ATU1005 Newsletter

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

January / February 2012

"The labor movement

means just this: It is the

last noble protest of the

American people against

the power of

incorporated wealth."

Phillips (1811-1884) -

abolitionist, reformer

and advocate for Native

Americans

What’s Inside...

Officer’s Corner

page 2

Union Meeting Highlights

page 3

State of the Bus Fleet

page 6

FamilyMedical Leave

page 7

Lisa Benson

page 9

Southwest LRT

page 11

TSSC Minutes

page 18

Retirements

page 21, 22

Letters to the Editor

page 22, 23

Obituaries

page 24

On Monday, January 9th, members of Local 1005 and the ATU

Executive Board came prepared to show the Transportation Committee that

we wanted resolution on many of our unresolved issues.

A week prior, on Monday, January 2nd, the Executive Board members and

other members had begun to show up in the FTH Tower lobby with a variety

of signs pertaining to these issues. They then spent the week educating the

people in the Tower on what many of the no cost/low cost issues were.

Local 1005’s presence at these meetings was successful. As of

Wednesday, January 10th, management had suffi ciently dealt with nine

issues:

• Allow Cleaners to bid normally on Commuter Cleaner jobs.

Management was trying to create a separate process. The one-year

commitment to Commuter Rail will still apply.

• Pay back to retirees any overpayment they made on healthcare for

2011(affects 33 retirees).

• Change Observation Reports to refl ect only ADA and calling streets

issues.

• Change progression wage rate for operators to include all employees

not at top scale to 30 days from date of hire effective July 1, 2010 (adds

about two weeks of higher pay for 520 active members, and establishes

a more equitable standard).

• Money Room overtime agreement fi nalized.

• Fixed Recognition Program on transfers. (In the past, a transfer resulted

in a loss of recognition time in both departments.)

• When a suspension includes holidays, the holidays will be included as

work days missed when calculating days.

• Any bus operators who want to turn the interior lights off at layovers/

pull-out/pull-in trips can call TCC and request permission if they believe

there is a safety concern and there are no passengers on the bus.

• Arbitration panel meetings

Many thanks go out to all the Local 1005 members who assisted in

educating management and the Met Council, and to those who fi nally

resolved these issues.

Executive Board and Members Show Up for

Transportation Committee Meeting

OFFICER’S

CORNER

Page 2

Mark LawsonRecording Secretary/Ass’t.

Business Agent

LOCAL 1005

OFFICERS

President/Business Agent

Michelle Sommers

Vice-President

Dorothy Maki

Recording Secretary/

Ass’t. Business Agent

Mark Lawson

Financial Secretary/

Treasurer

Tommy Bellfield

ATU Local 1005

Union Office

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

(Closed 12:00 - 1:00)

312 Central Ave.

Suite 345

Mpls., MN 55414

612-379-2914

email:

[email protected]

website:

www.atu1005.com

Calendar

Education Committee

Meetings - 11:30 a.m.

on the third Tuesday

February 21st

March 20th

Membership Meetings

on the fourth Tuesday

February 28th - Mpls.

March 27th - Mpls.

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

As the newest member of the ATU Local 1005 office, I would like to

say that it was a pleasure to meet so many of our members during my

campaign. The membership of our union is truly diverse and talented.

As the political season is upon us, I would like to remind us all that

now is not the time to tune out the the news and political rhetoric.

Now is the time to become more involved. Every member of our local

is working as a result of the government.

Whether you receive your paycheck from Metro Transit, or a private

company, decisions made in Washington D.C., St. Paul, and locally do

affect your paycheck. As the funds for transit are cut, the ability of the

officers to negotiate a favorable contract is curtailed. As budgets shrink,

jobs are cut, resulting in open positions being eliminated. Further cuts

could bring layoffs to reality. Many transit systems around the country

have experienced layoffs and cuts in service.

The fact that we have been spared large cuts does not mean we can

rest politically. Last year, Governor Dayton and Minnesota politicians

received 12.000 signed postcards from transit supporters. This was an

influential factor in helping transit maintain funding in the budget

solution last summer.

So, we need your help. You need your help! It takes only a little

time to send your representative an e-mail. Go to a town hall meeting

and speak up for transit. Call you senator, and let them know that you

are delivering a valuable service to the public. And most of all, hold

them accountable on election day.

Mark Assumes His Duties

Page 3

Education

Committee

Advisor

Dorothy Maki

Chair

Melanie Benson

South

Liz Goldberg

Stacey Taylor

Heywood Office

Ilona LaDouceur

Rec. Secretary

Nicollet

Alec Johnson

Ryan Timlin

Twaya McIntosh

Blayne Williams

Ruter

Anastasia Bloodsaw

Jackie Williams

Scott Lindquist

East Metro

Philip Jarosz

Doug Barton

Heywood Garage

Faye Brown

Vice-Chair

Walter T. Curry, Jr.

Debbi Sievers

LRT

Carl Rice

Lisa Callahan

725 Bldg.

Stephen Babcock

Layout

Editorial Board

Ken Dolney

Gary Bier

(To be appointed)

Requests for arbitration

A South operator requested arbitration for a responsible accident

and Final Record of Warning. After a brief explanation during which

the operator appeared, a secret ballot was cast. This case will go to

arbitration.

A South operator requested arbitration for a fi led customer service

complaint. After a brief explanation during which the operator appeared, a

secret ballot was cast. This case will go to arbitration.

A South operator requested arbitration for a fi led customer service

complaint. After a brief explanation during which the operator appeared, a

secret ballot was cast. This case will go to arbitration.

An FTH operator requested arbitration for a 20-day suspension and

Final Record of Warning (Cell Phone Violation). After a brief explanation

during which the operator did not appear, a secret ballot was cast. This

case will not go to arbitration.

An FTH operator requested arbitration for a filed customer service

complaint and a three-day suspension. After a brief explanation during

which the operator did not appear, a secret ballot was cast. This case will

go to arbitration.

A South operator requested arbitration for a 20-day suspension and

Final Record of Warning (Cell Phone Violation). After a brief explanation

during which the operator appeared, a secret ballot was cast. This case

will go to arbitration.

A South operator requested arbitration for a responsible accident and

Final Record of Warning (third accident). After a brief explanation

during which the operator appeared, a secret ballot was cast. This case

will go to arbitration.

Financial Secretary/Treasurer’s Report

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

• Charles Alvecrog – 50-year retiree

Members stood for a moment of silence.

President’s Report

The arbitration award for a discharged Commuter Rail cleaner was

denied.

Continued on page 4

Union Meeting Highlights

November 2011

Light Rail

Carl Rice #6223

Lisa Callahan #6716

We say goodbye to Ed Volk,

#9328, who retired on January 6.

Ed was a train operator for eight

years and a bus operator for three.

Enjoy your retirement, Ed!!!

Tom Kotila #2632 retired

January 25, 2012 with 38+ years

of service. We wish you well,

TOM!

We say hello again to William

Morris, #68103. Welcome back!

It’s that time again for the

Right to Know and Rules classes.

Be on the lookout for relief to take

this important class.

1/3 DONE!

Construction of the Central

Corridor light rail transit line is 32

percent complete.

Light Rail trivia:

1) Service began in what year?

2) Coupler to coupler, how long is

the one consist (car)?

3) How many people total can fit

in one consist?

4) How many stations from end to

end?

5) How many bus routes serve the

light rail?

Answers

1) Partial service 2004

2) 94 feet

3) 66 seated plus 180 standing, so

when three trains are coupled

together for games and events we

haul at one time about 738 people.

Wow!

4) 18

5) 46 routes connect to 13 sta-

tions. Approximately twenty per-

cent of rail riders will arrive by

bus.

Page 4

Retiree healthcare rates for 2012 were received and distributed for

information only.

A national effort is underway to persuade House Republicans on the

Transportation Committee to support increased federal transportation

funding. Rep. Chip Cravaack, Minnesota CD #8, is on the committee and

a letter campaign has begun to urge him to support increased

transportation funding. Further actions are being considered.

President Sommers announced her invitation to a meeting in

Washington, D.C. with other union leaders (ATU and TWU) to discuss

bus operator health and safety issues.

Seven executive board members recently attended the 2012 Minnesota

AFL-CIO Legislative and Political Conference to better prepare ourselves

for upcoming political challenges.

A fundraiser is being held for the locked-out Crystal Sugar workers. It

will be held at the UFCW Local 1189 union hall in South St. Paul on

November 29, from 6–8 pm. All are welcome!

Assistant Business Agent’s Report

Dan Abramowicz reminded members that contract proposals are due in

the union office by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11 and by-law

proposals by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.

December 2011Arbitration requests

An East Metro operator requested arbitration for an accident for which

he was held responsible and subsequently issued a Final Record of Warn-

ing (third accident). This case will not go to arbitration.

A Nicollet operator requested arbitration for a responsible accident.

This case will go to arbitration.

An MJR operator was discharged for Gross Misconduct. This case will

not go to arbitration.

An MJR operator requested arbitration for a responsible accident and a

Record of Warning outside policy. This case will go to arbitration.

An FTH operator requested arbitration for a Class B violation (calling

streets). This case will go to arbitration.

A Nicollet operator requested arbitration for a responsible accident and

a Final Record of Warning (third accident). This case will go to arbitra-

tion.

East Metro

Philip Jarosz, Dr. #65015

Doug Barton, Dr. #68273

Two new weekend part-time

drivers are #71243 and #71245.

David Jungwirth #2840 retired.

Federal regulations class is

mandated by OSHA. This starts in

late January. Dates are posted on

the board and ALL must attend at

East Metro only.

The kitchen is starting to take

form as more improvements get

approved.

Any comments can be forward-

ed to Doug, Phil or Ken Dolney.

Please check board for no-tres-

pass photos posted weekly against

pick room board.

Drive Safely through this win-

ter without much snow. Remember

last year - sleepover. Lol

Page 5

Financial Secretary/Treasurer’s Report

Two members passed away since last month’s meeting:

- Richard Bork, Sr. - retiree

- Humberto Chavez – retiree

Members stood for a moment of silence.

President’s Report

“Transportation Day” at the Capitol is set for February 23, 2012.

“Transit Day” has not yet been announced. Congressman Chip Cravaack,

CD 8, will be receiving more letters urging him to support transit funding.

Letter collection in Duluth has been great.

All the outgoing Executive Board members were commended for their

service and dedication.

Members were cautioned about requesting video from buses. Some-

times issues can and have come up before and after the incident for which

the video was originally requested.

President Sommers commented on her recent trip to Washington, D.C.

for a joint meeting of the ATU and TWU leadership to talk about drivers’

safety and security. A survey will be coming out from the ATU Interna-

tional about restrooms and restroom breaks.

Extra Board mark-up sheets will soon no longer display the specifi c

reason an operator is off work. Instead, it will read “No Assignment” next

to the operator’s name, to protect confi dentiality.

An increased number of members, mostly operators, have been getting

DUIs, DWIs, positive drug tests and arrests.

Did This Ever Happen to You?Stephen Babcock #3128

"Buried"

Twenty years ago, I was driving a bus northbound on the #5 line

(Chicago Avenue). As usual, I was a few minutes late, which I didn’t

like - for all bus drivers know it just takes missing one green light to get

buried with people. As I was approaching 36th Street, and the light was

freshly green, I noticed an older gentleman across the street. Not only was

he waving his cane at me, but he had his other hand up waving, trying

to dodge traffi c while coming across the street against the light. Under-

standing how upsetting it is to miss your bus and be late, I pulled over to

wait for him, letting the light turn against me. After almost getting hit, he

fi nished crossing traffi c. I opened my door, he entered, struggled up to the

top step while hanging on the rail, step by step, stopped and said, “What

time is the next bus, going the other way?”.... Buried.

If you have a good story about transit, please send it to your Education

Commiittee member for possible publication. Thank you!

Commuter Rail Big

Lake

Northstar Achievements for 2011

2012 brings a new year with

new goals for the Northstar team.

We were happy to reach our goals

from 2011, including the follow-

ing achievements:

1. Purchase of sixth locomotive

2. Ramsey Station funding

3. Served all Twins Target Field

and Vikings Metrodome games

4. Chris and Joel became DSLE

qualified

5. 96.2% on-time performance

6. Only one FRA reportable injury

Popular free rides

The Northstar (along with LRT

and bus) provided free rides to

passengers going to the Holidazzle

parade on Dec. 10th and 17th.

Demand was huge, as passengers

filled the train at the Big Lake

Station on the 10th. On Dec.17th,

preparations were made to add

another special train and make the

regular service train consist larger.

This time, passengers loaded on at

Big Lake and filled the train to 1/3

capacity, with passengers loading

at Elk River closing the gap.

Although the first train did not

stop at any other stations, the sec-

ond train was able to pick up at all

stations except Fridley.

Welcome changes

In December, John McConnell

joined Northstar VMF as a clean-

er. John was a bus operator for

20+ years. Welcome, John.

A few schedule changes for the

new year as well: Will Fetterly has

switched shifts with David Linde.

He’ll be working the 3-11 shift

with David going to the 11-7 shift.

Kelly Craven moves to daytime

hours, working 7-3.

Page 6

State of the Bus Fleet

Melanie Benson, Driver #854

The Metro Transit bus fleet is always in a state of flux. Older buses

are retired, newer buses are added - and many of us don’t have a clue as

to when and how these decisions are made. This article is the first in a

series that should give us some answers to these questions.

There are currently 876 buses in the Metro Transit fleet:

approximately four New Flyer Artics; 105 New Flyer LowFloor Artics;

97 Gillig 40ft. Hybrid LowFloors; 297 Gillig 40ft. LowFloors; 260 Gillig

40ft. StandardFloors; and three MCI coaches.

Buses generally aren’t kept for longer than twelve years, so a number

of buses purchased in 1999 are scheduled for retirement, although 20-30

may be kept around to use for the State Fair. New bus deliveries will also

be used for the State Fair. The 40ft. buses 600-710 will soon be 12 years

old. The youngest 40ft. standard-floor buses were purchased in 2003-04.

There are currently no plans to purchase more standard-floor buses (only

one manufacturer – Nobi - makes them); but orders will not be placed

until mid-2013.

This will be a multi-year procurement, covering the years 2014-2019.

Metro Transit management will be soliciting input from drivers,

mechanics and others as it prepares its specifications for the

manufacturers. In past years, buses and chassis have been brought around

to the garages for feedback.

The factors taken into account when ordering new buses are:

technology, comfort, ease of boarding, fuel efficiency, longevity,

maintainability, reliability, test results, stability, and cost. New bus

purchases are paid for with 80% federal funding and 20% local (state)

funding. The hybrid buses are paid for with 90% federal funding and

Paul Kirchner, from the bus

Continued on p.14

Page 7

Heywood

Ilona La Douceur #66048

Faye Brown # 6331

Walter T. Curry, Jr. #3815

Debbi Sievers #64222

SAFETY

Pedestrians - Please slow down,

look, listen and be aware of your

surroundings. Pedestrians are

wearing hoodies, headphones and

always in a hurry, all things that

make it easy for them to step in

front of your bus. The schedule is

not worth a life or your livelihood.

Talk to your safety person to see

what can be done. We are still

meeting our goals, so that’s great!

MAINTENANCE

#1300 series bus purchases are

complete at Heywood.

The white painted lines forward

of the crosswalk have been

touched up so you can see if a for-

ty-footer can fit.

Remember to take a trash bag

liner - it really makes a difference

when you’re sitting that close to

the bag.

When the diesel/oil tanks are

finished, we will resume (BTR)

pulling in the driveway.

The 1005 Line

Remember, you can always

access past and present issues

online at www.atu1005.com on

the Education page.

You can also see the results

of arbitration votes and other

meeting results.

Family Medical Leave (Part 2)Doug Barton #68273

We last saw our friend ill-advisedly practicing Dick Van Dyke pratfalls

in the garage and ending up getting his head broken for his troubles. He

has diligently been calling in on a weekly basis to keep his manager up to

date on his recovery progress. His manager at some point (usually within

30 days of continuous injury/illness absenteeism) will inform him about

FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act). The requirements and benefi ts are

expected and available to you, but why wait for the manager? We’ll go

over them now.

Who’s Eligible?

As a Metro Council employee, you are eligible for FMLA if you have

been employed for a minimum of one year and have worked at least 1250

hours. The employment doesn’t need to be consecutive, but does need to

be at least 12 months. This means that you must have been employed for

at least 12 months and have worked a minimum of 1250 hours prior to

taking your leave.

If you are married and both of you are employed by the Council, a

maximum of 12 weeks FMLA leave may be used by both of you com-

bined, and is permitted in the event of birth, adoption, or foster care place-

ment of a child, or the serious injury/illness of a parent. However, each

employee/spouse is eligible for up to a 12-week maximum for his/her own

injury/illness, or to take care of a parent or child.

FMLA leave may be taken on a full-time, part-time or intermittent basis

upon doctor recommendation and management approval.

Leave may be paid or unpaid under Federal law. The determination of

whether the leave will be paid or unpaid is dependent on if the employee

has accrued paid time. Paid time will be used according to current ATU

contractual agreement. At present this would mean that any accrued sick

time would be used fi rst, followed by whatever vacation time is avail-

able. After exhausting all paid leave, and if you still haven’t returned to

work, FMLA will still be generating payments to your medical insurance

to keep the premiums up to date. This will continue until you have reached

the maximum time off allotted by FMLA. After that point, you will be

required to pay the full amount of your medical premiums or your insur-

ance will lapse.

Defi nition of a serious injury/illness would be as follows:

1. Inpatient care (i.e. overnight stay in a hospital, hospice or residential

care facility.)

2. Continuing treatment by a health care provider that involves:

A. A period of incapacity of more than three consecutive calendar

days.

B. Any subsequent treatment or period of incapacity relating to the

same condition that also involves:

a. Supervision of a health care provider of two or more times.

b. Treatment by a physician that results in a regiment of continuing

care by a health care provider.

Nicollet

Melanie Benson #854

Twaya McIntosh #9002

Alec Johnson #66034

Ryan Timlin #66279

Blayne Williams #77

Karyn Krech, retired Driver

#100, known as "Lake Street

Karyn" passed away January 22

after a long struggle with cancer.

More information on back page.

Transportation

January’s retirements include

Bernadine Woodards, Driver #545

and Robert Ueeck, Driver # 6381.

Maintenance

Drivers are asked to be espe-

cially conscious about how we

pull buses into the bays. The new

buses, with the extra-deep dash,

must be pulled up so the extension

hangs over the front line in the

bay. Otherwise, the other buses

pulled in will block the crosswalk,

creating a safety hazard.

Maintenance has a request for

drivers before pullout: Please

check signals and tires first, then

pull ahead to check coolant and

get help if needed. This keeps the

front of the bays free for the

movement of buses that need

repair.

Driver 854 is still looking for

someone to help her arrange pho-

tos on the boards at the top of the

stairs.

Page 83. Any period of incapacity due to pregnancy or prenatal care.

4. Incapacity due to a chronic long term health condition (i.e. asthma,

diabetes, epilepsy, etc.)

5. Permanent long term health condition for which treatment will be

limited or non-effective. This would require you to be under the continu-

ing supervision of a health care provider.

6. A situation requiring that you have to multiple treatments or restor-

ative surgery after an accident or injury, or in the case of a long term ill-

ness such as cancer, arthritis, or kidney disease that would require medical

intervention to prevent long term incapacity.

Notifi cation and Designation of FMLA Leave

Employees will need to complete a Leave Application/Agreement and

give it to their manager 30 days prior to taking leave. Should the leave

be unexpected then the form must be completed and turned in as soon as

possible to your manager. You will be notifi ed by mail upon acceptance of

FMLA leave.

Medical Certifi cation

A Health Care Provider Form must be completed prior to taking FMLA

leave (if leave is expected), and/or turned into your manager ASAP after

your initial treatment. The Council may require a second opinion at their

expense and by the doctor of their choosing. Upon completion of treat-

ment and before your return to work, a fi tness-for-duty report must be

completed and turned into your manager. (This will determine whether or

not you would be able to perform the duties of your job.)

Return to Work

The Met Council will require the employee on FMLA leave to periodi-

cally report on their status and intent to return to work. Should your status

change in the amount of time you would need to remain on FMLA leave,

you should inform your manager within two business days of the status

change. For all workers’ compensation claims and DOT safety sensitive

positions a fi tness-for-duty report is required and paid for by the employer.

Should the employee indicate that their intent is not to return to work,

all FMLA benefi ts will cease and notifi cation of COBRA (Consolidated

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) will be sent to the employee. This is

the federal law that provides many workers with the right to continue cov-

erage in a group health plan. The medically disqualifi ed employee would

be required to pay this monthly expense going forward.

Should you have any more questions on FMLA, search out your union

rep and/or your manager and they will be able to help.

Sources:

U.S. Federal Employment Guidelines and Minnesota State Labor Law

Metropolitan Council Policy Guidelines on FMLA

Minnesota Department of Labor Guidelines

MJR

Jackie Williams #66180

Anastasia Bloodsaw #2297

On January 18, MJ Ruter cele-

brated a husband/wife team,

Nancy Amerson #2356 and

Richard Amerson #64091, who

both retired on the same day.

A late congrats to Harry Lewis

#67132 who retired on December

30. We wish him well.

Congratulations to Safe Driver

Award Winners:

Richard Pratscnner #1793

Mike Piere #8815 (20 years)

Carla Simonson #9631 (14 years)

Billy McLean #7015 (12 years)

Sherwood Kenerson #5887 (11

years)

Congratulations to TSSC win-

ner Dereje Tafesse (DJ) #64154,

who was elected to another two-

year term and is also the chair of

the TSSC. Good job, DJ, we are

proud of you.

Pardon ‘their dust,’ but MJ

Ruter is receiving a 1650 sq.ft.

addition on our east side. Thanks

for our training room, a much-

needed conference room, a fitness

room with state-of-the-art equip-

ment. (This replaces our Stone

Age equipment that most operators

are convinced is ‘hidden.’) Come

on, operators, by the time we shed

those sweaters and jackets, we

should have plenty to be happy

about.

Oh, hopefully this will be the

year operators will be allowed to

wear face or mouth masks. The

colds and flu symptoms are

becoming very hard to shake.

Page 9

South Garage’s Lisa BensonStacey H. Taylor Driver #70055

Lisa Benson (Operator #9143), newly-

elected ATU 1005 Representative to

South Garage, never planned on being a

bus driver for more than five years when

she started her career in 1991.

Benson’s father, John Westphal

(retired Driver #164) suggested she start

driving for Metro Transit (MTC) because

it would be a “great” part-time job while

she attended the University of Minnesota.

“He told me I could drive A.M. and P.M.

rush hours and take classes in between,”

Benson said. She agreed with her father and took a part-time position

offered by the MTC. “It was going great until they offered me full-time,”

Benson said. “Then I said I’d take the money and the benefits.”

During her 20 years of service Lisa moved to the full- time position;

worked the extra board for a number of years; and worked as a relief

dispatcher.

You could say that, for Benson, transit is in her blood - or at least

rooted in her family tree. Benson said her uncle and her sister both have

driven Metro Transit buses. Also, Lisa is married to South Garage

Coordinator Bob Benson.

Lisa Benson stepped into her role as union representative following

the November 9, 2011 Amalgamated Transit Union 1005 election. Mark

Lawson left the position and was elected ATU 1005 Recording Secretary/

Assistant Business Agent.

“Mark did an excellent job,” Benson said. “I watched others and Mark

in that position, and when I knew he was going for a different position I

decided to go for it and try to do it as well as Mark.”

For the next three years, Benson will represent nearly 225 combined

MJR Black History Celebration

Thursday, February 16, 2012

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A $5 nominal fee includes turkey and dressing, ham, mixed greens,

mac and cheese and Banana Surprise for dessert.

Hosted by Lillie Loving #6828, Margaret Stephens #9069, Diahann

Banks #70026, Alemu Foluke #63113 and Lorene Love #838

Please take the time to come on over and enjoy!

Continued on p. 10

Page 10

725 Bldg

Scott Lindquist #6401

Stephen Babcock #3128

The Radio Electronics shop is

done with new bus installs. They

are now revamping older artics'

APCs (Automatic Passenger

Counter) and upgrading the DVRs

from GE to Verint. They are also

finished with half of the MCI

buses.

New buses, the first prototypes,

will be arriving in March or April.

The Farebox Department is

back to a full crew. A new pick

just started. They have been

installing a new E-prom to elimi-

nate the past problems caused by

the "daylight savings" time

change. They should be done by

February 15th.

CRYPTOEach letter stands for another. If you think A=F, for example, it would

equal F throughout the puzzle. Clue: D=E (Answer on page 15 )

Submitted by Pat Kelehan, Facilities Tech. #5470

A Z B X Y C Y W X D X D B T V G W H

F V W C D A B H C Y X K L D H V N L D C

F B Y T W P H

Q B H D S Y W H ' C Z K R Y X K L D.

South Garage drivers and dispatchers, as well as continue driving duties.

“I have been thrown into the fire. It has been very busy,” Benson said.

“On the driver’s side, I deal with grievances from cell phone policies to

accidents; from customer complaints to absenteeism and contract issues.”

Benson, who worked for some time as a relief dispatcher, said she

also understands dispatchers because they are in a difficult position

between drivers and management. “They are ATU, yet they have to do

the hard job of marking drivers late or scratched,” Benson explained.

“They are in the middle and get yelled at or blamed from those on either

side. Sometimes there are miscommunications or misconceptions that

occur between operators and dispatchers,” Benson said, “and I’ll have to

try to mediate.”

One common misconception she points out is the complaint by drivers

that dispatchers give them bad buses on purpose. Benson said her

experience on the other side gives her a different perspective. “The truth

of the matter is that dispatchers usually just give drivers the next bus in

line,” Benson said. “It is simple, if you are the next pull-out you get the

next bus.”

Benson said her union representative role is sometimes confused with

other Metro Transit roles. “Although I deal with contract issues,” Benson

explains, “I do not make decisions on what goes into the contract. Those

contract decisions are left up to the executive board and the membership.”

Benson explains that she is often called on to assist with drivers’

concerns that should be handled by peer support. “Many drivers come to

us for issues ranging from family problems to issues with difficulty

getting to and from work,” Benson said. “I try to give advice and help

any way I can, but many of those issues are more related to peer support.”

Benson often volunteers for other union and work-related jobs

throughout Metro Transit as well as organizes the South Garage travel

club.

When she is not busy with her day job, Lisa can be seen volunteering

as an animal handler of snakes and lizards at the Minnesota Zoo.

South Garage’s Lisa Benson continued

Page 11

SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR - PROJECT FACTS AND TIMELINEIlona LaDouceur - #66048

The Central Corridor Rail Line is about one-third complete and is on schedule to begin service in

2014 as scheduled. So what is next on the agenda? Here are some project facts and a timeline obtained

from the Met Council website.

Southwest LRT Project Facts

• Approximately 15 miles long between Eden Prairie and downtown Minneapolis

• 17 new stations

• 29,660 riders per weekday by 2030

• $1.25 billion cost (year-of-expenditure dollars). Capital costs are expected from four sources:

o the Counties Transit Improvement Board’s transit sales tax in the metro area

o the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority

o the State of Minnesota, and

o the Federal Transit Administration.

• Southwest LRT will operate from downtown Minneapolis through the southwestern suburban

cities of

o St. Louis Park,

o Hopkins,

o Minnetonka, and

Page 12o Eden Prairie,

o passing in close proximity to the City of Edina.

• The line will connect major activity centers in the region

including

o downtown Minneapolis,

o the Opus/Golden Triangle employment area,

o Methodist Hospital,

o the Eden Prairie Center Mall, and

o the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes.

• The line will be part of an integrated system of transitways

converging at the Interchange in Minneapolis where

connections using the Target Field Station can be made to

o the Hiawatha LRT line,

o the Central Corridor LRT line, with direct connections

to the U of M and downtown St. Paul,

o the Northstar Commuter Rail line,

o the proposed Bottineau Transitway, and

o future commuter rail and intercity passenger rail lines.

• Hennepin County is continuing work on the Draft Environmental

Impact Statement.

Southwest Corridor LRT Timeline

Here is the projected timeline for the SW Corridor light rail project:

• Aug. 31, 2010 – Submitted application to Federal Transit

Administration for approval to enter preliminary engineering

• 2012 – Publish draft Environmental Impact Statement and begin

Preliminary Engineering

• 2013 - 2014 –Conduct Final Design

• 2014 – Secure Full Funding Grant Agreement, committing the

federal government to pay 50 percent of the project’s capital

cost

• 2014-17 –Construction

• 2018 – Begin passenger service

More facts about transit found at southwesttransitway.

org:

• In an average week, all vehicle miles traveled in the metro area

total more than three times the distance to the sun, 93 million

miles away.

(Metropolitan Council)

• Every gallon of gasoline we burn produces about 19 pounds of

carbon dioxide. The average car traveling around 12,000 miles

per year emits 5.2 metric tons of CO2 emissions.

(Environmental Protection Agency)

• Metro area commuters waste an average of 43 hours a year stuck

South

Liz Goldberg #1630

Stacey Taylor #70055

Theresa Collins, in honor of

outstanding customer service skills,

was just recently presented with

the "Achieving Accomplishment

Award." Theresa, full- time South

Operator # 1378, has received, in

the last three years, 32 commenda-

tions from her loyal and committed

riders. We are not surprised,

because we know this bubbly. effer-

vescent, outgoing, cheerful and

get-right-to-the-point person - and

we are very proud of her.

Congratulations, Theresa!

Salad Dayz

As of January 11th, South now

offers salad for lunch, every other

Wednesday for $3, from 10:30 a.m.

to 1:00 p.m. Start the year out right

and add some crispity, crunchity,

low-cal and high-fiber salad to your

daily menu.

Numbers....

South Garage currently has a

total of 217 operators:170 full-

time, and 47 part-time operators (37

weekday/10 weekend). We operate

132 runs and have a 38-member

extra board.

Reminder: Don't forget to

shut off those cell phones and

stow them away. The penalty

is stiff - a Final Record of

Warning and up to 20 days

off.

Page 13

in traffic congestion.

(Metropolitan Council, Texas Transportation Institute)

• MN/DOT predicts that the number of miles of congested roadways will increase from 183 in 2000 to 491

in 2025.

• In 1990, 30 percent of the region’s freeway lanes were congested during peak periods; by 2000, the

figure had grown to 60 percent.

(Metropolitan Council 2003 Survey)

• No. 1 - In a survey of metro area residents, traffic congestion ranked as the top concern, above crime,

education, and housing.

(Metropolitan Council Survey)

• By 2030, the metro area is expected to add nearly 1 million residents and 560,000 jobs, generating 4

million more daily trips, a 37 percent increase.


• Since 1995, mass transit ridership has grown by 20 percent.

(American Public Transportation Association)

• It is estimated that the average person going to work in the Twin Cities wasted 54 hours in congestion in

2000. This contributed to a per commuter loss of $1,000 in time and fuel, which equates to $1.2 million

for the region.

(Minnesota Department of Transportation)

• By 1999, U.S. public transit systems were carrying more than 9 billion trips, representing the highest

level of ridership in nearly 40 years.


• Of the total mass transit growth, major rail transit modes totaled nearly 5.5 billion passenger miles or

approximately 84 percent of the total.


• In the past 20 years alone, the number of vehicle-miles traveled (all vehicles on all trips) on the region’s

freeways has increased 127 percent. Congestion is worsening at a faster rate than in the past. VMT is

expected to increase faster (+38 percent) than the population (+28 percent) over the next 25 years.


• The average American consumes more than 500 gallons of gasoline each year. At $3.50 a gallon, that’s

an average of $1,750 each year.

In future articles, I am going to research and report on the DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact

Statement) and the Met Council’s 2030 Transportation Policy Plan that was adopted November 10, 2010.

It is 12 chapters with over 250 pages. Chapter 7 is Transit (53 pages) and it’s the one I will be

primarily researching.

Heywood Garage

Annual Black History Program

Friday, February 24, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In the Drivers’ Area

The theme for this year will be Education, and the speaker will be the Minneapolis Public School

Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson. There will also be tables set up with information on available

scholarships and classes.

As always, there will be entertainment, food and raffles. In the next issue of The 1005 Line, look for

pictures of the event and winners of the raffles.

Hope to see you there!

Page 14

Missing: Dave Gosha, Rochester City Lines; Rocky Richardson, Steward, First Transit Mechanics

Janis Borchardt, ATU International VP,

Swears in the New Executive Board at the December Membership Meeting

10% local funding.

Retired buses are sold at auction, to others in the transit industry, to individuals, and to salvagers.

When manufacturers design new buses, they take into consideration what their customers ask for, the law, and

the constraints of engineering. Some features are just for design, like the expansive dashes on the new 40ft. low-

floor buses, which add more than a foot onto the length of the bus. Some of these design features require extra

safety equipment, such as extra fans to clear condensation from the expanded and partitioned windshield.

Part 2 of this series will address other safety concerns raised by changes in bus design.

Many thanks to Jan Homan, Director of Bus Maintenance; Chuck Wurzinger, Assistant Director of Bus

Maintenance for Technical Support; and all who contributed information for this article.

State of the Bus Fleet continued from p. 6

From left to right: John Hawthorne, LRT Maintenance; Ron Laumeyer, Overhaul Base; Tom Mevissen, North-

star Commuter Rail; Gordon Raveling, MJR Transportation; Dave Rogers, LRT Transportation; Gary Bier, Offi ce/

Clerical; Mark Lawson, Recording Secretary/Ass’t. Business Agent; Dorothy Maki, Vice-President; Jody Theisen,

MJR Maintenance; Michelle Sommers, President/Business Agent; Tommy Bellfield, Financial Secretary/Trea-

surer; Ken Dolney, East Transportation; Russell Dixon, Heywood Transportation; John Zapata, Nicollet Mainte-

nance; Chuck Feucht, East Maintenance; Tim Dixon, South Maintenance; Clifton Bolden, Nicollet Transportation;

Greg Stowe, Heywood Maintenance; Lisa Benson, South Transportation

We hope to have regular articles on Board Members, starting with new members. (See Lisa Benson, South Trans-

portation, page 9.)

BUS ROADEO

Deborah Sievers #64222

This year’s State Roadeo was held in September, 2011. The winners are:

1st place: Jack Berner - Heywood

2nd place: Randy Finch - South

3rd place: Idar Bilij - Heywood

Congratulations to all the winners and garage champions!

Also, I would like to congratulate the winner of the Roadeo T-shirt contest, Lisa Benson of South Garage.

The 2012 State Roadeo will be held in Bemidji. The dates are July 20th-21st. Heckler’s Row will be going

again this year and would like to see more people join us. If interested, contact Deb Sievers #64222 either at

Heywood Garage or on my cell phone: 612-695-0238. I will be reserving the rooms soon.

Page 15CDL VERSUS DWI (DWI Wins Every Time)

Deborah Sievers #64222

With the rash of DWIs lately, I thought I would do an article on what happens if you drink and drive with a

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Did you know that if you have a CDL the blood-alcohol limit is only .04 versus .08 if you have just a regular

license? Federal laws have held us to a higher standard as professional drivers. This includes driving your own

personal vehicle as well as a commercial vehicle. You will lose your CDL if you are caught driving a commercial

vehicle or your own personal vehicle!

Do you know what the Post Employment Practice is? Taken from Metro Transit Bulletin #94 of 2011, it is as

follows: If you are convicted of a DWI/DUI, Metro Transit will apply the same standard for post-employment

serious driving and criminal convictions as it does pre-employment. You will not be eligible to drive bus at

Metro Transit for 10 years. That is the case even if you plead down to reckless or careless driving and even if

you transfer to another job in the company within 30 days.

Did you know that you will lose your CDL for a year? Drinking and driving will cost you more than the

fines that you have to pay, because the DOT will take your CDL for a year and Metro Transit only will give you

30 days to either get your CDL back or find another position in the company! Either way, you will not have the

job that you started with.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has some tips if you do plan to go out and drink:

1. Have a sober driver - Plan ahead and have a responsible person available as the driver.

2. Have a house party, including non-alcoholic beverages for those who want the option not to drink. Maybe stop

serving alcoholic beverages the last hour of the party.

3. If you have been drinking, please call a cab, a friend, family member, take a bus – or, if there is someone at

the party who has not been drinking, ask them for a ride.

4. The saying “Friends do not let friends drink and drive!” goes a long way. If you see someone who is about to

get behind the wheel after drinking, ask for their keys and help them find a way home safely.

So, please be responsible and do not drive after drinking! A good saying to remember is: “TWELVE HOURS

FROM BOTTLE TO THROTTLE!”

Crypto Answer

FLINTSTONE NEIGHBOR WHOSE FIRST NAME RHYMES WITH OUR

DIRECTOR’S LAST NAME.

ANSWER: BAM BAM [BRIAN LAMB]

Save (Your) Face There have been a couple of serious assaults on drivers recently over fare disputes. Company policy is

that drivers inform passengers of the fare once and then leave it alone, hitting the ‘5’ key on the fare box.

These are hard times for everyone, drivers and passengers alike. Please do not argue with people over

their fare, but inform them politely and as privately as possible what the fare is. Please don’t embarrass them

in front of others, and don’t make it a question of your own pride.

This will reduce the stress level for everyone involved – and it may prevent service disruption and/or

injury.

Page 16

Uniforms Unlimited Promotion

Because of the rush of Metro Transit drivers coming in at the end of the year to obtain uniform items (just

before their vouchers expire), Uniforms Unlimited tried a new promotion in 2011. Any driver coming in before

November 30 would have a choice of free socks, free fi ngerless driving gloves or a free fl uorescent traffi c vest.

An employee of Uniforms Unlimited confi rmed that this was a great success, and that almost 90% of those

shopping early chose the socks.

Our Sincerest Apology

It has come to our attention that some bus riders were offended by the “Bus Groupies” article in the

last issue. We should not have printed this article without fi rst reviewing the article with the riders

involved. We would like to extend our sincere apologies. Please be assured that we understand that

happy transit riders are the key to success in our careers, and we will strive to communicate with

riders in a way that is inoffensive, and mutually benefi cial. We will also not use bus riders' names

in the future unless the union offi ce has confi rmed the approval.

Some Highlights from the ATU International News Service

Bush tax cuts widened the wealth gap CRS report shows The Congressional Research Service released numbers last week confi rming that investment income was the

biggest contributor to income inequality from 1996 through 2006. This message has been repeatedly delivered

by the ATU and Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett who explains that he pays taxes at a lower rate than his sec-

retary does, because most of his money comes from investments that are taxed at only 15%, while tax rates for

income can be as high as 35%.

12,000 - and counting - sending letters to Congress to save U.S. transit! Our campaign to get language providing transit systems with local control of their federal transit funds into

the soon-to-be-introduced federal surface transportation bill is gathering steam. The provision will allow transit

systems to preserve critical service and hold down fares during tough economic times to ensure quality, afford-

able public transportation.

Join the campaign!

Obama NLRB appointments win ATU praise International President Hanley praised President Barack Obama for fi lling three vacancies with recess ap-

pointments to the National Labor Relations Board. "The president's actions are a strong step toward restoring

the balance needed to ensure fairness in labor-management relations…," Hanley said. "We applaud the presi-

dent for standing up to the Congressional Republicans who have threatened to circumvent the labor laws of our

country…"

WIN an iPad2! The International has upped the ante and is holding a new lottery drawing for an Apple iPad 2. All you have

to do is go to the ATU website and send us your email!

Be sure to tell your fellow members to do the same to get a chance to win. More importantly, sending us

your email will allow you to get the latest news and developments about ATU, politics, and the transit industry.

And don't worry, if you've already sent in your email for the fi rst lottery, you will be automatically included in

the lottery for the iPad 2.

Source: ATU Dispatch email dated January 18, 2012

Correction to November's Issue

Regarding the column for the Commuter Rail, Brianne Waterhouse name was spelled incorrectly. We had Bri-

anna not Brianne. It was also incorrectly reported that she transferred from TCC not TIC. We apologized for

the error..

Page 17

ATU Fights to Save Transit

Funding

“Urban transit systems in most

American cities, for example, have

become a genuine civil rights

issue... if transportation systems in

American cities could be laid out so

as to provide an opportunity for

poor people to get meaningful

employment, then they could begin

to move into the mainstream of

American life.” Dr. Martin Luther

King, Jr.

Nationwide there is a movement to cut funding to transit. We must fight to save transit, save our

communities.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Governor Walker has a history of cutting transit. In Milwaukee County his mismanagement

ultimately required federal stimulus funds to address massive fiscal problems.

On Saturday, January 14th, hundreds of transit advocates joined ATU International

President Larry Hanley, Wisconsin “Fab 14” State Senator Kathleen Vinehout, 7th

Congressional District Candidate Pat Kreitlow and other community leaders at a rally to

save Metro Ride in Wausau, Wisconsin. The rally protested against slashed Monday

through Friday service, the elimination of all Saturday service, and increased fares. With

more cuts proposed for 2013, advocates are fighting against the extinction of Wausau’s

transit system. ATU and its coalition partners will be ratcheting up the campaign to fight

these cuts that could kill the transit system in Wausau entirely.

Federal Funding

Under current law, only transit systems located in urbanized areas under 200,000 in

population may use their funds for operating purposes. As a result of this policy and the

continued shortage of state and local revenues, more than 85% of transit systems across the U.S. have cut or

eliminated vital service or raised fares since the beginning of the current recession. Thousands of transit riders

can no longer get to jobs and services, and thousands of transit workers have lost their jobs as well. These

challenges are continuing, with more than half of transit agencies currently considering fare increases or service

cuts.

The Federal Surface Transportation bill is about to be considered by the U.S. Congress. This campaign is

aimed at getting language in the bill to provide transit systems with local control of their federal transit funds,

allowing them to preserve critical service and hold down fares during tough economic times so that working

people may be offered quality, affordable public transportation. “This legislation is long overdue,” declared ATU

President Larry Hanley. “Over the last two years, countless transit riders can no longer get to jobs and other daily

tasks, and thousands of transit workers have lost jobs, all because of an arcane law that will not allow transit

agencies serving areas of over 200,000 people to use their federal funds for critical operating expenses.”

Minnesota

The 2012 Minnesota legislative session starts Tuesday, January 24, 2012. The big focal point from a

transportation perspective will be the state bonding bill. There are a number of key transit and bike/pedestrian

capital projects that need a state financial commitment to move forward and, for some, to secure a federal

matching grant.

Sources: ATU International website, Transit for Liveable Communities.

Larry Hanley, ATU

International President

TRANSIT SAFETY/SECURITY

COMMITTEE (TSSC)

MEETING MINUTES

Disclaimer:

Due to format changes, these columns are not exact replicas of TSSC minutes. We

cannot assure the accuracy of all data. The exact minutes are posted after each meet-

ing at the operating garages.

Page 18

December 1, 2011 Members of the Committee

Present: Darell Hanson, Nicollet, Committee Chair

Danielle Julkowski, Management Advisor

Monica Kruger, Management Advisor - Training

Rolland Green, LRT

Daisy Frantz, Heywood

James Minelli, East Metro

Dereje Tafesse, MJR

Lisa Benson, South

Others in attendance:

Mike LaVine, Police

Chuck Wurzinger, Maintenance

Brenda Himrich, Safety

Christy Bailly, Transit Operations

Pam Steffen, Customer Relations

Deb Downing, Street Operations

Dorothy Maki, Union

John Cook, FTH

CALL TO ORDER

Darell Hanson called the meeting to order.

REVIEW OF MINUTES

November minutes were approved.

FTH REPORT

Daisy Frantz in attendance:• Washington Avenue bridge being narrowed

(Rts. 3,16, 50, etc.)• Concerned about buses traveling from WB 4th

St SE to SB 10th Ave (Rt. 652) - position of parked cars brings buses too close to these parked cars when making this turn. Cars are close to the crosswalk.

• Concerned about traffic signal arrow for travel from WB Washington Ave to SB I-35W.

• An OCR has been written on this issue, but she wants to keep awareness of the issue.

• Relayed an operator concern from a weekday WB Rt. 61 operator who reports that at 7:31

a.m., at Westminster and Larpenteur, kids are paying chicken in the street.

• Pam Steffen asked what school is in the area. This is unknown.

• Capt. LaVine said he would put a police detail on the issue.

• Rt. 19 - an incident involving a gun last night. Expressed significant concern about the security issues that are ongoing on Rt. 19. Talked about operators being in danger and that they don’t feel they’re getting support or help.

• Police presence was discussed - LaVine indicates there will be more plain-clothes officers riding and there will be more officers working at night in the coming year.

• Additional ways of addressing the issue were raised.

• Asking MADDADs to focus their efforts differently, saturation of the Rt. 19.

• Working with Service Development about issues related to heavy loads, routing and neighborhood issues.

• Possibly using GIS data if available. Attendees expressed mixed views about the advisability of shorting the route from its current terminal at BCTC.

• Daisy Frantz referenced late night as of particular concern. ATM Cook spoke about the difficulties faced by operators and indicated it’s not just at night.

• Christine Kuennen made the point that information needs to be gathered.

• Transit Control Center has good reporting about when MADDADs ride buses and she will gather this information.

• TCC reports can be used to gather information about incident times and locations that can be analyzed.

• John Cook asked for Capt. LaVine’s perspective about how operators should handle situations in which the operator doesn’t feel

comfortable calling about a situation because of uncertainty about how people onboard might respond, even though waiting compromises the response.

• Capt. LaVine responded that each person has to decide for themselves how to handle a given situation. He talked about operators and customers being afraid to do something as an issue within communities. He talked about the need for operators and riders to say something in order for things to be done. He noted that police can’t arrest for a misdemeanor that they didn’t witness. He also noted that police often end up finding people when good descriptions have been given.

• Pam Steffen of Customer Relations expressed willingness to have a Customer Advocate work with a team to address the issues.

• Christy Bailly thanked Steffen, but stated that they will take it up again with police and have an action plan by next meeting.

POLICE REPORT

Mike LaVine in attendance:• Thefts of phones on trains are down.• Working with Mpls PD• Two weeks in November Safe Streets Detail,

4th St to 9th St…Hennepin to Nicollet and concentrating on 7th and Nicollet livability issues

• Capt. LaVine mentioned joint work done at BCTC with Brooklyn Center, difficulties getting cases prosecuted in some situations, and crime moving from BCTC to Robbinsdale Transit Center when police focused on BCTC.

TCC REPORT

Christine Kuennen in attendance:• Will take over TSSC Rep position. (Eric

Isakson has been in representing TCC at TSSC.)

• Hired three new TCC Supervisors, so please be patient.

• They will also cross-train Transit Supervisors so they cover TCC shifts and TCC Supervisors will train on Transit Supervisor work.

• Is putting together Right to Know presentations. Is interested in ideas (needs them before next TSSC meeting.)

EAST METRO REPORT

James Minelli in attendance:• Chicago/Lake Transit Station…Elliot Ave.• Lines on street for traffic need to be repainted.

Deb Downing put it on her list to pass to her

boss but indicated this kind of thing will not be done at this time of year.

• Relayed an operator’s report that window washer fluid isn’t always filled in the buses.

• Wurzinger responded to the issue.• Asked if squads riding buses could get

transfers when they get off as well as when they get on (as a way to address operators’ complaints that officers don’t ride long enough/far enough/where needed.)

• Minelli and LaVine noted that there are various reasons officers get off (LaVine noted that operators thought officers were afraid to ride to the North Side when they saw them getting of NB buses at 7/Olson when actually they got off there because they were working as Safe Zone officers out of a budget designated for service in a certain area.)

• LaVine stated that officers are required to document the time they spend riding buses on their log sheets which are public documents.

SOUTH REPORT

Lisa Benson in attendance:• I-35W/46th Street station chute was slippery

on a recent day with snow. It needs salt sooner. It’s icy when the freeway isn’t because of the small amount of traffic on the bus lane.

• Kuennen said MN Dot should be aware of this as a priority but she will contact them about it.

LRT REPORT

Rolland Green in attendance:• 4th/Chicago - bar signals - request to be

changed out• Concern about operator safety in making late-

night reliefs• Brenda Himrich had reiterated that she

represents the Safety Department for both bus and rail operations at the TSSC. Himrich will address or relay these issues.

• Dorothy Maki will check on whether late-night reliefs are addressed by contract for LRT operators, as they are for bus operators.

SAFETY REPORT

Brenda Himrich in attendance:• Himrich provided handouts with accident

statistics and handouts about shoulder lane “hot spots.”

• Bailly pointed out numbers on the report in areas she indicates we need to pay attention to: pedestrians and bicycles.

• Question came from DJ about ability to use shoulder lanes on Hwy 100 between I-394 &

Page 19

Page 20I-694. This led to a similar question for SB I-35W.

• Himrich will check with engineering and facilities about this.

• Himrich was asked to forward light rail safety and security questions about a signal light and security at the Franklin station to light rail management and safety. She will provide information at the next meeting.

STREET OPERATIONS

Debra Downing in attendance:• 3rd St/Cedar Ramp-Route Info done by Dave

Hanson (#9451) addressing the situation. Not addressed in RI-ramp was intentionally designed as a right turn to slow traffic down as that area will become a major pedestrian crosswalk once construction is complete. Contractor has agreed to take curb area and ramp it so buses have an easier time making right turn - supposed to be done soon (verified w/Dave Hanson after meeting that it has been done.)

• VA Hospital Bus stops - Committee was formed and met. Agreed that stops should be moved. Street Ops Mgr. will contact VA Hospital staff to get their input.

• Semaphore timing - Several intersections have been identified as being “short” cycles. Advised group that lights are synchronized by city to work in conjunction with other semaphores to move traffic better during rush hour. City to be contacted and their reply will be communicated back to the group.

RISK

Not in attendance

MAINTENANCE

Chuck Wurzinger in attendance:• Parking Brake - push/pull - have looked at

specs and have measured with a gauge finding they are “all over the board.¨ Best advice: Write up buses that are too hard to move, push or pull the parking brake. Those that are new will be submitted under warranty.

• Farebox height - high enough for operators, low enough for customers, space to maneuver around, ADA rules, field of view, etc, many considerations. Last 4 buses - all same. Next step- are there ways to change

• New operators report will be put out on trial, possibly beginning of January.

• Cleanliness of seats. Product called The Defender (dust and moisture resistant) on

passenger seats in v1310. Will talk to Recaro to see if have something available for operator seats. Discussion of removable seat covers. Perhaps work w/ Christy and Brenda.

• Seat belts - retracting - end too tight - will talk to Recaro

• V1330 - no light on destination sign key pad• 1305 - too much glare from sign code• Roadside light options…3200s 330/s - too

much glare - see people in the bus reflected instead of out on the road

CUSTOMER RELATIONS

Pam Steffen in attendance:• Transit Link Transfer Bulletin has been issued.• Miller free rides on New Year’s Eve• Buy 1 - Get 1 7-Day Pass from Dec. 5 thru

Dec. 23, 2011• 1/1/2012 - no more rail-only transfers• Be sure your garage has the fare poster dated

Sept 2011, not older ones. M = Medical Condition (does not qualify a person for reduced fare.) L & A - reduced fare at all times T = reduced fare non-rush

• Question regarding student paper disposable Go-To cards - seems to be going well - goal: eliminate magnetic ten-rides before next school year starts.

MJR REPORT

Dereje Tafesse in attendance:• Safety & Security Garage Forum - 12/15

ACTION ITEMS

• Deb Downing: Put it on her list to pass to her boss but indicated this kind of thing will not be done at this time of year.

• Deb Downing: Street Ops Mgr. will contact VA Hospital staff to get their input.

• Brenda Himrich: Check with engineering and facilities about use of shoulder lanes on Hwy 100 between I-394 & I-694.

• Chuck Wurzinger: Work w/ Christy and Brenda on cleaning seats issue

• Dorothy Maki: Check on whether late-night reliefs are addressed by contract for LRT operators, as they are for bus operators.

• Christine Kuennen: Will contact MN Dot about salting the Chute.

Respectfully submitted,

Emily Anleu, Recording Secretary

Page 21

We enjoyed working with you, too, Bernadine!

Bernadine Woodards, Driver 545 of Nicollet Garage, was given

a rousing sendoff into her retirement on Wednesday, January 14

after 35+ years of driving. Bernadine, the second African-American

woman driver hired by the MTC in 1976 (the fi rst was Edith James),

was joined by her family and friends for a celebration of her career.

Several retirees joined current employees and members of manage-

ment to wish her well.

Thanking dispatchers for looking out for her over the years,

Bernadine counseled other drivers to develop good relationships with

them, as well. She got a lot of laughter talking about the long light at

35th Street and Nicollet that almost caused her to be late more than

once: “It’s not my fault!”

Responding to a question about her “most amazing experience on

the job,” Bernadine said it would have to be the fact that many of her passengers followed her from one route

to another. This is especially notable since she used to drive a crosstown route (Franklin Avenue) and switched

Arnie Libby Retires Arnie started in Material Management on

September 22nd of 1986. He completed his service of

29+ years on January 3rd. He will fi nally have some

time to do all the fi shing and hunting he wants, but

fi rst he is going to visiting in Texas.

Arnie, posing with his family:

Nick, Susan, Cindy, Kevin,

Jessica Arnie accepting his retirement

jacket from Vice President

Dorothy Maki.

Erika and son Deshandre (holding their daughter Illana),

James, Bernadine, son Reggie and sister Fatima

Bernadine will miss Nicollet Manager

Ellen Jackson

to driving the 18-line on Nicollet.

(Apparently, riding with Bernadine

must have been more important

than her passengers’ route to their

destination.)

Bernadine plans on enjoying

her retirement by doing more of

what she enjoys so much, and sug-

gested that, in the future, we could

probably catch her at Mystic Lake

– or in Las Vegas.

Page 22

Harry retired from MJR Garage on December 30,

2011.

Harry Lewis #67132 Retires

Harry was joined by his wife Loretta, grandkids Kali-

yah and Kiara, cousin (retired FTH driver) Daddy Mac

#331 and his wife Juanita.

Robert Ueeck, Driver # 6381, Retires from Nicollet with 18+ Years of Service

Robert Ueeck was

hired part-time Decem-

ber 27, 1993 and was

promoted to full-time

January 6, 1996. He

was at LRT for a while,

then Heywood, before

he moved to Nicollet.

Bob will undoubted-

ly be spending some of

his time in retirement

with his extensive col-

lection of motorcycles. Shown with his wife and family

Retired Members’ Clubs

Northside Breakfast Club

Meets 8:30 a.m. the 2nd Tuesday of each month

at Barnacle Bill’s, Shingle Creek Parkway and

Freeway Blvd, Brooklyn Center.

Southside Breakfast Club

Meets 8:00 a.m. the 1st Wednesday and the 4th

Thursday of each month at the VFW Post, 67th

Street & Lyndale Ave in Richfi eld.

St. Paul Retiree Lunch ClubMeets 12:00 p.m. the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Mattie’s (formerly Wells Lanes ) So. Con-cord St., South St. Paul 55075

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

RetirementsThere were no retirements in November.

Congratulations to December Retirees

12/08/11 Kim Wendling, Nic Op. 343

12/10/11 Gnia Vu, Nic. Relief Mark-Up

Dispatcher

If you have pictures or announcements of

retirements, please contact your Education

Committee member or the union office. If you want to join the St. Paul Retiree Club, con-

tact one of the following:

President Howard Osterkamp (651) 731-2428

Vice-President Jay Kerkvliet (651) 489-8281

Treasurer Paul Huber (651) 698-6551

Secretary Mary Huber (651) 698-5771

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 editorial to submit, please contact a committee mem-

ber or our advisor Dorothy Maki at: [email protected].

Page 23

Several months ago I wrote a book report about "Choosing Civility," a book by Dr. Forni. I remember saying

that I liked it, but I'm sure some will think it's old school and out of date. I also said that Dr. Forni believes it's a

timeless tool. Since that time I have noticed that there are many skeptics. That is understandable. I admit that it

sounds like poetic idealism, and I know that, because it sounds simplistic, some people might think nothing in it is

worth reading. I'd like to share with you a sample of his (Dr. Forni's) insights.

The following is taken directly from the book:

“What to do: Today the possibility of cross-cultural misunderstanding and confl ict is always present. The

more civil the members of society, the less likely (it is) for this possibility to become reality. Respect for diversity

is part of the cognitive and emotional kit of the civil person, as is the ability to transcend diversity in the name of

a common humanity. Will the next generation be able to acquire and practice these two moral skills? Nothing less

that our future hangs in the balance. ... We have seen a connection between rampant incivility and a diminished

quality of life. It is our job now to increase and spread that awareness (of productive human relations) and make

concerted efforts to bring about the changes so many of us seem ready to welcome."

PS: Doctor Phil likes to remind us that learning new skills is challenging, and "being right" is less important then

being happy.

Kim Henry Rice - Driver, East Metro Garage

Letters

To The

Editor

Operator Assault

Civility

We take assaults to operators more seriously than management, transit police, etc., simply because we are

personally involved.

Just recently, a Ruter operator was brutally assaulted by a passenger. This operator received injuries that will

require several surgeries, plastic surgery, months of rehab, and possibly cause years of pain and suffering.

We feel that operators should be made aware of who this unsub is, a photo should be put up at all the garages

immediately, and an award should be offered for the arrest and conviction of this individual. Operators should

be made aware that this assault occurred on the 19-line and could happen on any Metro Transit route. The public

depends on us for transportation, and we attempt to offer a professional and safe ride. When anything less hap-

pens, operators are immediately held responsible. We are held responsible for short fares, no fares, not issuing

transfers, not knowing the defi nition of ‘courtesy rides,’ not picking up passengers who are not in the bus stop,

enforcing stroller policies, etc., etc.

Maybe, just maybe operators should be encased in a closure that would protect them from such incidents,

or have Transit Police ride the entire lines, (i.e.) all of the 19, 5, 16, 21 and other high assaultive lines. We ask:

Aren’t stats taken to prove where the assaults are most frequent?

Where is operator protection? Metro Transit Police ask, “Is everything all right?” This is only after riding a

few blocks, receiving a transfer to prove they did something. Why can’t we have constant protection? There are

some banks, grocery stores, etc. that have armed protection in high-crime areas. Why can’t we have some of the

same life-saving luxuries? As a former police offi cer, I can certainly see the change in respect for public servants.

Jackie Williams, Operator #66180, MJR

Karyn Krech, age 58, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by

family, on January 22, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents Francis and

Lillian, and mother-in-law Virginia Trujillo. She is survived by her life partner of

12 years, Margo Trujillo; siblings Diann (Bruce) Fyksen, Janet (Bill) Probstfi ld of

The Dalles, Oregon, David (Desli), Donna (Greg) Wahlstrom, Daryl (Jacquie), Brian

(Lynne), and Craig (Kathy) of Portland, Oregon; 11 nieces and nephews; father-in-

law Floyd Trujillo; and other family and many friends.

Karyn retired in 2008 after 30 years of driving Route 21(Selby-Lake) for the MTC,

of which she was very proud. She was a member of the ATU 1005 – Mpls./St. Paul.

Her funeral service will be Friday, February 10, 2012 at Saint John's Roman

Catholic Church, 835 2nd Ave NW New Brighton. Visitation - 11 am to 12 pm, Mass

- 12:00 pm, followed by luncheon and fellowship.

DRUG TESTING RIGHTSIf you do not use the specific wording when you request results from a positive drug test, the agency has no obligation to

comply. All they are required to do is give you a paper stating the results are positive. Every employee has the legal right

to request, in writing to the Medical Review Officers (MRO), copies of: the Litigation Package* of the initial test. (this will

tell you how your test turned up positive); the Confirmation (breaks results down into specific levels); the Threshold levels

(baseline of all tests)

The Litigation Package can be nearly 100 pages of technical data, which cannot be analzed or understood by a layperson,

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

WEINGARTEN RIGHTS STATEMENTIf disciplinary action is suspected, read this statement to your foreman: I request to have a union representative present on

my behalf during this meeting because I believe it may lead to disciplinary action taken against me. If I am denied my right

to have a union representative present, I will refuse to answer accusational questions and any I believe may lead to

discipline.

Richard Bork, age 66, of Maplewood, passed away on November 30, 2011. Rich-

ard worked at Metro Transit for 33 years. He is survived by loving wife of 44 years

Anna; children, Richard (Christine), Erzsi (Ferdi), Aunca (Billy), Zsuzsi (Sarah); six

grandchildren; sister Lucille (Bob); brother Larry; many friends. Special thanks to

Dr. Joe and Health-partners hospice.

Richard F. “Dick” Trettin, age 56, of Blaine, passed away January 16, 2012. He

was preceded in death by parents, Harold and Harriet; sister, Jan. He is survived by

his wife of 34 years, Debbie; daughter, Jessica (Brett); son, Steven (Aly); grandchil-

dren, Starlette, Emily and Skylar; sisters, Barb (Bill) and Pat; brother, Lewis (Mari-

lyn); other relatives and friends. Dick started as a part-time driver on May 31, 1994

and retired from Metro Transit on August 18, 2011. Memorials are preferred.

Humberto Chavez #268 (retired) passed away November 4, 2011. No

further information is available.

In Memoriam

Documents

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