-To card customers to pay the

difference because the farebox and the “football”

don’t communicate. (Again the managers say to

allow.)

DON’T allow pets on the bus. (Now there’s a dog

sitting on the seat next to a passenger so no one steps

on it, and then someone’s clothes smell like a dog.)

DON’T stop in crosswalks or driveways. (Drivers

have been called in on for not stopping at the bus stop

at 2nd St. SE on Central southbound - it’s at a

crosswalk, for God’s sake).

Oh, come on, we’ve all seen where a driver

wouldn’t allow something, the customers called in on

one of us, and we were told to allow it, after all. So

why does management waste paper and time printing

these invaluable pieces of information? Do they need

something to do all day? Well, here’s a memo for

management: STOP wasting our time in the morning

checking and reading memos that will later be

excused. If you just have to have something to do,

write your memos, but at the end please write

SUBJECT TO CHANGE! Our attempts to follow

these memos cause a lot of our complaint calls.

We don’t have the time for that. We have enough

going on. Imagine thousands of pieces of paper being

thrown into your face. They all have some information

on them you need to see, yet you must still drive

safely and answer questions from customers every

day. Then there are cars, bikes, people walking, traffic

lights and other pieces of paper being thrown at

us. People will misinterpret concentration for

rudeness and make the number of complaints rise

Memo This, Memo What?Faye Brown #6331, Heywood

Page 33

higher.

Some numbers: From 2008-2112, complaints

averaged 5,218 per year. These numbers often

represent misunderstandings between drivers and

customers when we tell them something and don’t

have the time to explain that it’s a policy (I’m just

doing what the memo said); or time to explain the bus

route they need (not the one you are driving) and you

tell them to call 612-373-3333; or you’re just not the

regular driver and don’t do things the same way they

did and then you get called the “other driver,” so now

you’re rude.

Here is the breakdown of customer service calls by

percentage:

- Behavior 24.7%

- Driving/safety 14.0%

- Operations 35.9%

- Fares 2.6%

- Accessibility 5.1%

- Commendations 17.5%

Most complaints are from high-volume customer

traveled routes like the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 14, 16, 17, 18,

19, 21, 22, 50, 64 and 74.

Below are the 2012 top ten most common

complaints:

1. Pass up

2. Rude

3. Late

4. Early

5. Off route

6. Driver not helpful

7. Suggestion for drivers

8. Unfounded complaints

9. Passenger safety issues

10. Driver refused to let

passenger board or asked

passenger to leave

When you are driving, remember that attempting

to follow policies in memos may be misinterpreted as

a behavior issue.

On a happier note, from 2008-2012,

commendations averaged 1,340 per year. Someone out

there loves us. Not all commendations that should be

called in make it (it’s easier to call when you’re mad)

- or they don’t have enough information on the driver

to get it where it needs to go. Overall, for every five

complaints that are called in, there’s one

commendation.

In addition, Metro Transit landed the safety-

related awards from industry groups this year,

including a “Gold Standard” for our transit security

program. So let’s be proud of the service we provide.

Page 34

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: dorothy@atu1005.com.

Letters

to the

Editor

Driving the Nicollet Mall

It had been about two years ago that I last drove the Nicollet Mall. Imagine my displeasure (a.k.a. this really

sucks) in driving the Mall again on Rt. 11. I feel that it has become much more hazardous to Metro Transit driv-

ers.

We drivers have much to contend with on the mall. There are the horse and carriages, the pedal pubs,

the city workers emptying the garbage cans on the corners, bicycle taxi’s and bicyclists and pedestrians, emer-

gency vehicles, detours, etc. etc. All of which are distractions we must contend with. But, let me begin with my

three pet peeves.

To the bicyclists on the mall: When exactly did the Nicollet Mall become yours and yours alone to ride as

you please without regard to anyone else? You ride too fast, you swerve inbetween buses, you ride between

buses as we pass each other. May I remind you, this is not the “Tour de France”! Have respect for others who

must be on the Mall also.

Harold celebrated his retirement on

August 1 with coworkers from FTH

Maintenance and his wife Barb.

Now he’s looking forward to work-

ing in his own garage.

New Board Member

South Transportation Board Member-elect, Arthur

Hayne, took the oath of office from Michelle Sommers.

Minnesota

Operator of the Year

Tony Taylor #877 out of

Heywood Garage received this

award at this year's Minnesota

Public Transit Conference.

Congratulations, Tony!

Harold Lindsay #64431 Says Goodbye to Heywood

Crypto Answer

MY CO-WORKERS THINK I SHOULD BID ON THE FABRICATOR JOB

BECAUSE I AM SUCH A GOOD LIAR.

Page 35

To the pedestrians on the mall: Obviously, you need a refresher course on what red, yellow and green mean

at intersections. Red means “Stop”, Yellow means “Caution” and “Green” means that drivers get to drive

through the intersection. You do not get to walk in front the the bus when WE get that green light.

Policemen: Are bicyclists and pedestrians above all rules and regulations? Why aren’t tickets being given to

infractions. In order for the Nicollet Mall to become a safer environment, people need motivation. Let’s start

getting them MOTIVATED!

In order for all of us to co-exist on the Nicollet Mall, rules must be followed. These rules must apply to

EVERYONE, not just Metro Transit drivers.

Diane Schultz #9873

Policy or Harassment?

I have spoken to many bus operators on policy and procedure. I have read the policies on strollers, fares, and

various interests of bus operators. I understand I am hired by Metro Transit to give them an honest day’s work for

an honest day’s pay.

But, when I am ridiculed for relating the stroller policy to passengers, and told this is not Metro’s policy, and

that the policy was made up by the driver, I am wondering should I enforce or let it be. Management states we

should tell passengers the policy and then if they refuse to comply, we should just let the passenger board. What

good is the policy now? Certainly the operator appreciates Management’s concern and compassion for their

safety.

Usually, complaints are coming from 'third party persons.' (That is, persons who have nothing to do with the

situation, but choose to involve themselves.)

Most operators are assaulted by passengers not willing to pay the expected fares. Some are even assaulted

for informing passengers to take the child out of the stroller and fold the stroller before boarding the bus. Drivers

are compassionate and aware of mothers (some fathers) with more than one baby and packages hanging onto the

strollers.

We are told to mention the fare twice and then let it go. We are told to ask a passenger to take the child out of

the stroller prior to boarding, and then let it go. We are told to issue transfers to short-fare payers, and let it go.

Some of this we can deal with, but now we are being instructed not to engage in conversation with the passenger

that could easily be perceived as confrontational.

We drivers understand that perception is the act of deriving meaning from what and how an individual sees it,

not necessarily the way it is. Just recently a frequent rider boarded my bus at the 7th St. Garage

and paid 50 cents to ride the downtown zone. I told him I would be watching, since it was rush hour and he had

ridden to the M.O.A. in the past for 50 cents. He took offense and lodged a complaint.

My question is: Should we bob and weave, or smile and nod? Should we forfeit O.O.A., or confront rude

passengers? I venture to say that all call-in complaints should be scrutinized by qualifi ed personnel, and tossed

as petty and time-wasting. Now, I wonder what could have been a disciplinary measure for telling a passenger 'I

would be watching.'

We, as bus operators, are being harassed by management and by passengers. We are forced to work under

undue stress and pressure, we are followed by street supers, in hopes they could 'catch us' making a mistake - all

of which could initiate an accident. We are attempting to follow procedure, only to be called into the offi ce and

asked, “What could you have done differently to avoid this complaint?'

Is it Policy, or is it Harassment? Should I become a robot and simply say nothing to passengers and drive

them safely to their location? But, mostly, should I smile and nod, or should I weave and bob to avoid becoming

another operator statistic?

Jackie Williams #66180, MJR

DRUG TESTING RIGHTS If 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 layper-

son, including union officers. Professional interpetation is available at member’s expense, starting at about $50 minimum.

WEINGARTEN RIGHTS STATEMENT If 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.

This newsletter is a group effort of the Education Committee members and the Offi cers of the

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005. We publish 1,000 copies that are distributed among the

various facilites. Please return this issue to the facility (or leave it at a transit station) after reading

it so the next member may enjoy reading it, too. A color issue and past issues are posted on www.

atu1005.com for easy access.

Donald Oshman - Retired - no further information available

Leonard P. Christensen, age 99, passed away June 20, 2013. He was preceded in

death by his wife, Evelyn. Leonard is survived by children, Susan Tesch (Jerry), Garland

Hajder (Beverly), JoKay Huesmann (Michael) and Keith Christensen (Teresa); many

grandchildren; sister, Mary Berken; and many other relatives. Leonard was a kind, lov-

ing man. He enjoyed polka music and the company of others.

Timothy Perez, age 56, of North Minneapolis, passed away peacefully on July 26,

2013. Tim was preceded in death by his father, Timothy M. Perez, Sr. and other family

members. He is survived by mother, Ann; brother, David (Barb); sister, Mary Ann (Joe)

Torres; son, Timothy M. Perez, IV; daughter, Ashley.

Tim, #2299 was originally hired on February 26, 2001 and remained a part-time

operator until October 9, 2010, when he was promoted to a full-time operator. He spent

most (if not all) of his career at Heywood.

Edward L. “Ed” Smith Jr., age 65, of St. Francis, passed away on August 26, 2013.

Ed is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children Brian Smith, Kari (Cory) Dukowitz and

Nick (Hacer) Smith; grandchildren Emily, Joseph and Natalie Dukowitz, and Alyssa and

Troy Smith; siblings, nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends, especially

the friends and neighbors from "The Ponds".

Ed #406 drove for the MTC beginning on June 17, 1974 and became a transit supervi-

sor for Metro Transit, retiring on November 21, 2008.

In Memoriam