ATU Local 757, Portland, OR
January 27, 2012 - Video of TriMet Board of Directors' meeting
Video Credit: Andy Heesacker, 2012.
January 25, 2012 - President Hunt's statement to the TriMet Board of Directors
Follow the link for the text of the statement President Hunt prepared for the meeting of the TriMet Board of Directors' January meeting. FULL STORY>>
January 24, 2012 - Are you serious? Fresh and Objective Thinking at TriMet
In a letter to the Union from the labor relations director recently hired by TriMet, he wrote: “Because the General Manager must keep in mind the interests of all TriMet employees, it is inappropriate that he serve as the president of the Unions’ counterparty or primary interface. There will be times when the interests of union and non-union employees are at odds.” Now comes the best! “In those situations, the General Manager must bring objective and fresh thinking to the dispute, unclouded by having advocated for one side or the other.” FULL STORY>>
January 24, 2012 - Union Complaints may Halt Bend Area Transit Funding
The Union has filed a grievance and unfair labor practice against the Bend Area Transit system contractor. A complaint is also being filed against the City of Bend who receives federal funding to operate the system. FULL STORY>>
January 18, 2012 - Information Picket January 25th, 2012
It has been some time since ATU 757 has held a picket before the Tri Met Board meeting but this is so important that we feel we have no choice but to do it again. Please come join us at this informational picket January 25th at 8:00 am in front of the Portland building. Please feel free to stay for the meeting (9:00am) and give your opinion to the Trimet board. FULL STORY>>
January 17, 2012 - Press Release
This is the press release sent out today in regards to Paratransit Services in Bend. FULL STORY>>
January 13, 2012 - Attention ATU 757 Members: MLK Day
The ATU 757 office will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2012 in honor of Martin Luther King Day. The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 17th at 8:30 a.m. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your union officer.
January 11, 2012 - Attention ATU 757 Members: Bylaws Change
Check out the suggested changes to Section 13 - Nominations here.>> These proposed Bylaws changes will be voted on at all February 2012 membership meetings.
January 11, 2012 - Attention ATU 757 Members: Bylaws Change Section 14
Check out the suggested changes to Section 14 - Elections here.>> These proposed Bylaws changes will be voted on at all February 2012 membership meetings.
January 11, 2012 - Attention ATU 757 Members: Bylaws Change Section 15
Check out the suggested changes to Section 15 - Election Committee here.>> These proposed Bylaws changes will be voted on at all February 2012 membership meetings.
January 11, 2012 - Attention ATU 757 Members: Bylaws Change Section 17
Check out the suggested changes to Section 17 - Dues Standard Formula here.>> These proposed Bylaws changes will be voted on at all February 2012 membership meetings.
January 11, 2012 - Attention ATU 757 Members: Bylaws Change Section 5
Check out the suggested changes to Section 5 - 7 - Office of the President, Vice President, and Financial Secretary - Treasurer here.>> These proposed Bylaws changes will be voted on at all February 2012 membership meetings.
January 6, 2012 - Election Timeline:
All letters of nomination and acceptance for the 2012 Election Committee must be received prior to or made at the March 4th (tentative) Charter meeting. Correspondence should be sent to Evette Farra at the union office or by fax to (503) 230-2589. FULL STORY>>
January 4, 2012 - Election News:
Nominations will be held on May 20th, 2012.
December 30, 2011 - Attention Portland Streetcar Members:
The position of Liaison Officer is now open. Those interested in serving in this position may send letters of interest to the Union office for consideration by the Executive Board on February 3, 2012 and membership ratification at the meetings that follow.
December 23, 2011 - Attention TriMet ATU 757 members:
Logon to www.trimet.org/choices/why-is-there-a-budget-shortfall Go to the TriMet website and see how they are blaming unionized employees for most all of their financial problems. Then click on “Tell us what you think” and give your thoughts as to what the problems are and how to fix them. Here are some of our suggestions:
Problem: Leadership, bad decision-making
Fix: Total shakeup and change in top management
Problem: Private paratransit contractors too expensive
Fix: Bring in-house and immediately save over 7 million dollars
Problem: Management Positions
Fix: Reduce top heavy management positions to 2006 levels, save 5 million
dollars
Problem: Appointed Board of Directors, rubber stamp management actions
Fix: Elected Board accountable to the taxpayers
These are just a few problems and fixes we came up with in a few minutes. There are many more. Make sure you go to TriMet’s website and let them know how you feel.
December 23, 2011 - Attention ATU 757 Members
At the January 8, 2012 Charter meeting and continuation meetings, ATU members will consider whether charges preferred against Brother Jonathan Hunt are worthy of being further entertained and considered.
December 19, 2011 - President Hunt's January Labor Press article:
No more lip service
Let's take real cost cutting measures at TriMet
By Jonathan Hunt, President
As we have seen and heard for the past couple years now, TriMet has claimed financial impairment. Even though TriMet’s ridership has increased significantly by recent reports, TriMet’s General Manager Neil McFarlane recently made a plea to the public, asking for ideas and suggestions as to how TriMet can save taxpayer dollars. TriMet claims it is facing a 2013 budget shortfall of 12 to 17 million dollars. One thing TriMet and General Manager McFarlane didn’t tell the public, is that they could save multi-millions of taxpayer dollars annually, right now, on their own. FULL STORY>>
December 19, 2011 - This is the Press Release sent out this morning:
Fix the budget shortfall now TriMet; no more lip service!
December 14, 2011 - Attention First Student Corvallis ATU 757 Members
The Union issued a press release yesterday regarding the contractor suit filed over the city's inaction.
December 5, 2011 - Attention First Transit Region One ATU 757 Members
The contract proposal that First Transit has posted and put in your boxes, was not agreed to by the Union. The version they have provided you is also not complete.
It is meant only to divide our membership. These tactics are used as scare tactics and for intimidation by First Transit.
December 2, 2011 - Attention First Transit ATU 757 Members
First Transit is up to their old tricks. Members at both Regions are receiving documents designed to scare and divide. Full story>>
November 23, 2011 - Attention Lane Transit District ATU Members
Nominations will be accepted at the December meeting for the open position on the Accident Review Committee. FULL STORY>>
November 22, 2011 - Taping Union Meetings
The question has been asked whether it is legal for a union member to secretly audio tape Union meetings and subsequently publish those tapes on the internet or elsewhere. Click here to see the answer.
November 18, 2011 - Press Release Regarding First Transit's Information Picket
Employees of First Transit Inc and members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757 who provide paratransit services in Multnomah County under contract with TriMet will conduct an informational picket at the home of TriMet's General Manager, Neil McFarlane, on Saturday, November 19, 2011 beginning at 10 am. The location of the informational picket will be 232 SW Texas Road, Portland, Oregon (located 1/2 block east of SW Corbett Avenue.) FULL RELEASE>>
November 18, 2011 - TriMet ATU 757 Members
Great News from the Employment Relations Board!
In a prior decision, ERB prohibited TriMet from proposing changes to wage levels or
employee-paid health premiums at the up-coming interest arbitration. This is because
TriMet waited to spring both ideas on the Union until after it submitted its final offer
to the interest arbitrator, instead of making those proposals during bargaining.
In September, TriMet sought to make ERB reconsider its decision.
Today, ERB refused to reconsider; noting that TriMet had no good explanation for its failure to properly address these issues during bargaining. What’s next is the interest arbitration hearing which will occur in mid-March.
November 18, 2011 - TriMet ATU 757 Members: Health Insurance Enrollment Forms
Please read the attached letter regarding the insurance enrollment forms that were mailed out last week. FULL STORY>>
November 15, 2011 - Information Picket in support of First Transit Members
Join ATU - First Transit Region One members in our informational picket: 10:00 am, Saturday, November 19th outside the home of TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane. Full Story>>
November 9, 2011 - First Transit Nela ATU Members
Sign up to participate in our informational picket: 10: 00 am, Saturday, November 19th outside the home of TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane, 232 SW Texas Road, Portland, Oregon (Located ½ block east of SW Corbett Avenue)
The potential First Transit strike could be avoided, but TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane has refused to intervene. TriMet’s contract includes a Section 13c agreement with the Union requiring TriMet’s contractors to arbitrate contract disputes. TriMet’s revenue contract with First Transit requires their compliance with all provisions of the Section 13c Agreement and yet McFarlane refuses to enforce it.
Support your fellow union members and send McFarlane a message!!! To sign up, contact Kathleen Brown, Richard Larson, Cindy Russell, Lisa Huffman, Joel Vandestreek and Mark Brown.
November 7, 2011 - First Student Portland - ATU Members
First Student Portland ATU members voted overwhelmingly to accept the contract offered to them, putting to an end fifteen months of negotiating.
November 4, 2011 - ATU Members: Get involved in Oregon's Union Movement
Take part in the "Become a Union Activist" training series put on by the Oregon AFL-CIO. This session will be held at IBEW 48 (15937 NE Airport Way, Portland) on Saturday, November 12th from 9:30 - 2:30 (lunch included.) Download a copy of the registration form or register online here.
November 1, 2011 - Attention ATU First Student Portland Members
The proposed contract from First Student will be voted upon Friday, November 4th, from 8:00 am to 1 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at the First Student Yard, 6755 NE Columbia Blvd. Business will be conducted out of the ATU bus.
October 26, 2011 - ATU 757 First Transit Region One/TriMet Members
TriMet's Inaction Threatens Strike!Full Story>>
October 19, 2011 - ATU 757 First Transit Region One Members
Please make sure to attend the important meeting we have rescheduled for October 26th, 2011. FULL STORY>>
October 13, 2011 - ATU 757 supports Occupy Portland
Amalgamated Transit Union division 757 endorses Occupy Portland. Our members voted in the October meeting cycle to send the AFL-CIO $1,000.00 to help feed those who are down at the protest site.
October 12, 2011 - TriMet's September Operators of the Month
Congratulations to Hallie Fowlkes, Willie Montgomery and Thomas Thompson. FULL STORY>>
October 7, 2011 - ATU Members - 2011-2012 Gary Maurer Memorial Scholarship
Attached for your review and duplication is the official 2011-2012 Gary Maurer Memorial Scholarship Application Form and instructions for potential applicants. The 2011-2012 scholarships are in remembrance of International Representative Gary Maurer, who passed away on June 1, 2010.
This year, the program will consist of five scholarships each in the amount of $5000. In addition, a $2,000 scholarship may be awarded to a vocational school applicant. FULL STORY>>
September 27, 2011 - The Good, the Bad, - and First Student
With a reputation as an anti-union multi-national Company providing transportation services in the United States, First Group dba First Transit, First Student and other subsidiaries has brought their act to Oregon. Public entities contracting for transportation services with First Group are learning quickly that their anti-union and anti-American labor law practices do not serve them or their communities well.FULL STORY>>
September 19, 2011 - TriMet Golf Tournament...better late than never
Video Credit: Steve Fung, 2011.
September 14, 2011 - Attention ATU 757-TRIMET Members
As ATU had predicted, we won the ULP claiming that TriMet violated ORS 243.672(1)(e) by including new issues in its final offer. FULL STORY>>
September 2, 2011 - President Hunt's September Labor Press article
TriMet and Race - The Back Story by Jonathan J. Hunt, President - Business Representative
Bargaining unit members were shocked to read the TriMet general manager's announcement that the agency had created two new big-paying positions of "Director of Diversity and Transit Equity" and "Multicultural Program Manager." It seems like a peculiar thing to do since "poverty" is management's continual cry when it comes to improving the lives of TriMet workers - many of whom are minorities. So why did TriMet management choose now to create two more management jobs? FULL STORY>>
September 1, 2011 - Attention ATU 757 TriMet Members:
Latest correspondence from President Jonathan Hunt to Executive Director of Operations Shelly Lomax regarding Hours of Service.Full story>>
August 29, 2011 - TriMet operator Evan Whipple retirement party!
Video Credit: Steve Fung, 2011.
August 25, 2011 - Picnic Reminder!
The ATU picnic is scheduled for this Sunday, August 28th, 2011 at Blue Lake Park. Start time is 9:00 am, and there will be softball, watermelon eating contests, and prize drawings. We look forward to seeing you there! If you need directions to Blue Lake Park, click here.
August 25, 2011 - Attention Lane Transit District ATU members:
A meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, September 4, 2011 from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm at 1099 Olive Building (Eugene Station.) This is a follow-up meeting to discuss upcoming contract negotiations. Remember, this is your contract. Your input and participation are greatly encouraged. We look forward to seeing you there!
July 29, 2011 - Attention ATU 757 Members
At the August 14, 2011 Charter meeting and continuation meetings, ATU members will consider whether charges preferred against Sister Ellen Fox are worthy of being further entertained and considered.
July 22, 2011 - Celebrate Medicare's Birthday!
Join us at the North Park Blocks (NW 9th and Couch) onn Saturday, July 30th at 1:00 pm to march down Burnside to the Skidmore Fountain. Let’s celebrate 46 years of successful Medicare Healthcare Delivery with song and cake. In this moment of growing crisis and downward pressure on our wages, benefits and working conditions, we are taking a stand to defend Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid from deficit hawks who want to make working people pay for the crisis caused by Wall Street bankers and Corporate CEOs. Stand up for improved Medicare for All to create a health care system that controls costs and provides equity:
Everybody In, Nobody Out!
(Jobs with Justice Healthcare Committee, 503-236-5573)
July 14, 2011 - Dirty Vehicles at TriMet - Following the Union's Lead
No matter how broke you claim to be, there is no justification that supports jeopardizing the health and safety of the public, or those who provide a public service. But, that is exactly what TriMet did several months ago when it decided to cut or eliminate bus cleaner positions.
A bad management decision was the message I delivered to the TriMet Board at its February 23rd Board meeting. The following is an excerpt from that presentation made to the TriMet Board: FULL STORY>>
July 14, 2011 - Attention ATU 757 Members and Retirees:
Head over to flickr and check out photos from the Retirees' picnic, held Wednesday, July 6 at Oaks Park in Portland.
July 14, 2011 - Attention First Student Portland - ATU 757 Members
Union is to provide more notice to direct-pay members who are late paying their dues. FULL STORY>>
July 11, 2011 - Congratulations John Robledo! TriMet's Operator of the Month, June 2011
Video Credit: Steve Fung, 2011.
July 6, 2011 - PPS Operator Michael Morkve
Portland Public Schools ATU 757 member Michael Morkve will be competing in this year’s 41st Annual School Bus Driver International Safety Competition held in Baltimore, Maryland, July 16th and 17th after winning at both the Regional and the State level earlier this spring. Michael has only been driving a school bus for a year and a half, before that he was a theology student. Last year Michael entered the contest on a whim and went as far as the State level.
This is one of the most important events in the industry, put on by the National School Transportation Association with the best school bus drivers from the U.S. and Canada competing for top honors and recognition. The event begins with a written test, then contestants get behind the wheel of a bus to put their driving skills to the test, competing in one of three categories (Conventional, Transit, or Small Bus.)
This year approximately 100 contestants will compete at the National level. They will take the one hour driving skills test, which will include challenges such as parallel parking, stopping on a line, backing into a spot with two inch clearance on either side and only two opportunities to pull forward, plus pulling into a limited curb space. The National winner will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Sunday evening, July 17th.
July 5, 2011 - REMINDER: RETIREES' PICNIC
The Retirees' picnic will take place tomorrow, Wednesday,July 6th, 2011 at Oaks' Park starting at eleven. There will be no regular retirees' meeting in July.
June 28, 2011 - The first TriMet Golf Tournament, a Four-Man Scramble, was Saturday, June 25.
TriMet employees enjoyed 18 holes of pasture pool in a bestball format with great weather and fantastic putting greens. Next up is the Coed Tournament July 9th at the Gresham Golf Course. Call Greg Terauchi at 503-502-6151 if you're interested.
Video Credit: Steve Fung, 2011.
June 25, 2011 - NE Portland's Good in the (Neighbor)Hood Multicultural Parade
ATU showed up at the 19th Annual NE Portland Good in the (Neighbor)Hood Multicultural Parade
on Saturday. Follow
this link to check out a few of the photos taken by Financial Secretary-
Treasurer Evette Farra who took part in the parade.
June 24, 2011 - REMINDER: RETIREES' PICNIC
The Retirees' picnic will take place Wednesday,July 6th, 2011 at Oaks' Park starting at eleven. There will be no regular retirees' meeting in July.
June 21, 2011 - TriMet Operators of the Year
Abigail Lyman, Rolynd Puckett, and Gail Hanks
Photo Credit: Steve Fung, 2011.
June 10, 2011 - Attention First Transit Region One ATU 757 Members:
A meeting has been scheduled for Monday, June 20th at 6:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army-Rose Center before the Charter meeting to discuss the contract. We encourage all members to attend this meeting. This is your contract and it is important that you contribute to this discussion.
June 2, 2011 - Tracking Faster sent out to ATU 757 TriMet Members: The Jury is Out
The Oregon Employment Relations Board (ERB) heard charges filed by the Union against TriMet for unfair labor practices on May 16-18, 2011 in Salem, Oregon. Complaints heard by the Board included the allegation that TriMet violated ORS 243.672(1)(e) by submitting a proposal in its final offer that did not arise, or logistically evolve, from TriMet's final offer during bargaining.
The other complaints alleged that after the ATU filed the above unfair labor practice complaint, TriMet violated ORS 243.672(1)(a) and (1)(e) when it took the punitive step of suspending the cost of living adjustment payment that was scheduled for December 1, 2010, and refused to pick up the increase in health care premiums that became effective January 1, 2011. The Union claimed that this action by TriMet violated the status quo by TriMet refusing to make those payments.
The hearings before the Oregon Employment Relations Board were heard in two parts. The charge that TriMet changed its bargaining position was heard separately by the three-member board of ERB. The Board will issue a ruling by August 11, 2011. The Board could agree with TriMet that it did not change its bargaining position, or could find TriMet did in fact alter its position and require them to change it.
Regardless of what ERB rules, the interest arbitrator has been selected and the matter is scheduled to be heard by the arbitrator on January 13-16, 2012. Once the hearing is concluded, legal briefs will be filed which normally takes 30-45 days, and the arbitrator's decision on a new contract is expected sometime in late April, early May 2012.
The other two complaints were heard by an ERB Administrative Law Judge whose decision and final order by ERB is expected by the end of this year. Should ERB find that TriMet violated the law when it unilaterally changed its 17 year past practice of continuing wage and insurance premium increases during expired terms of the parties' collective bargaining agreement, TriMet will be ordered to return to status quo which would mean reinstate the original health care plans, pay all COLA wage increases and reimburse employees for all out-of-pocket costs incurred as a result of TriMet's action.
This could amount to millions and millions of dollars liability to taxpayers and TriMet would be required to continue status quo and all terms of the expired contract until the interest arbitrator's decision on a new contract expected in late April, early May 2012.
Such a huge financial liability on taxpayers as a result of TriMet's mismanagement should signal a change in upper-level management at TriMet. If it doesn't, then the taxpayers are clearly being "taken for a ride" by TriMet.
Fraternally, Jonathan J. Hunt President - Business Representative PDF copy
May 27, 2011 - Attention ALL ATU 757 Members:
The Union office will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 30, 2011. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 8:30 a.m.
May 23, 2011 - Attention ATU 757 Members:
There will be no information picket this Wednesday, May 25th, because TriMet has cancelled their Board of Directors' meeting for this month. We will let you know once the next picket has been scheduled. Thank you!
May 19, 2011 - Attention ATU 757 TriMet Members:
Legal notice from the Union to TriMet regarding TriMet's legal duty with regard to changes in mandatory subjects of bargaining. Full story>>
May 17, 2011 - Attention All ATU members:
Please join us for our next Latino Caucus meeting. All ATU members are welcome. The meeting will be held at Juan Colorado Restaurant, 1001 SW TV Highway in Hillsboro, on Friday, May 20th, at 7:00 pm.
May 13, 2011 - President Hunt's June Labor Press article
At Salem Area Mass Transit District
Working together – Not Against
By Jonathan Hunt, President
As most of you are painfully aware, negotiating successor collective bargaining agreements these days seems to take a long, long time. TriMet’s contract expired on November 30, 2009, has not settled, and is tied up in protracted litigation. C-Tran’s coach and paratransit operator contract expired August 31, 2010 and is headed toward interest arbitration.
The Salem Area Mass Transit District’s contract with the Union expired on December 31, 2009,
and after more than sixteen months of negotiations, the parties ratified a new three year
agreement. So why did the Salem contract settle, while the others have not?
FULL STORY>>
May 12, 2011 - TriMet's McFarlane Seeks to Gag TriMet Employees
In a May 10, 2011 agency-wide email blast, TriMet's general manager Neil McFarlane ordered TriMet employees not to talk to any media, traditional and on-line, about TriMet. It goes without saying that no unauthorized employee should speak on behalf of TriMet. Unfortunately, McFarlane's order goes further.
In violation of Oregon law and without notice to the Union, McFarlane seeks to severely limit media access to any TriMet-related information. Employees are instructed never to talk to the media about TriMet and McFarlane appears to be threatening them if they blog or comment about TriMet related matters - even employees on their own time and using their own equipment.
TriMet is a public agency and our folks are entitled as citizens and union members to comment on matters of public and/or union concern. Besides, McFarlane's verbiage makes it unclear to an employee as to when she/he would "cross the line" under this improperly implemented policy. When, for example, are employees who are blogging about TriMet related matters doing so in their "official" capacity vs. their capacity to speak under the legal protection accorded concerted activities? Blanket prohibitions such as this, which are clearly not thought out, are overbroad and infringe on mandatory subjects of bargaining as well as on labor and constitutional rights. See McFarlane's policy here.
May 12, 2011 - Ninth Annual Unions for Kids Motorcycle Poker Run and Chili Cook-Off
Union Labor Organizations are sponsoring this benefit for Doernbecher Children's Hospital on Saturday, June 11, 2011. FULL STORY>>
May 12, 2011 - Attention TriMet Golfers:
A series of golf tournaments are coming up this summer. These tournaments are open to TriMet employees current and retired, and family members. The tournament director is Randy Smith and you can contact him with any questions at (503) 706-6535. For a schedule of tournaments click here.
May 10, 2011 - TriMet Operators of the Year
Congratulations to TriMet Operator Roland Puckett, Rail Operator Gail Hanks, and Mini-run Operator Abigail Lyman, 2011's Operator of the Year winners! Although I've been able to attend and enjoy past ceremonies, this year I was unfortunately unable to attend as I was meeting with the ATU's attorneys in preparation for our ULP against TriMet. If you were also unable to attend, check out Steve Fung's video below for the highlights. Jon
May 6, 2011 - Remember, Monday is a celebration of the common goals and values held between unions and spiritual communities!
We're honored to have four spiritual leaders joining us at 6:45 pm at the Salvation Army, Rose Center. Please come and be a part of it! Full story>>
May 3, 2011 - Attention First Student/First Transit ATU 757 Members:
Under ATU International President Ron Heintzman the ATU was successful in recovering damages to our ATU members resulting from the First Transit/First Student transition. If you believe that you may be eligible to receive part of this settlement, please see the accompanying letter and direct all your information and questions to the settlement administrator. Full story>>
ATU 757, 1801 NE Couch Street, Portland, OR 97232
503-232-9144
Upcoming Meetings:
