ATU Local 757, Portland, OR
April 28, 2011 - Video of ATU President Hunt addressing the TM Board of Directors on the topic of relations between TriMet and the Union.
April 28, 2011 - Video of Board Member asking TriMet's General Manager questions in response to President Hunt's comments.
April 28, 2011 - Attention TriMet-ATU 757 members:
Follow the link to a pdf of information and answers to FAQ regarding the 457 (Deferred Compensation) Plan served by ICMA Retirement Corporation ("ICMA-RC"). ICMA-RC was approved at the TriMet Board of Directors' meeting yesterday. Click here for the plan information.
April 27,2011 - Attention TriMet-ATU 757 Members and all ATU Activists!
Please join us today, April 27th at 4:30 pm outside the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Avenue, Portland for April's Information Picket. TriMet's Board of Directors' will be offering the public an opportunity to comment on its plan for fiscal 2012 federal transit funding so April's Board of Directors' meeting will begin at 5:30 pm and our picket will start at 4:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
April 26, 2011 - 2011 ATU Picnic Poster Contest
We are holding a contest for the official ATU 2011 picnic poster! This contest is open to ATU 757 members only. Any visual medium may be used. Original work only. The winner will be voted on by the members at June's membership meetings and will win a prize of $100.00. FULL STORY>>
April 25, 2011 - Faith-Based Event Prior to Charter Meeting
Learn why, in a time of corporate attacks on labor unions, those in the spiritual community support labor union values and goals. ATU 757 is honored to invite you to an important discussion with four of Portland's religious leaders, Monday, May 9th, 2011, 6:45 pm, at the Salvation Army Rose Center, 211 NE 18th Avenue, Portland.
April 21, 2011 - Our next Information Picket is April 27th, 4:30 pm
Please join us next Wednesday, April 27th at 4:30 pm outside the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Avenue, Portland for our next Information Picket. FULL STORY>>
April 19, 2011 - Candlelight Vigil
We are approaching the one year anniversary of Portland's tragic bus accident. For those of you who are interested in participating in a candlelight vigil for the victims of last April's tragic accident, one will be held at midnight on April 23rd, 2011 outside Harvey's Club. FULL STORY>>
March 31, 2011 - Attention TriMet Members: Union Loses the Battle But Wins the War
The Union filed an unfair labor practice against TriMet over TriMet's unilateral implementation of the SIP customer complaint policy. The judge in that case is recommending that the complaint be dismissed. That is the battle that was lost. The judge's opinion, however, establishes that the Union won on all major points. FULL STORY>>
March 31, 2011 - Labor and Faith
At a time when labor organizations are under attack by corporate interests, come hear why so many faith-based organizations support labor's goals on May 9th. More later.
March 30, 2011 - Keep Dr. King's Dream Alive Rally
Before the Monday, April 4th Charter meeting, join us at Director Park in downtown Portland for the Keep Dr. King's Dream Alive Rally. FULL STORY>>
March 29, 2011 - ATU President Hunt and OR AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain at the March Information Picket
March 29, 2011 - Saturday, April 2nd International Solidarity Event
This Saturday at 2:00 pm join unions from the US and Canada at the international border standing in solidarity with workers who are struggling to keep their right to collectively bargain. FULL STORY>>
March 28, 2011 - Bend Area Transit Liaison Officer and Shop Steward
The positions of Bend Area Transit Liaison Officer and Shop Steward are now open. Those interested in serving in either position may send letters of interest to the Union office for consideration by the Executive Board on May 9th, 2011 and membership ratification at the meetings that follow.
March 28, 2011 - Candlelight Vigil
For those of you who are interested in participating in a candlelight vigil for the victims of last April’s tragic bus accident, one will be held at midnight on April 23, 2011, outside Harvey’s Club at the intersections of SW Glisan and Broadway. All are invited. Thank you.
March 24, 2011 - Everyday Heroes...
A 24- year TriMet employee driving over the Steel Bridge Tuesday morning stopped a woman from jumping off the Steel Bridge. FULL STORY>>
March 24, 2011 - ATU757 Black Caucus Officer Election
Any ATU member in good standing is welcome to join and be a part of something that is growing within our community. The positions of President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer are available. The elections will be held at:
Reflections 446 NE Killingsworth Portland, OR (503) 288-9003
Meet and greet starts at 4 pm. Elections will begin by 5 pm and results will be tallied as soon as all members have voted. For more information, contact Rose Jordan at (503) 933-2108.
March 23, 2011 - Video of President Jonathan Hunt speaking at the Board of Directors' meeting about safety and contract negotiations
March 23, 2011 - Video of Vice President Sam Schwarz speaking to the Board of Directors' about safety on the Type IV trains from this morning's Information Picket
March 21, 2011 - TUESDAY'S PICKET CANCELED
ATU 757 has agreed not to hold an informational picket at Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony as TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane will not be speaking. We do still encourage your attendance at the rally beginning at 10 am and we look forward to seeing you at Wednesday, March 23rd's regularly scheduled 4th Wednesday, TriMet Board of Directors' Information Picket.
March 18, 2011 - INFORMATION PICKET
Tuesday, March 22nd at 9:00 am, SW Moody between Marquam and Ross Island bridges on the east side of the street. US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will be in Portland Tuesday for a groundbreaking ceremony. Join us in expressing our appreciation for his support and asking that he join local congressmen in urging TriMet to abide by the law and the longstanding practice between the parties and let the dispute resolution process work through to a lawful conclusion.
March 18, 2011 - Local and National Caucus Policy
All Local ATU 757 non-Executive Board members who want to attend an ATU National Caucus must meet the following criteria: FULL STORY>>
March 17, 2011 - TriMet - ATU 757 Members
This letter was sent out in response to Mr. McFarlane's "Connecting the Dots: PMLR, the budget and the union contract" article. FULL STORY>>
March 17, 2011 - LATINO CAUCUS MEETING FRIDAY MARCH 18, 7:00 pm
This meeting will be held at the Village Gateway condos, 807 NE 90th Avenue, Portland, OR 97220. Meet in the rec room. ALL ATU members are invited to attend. Please join us!
March 11, 2011 - All Union members:
As you know, in recent days the media has been talking about the principles of unions and their role as the chief counter to mega corporations. The republicans’ role as the foot soldiers for the corporations has finally been spotlighted by their attacks on unions. Attached to this message is a list of where Republican-controlled legislatures have gone after public employees’ right to join together for economic justice in the workplace. In the meantime, I saw the message below and think it is fitting for all of us to remember:
“On this day, it behooves us to remember the words of Martin Niemoller: ‘First they came for the communists,’ he wrote, ‘and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.’
I am a trade unionist, and yesterday in Wisconsin, they came for me. They came for you. They came for every working person in America, and their intent could not be more clear.”
March 11, 2011 - All ATU 757 members:
Liberty Tax Service (3203 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland) is offering FREE tax preparation to all new customers who are tradesmen, Government, ODOT construction, or transportation workers from March 13th - March 19th, 2011. If you're interested, give them a call at (503) 233-0123.
March 10, 2011 - ATU 757 - TriMet Members:
I read Neil McFarlane's communication to TriMet members titled "Connecting the Dots." In his communication, McFarlane preached the ago-old party line that separate pots of money can only be used for certain things. FULL STORY>>
March 9, 2011 - ATU 757 - TriMet Members:
Clarifying the law regarding ATU's right to strike during the current contract dispute with TriMet. FULL STORY>>
March 9, 2011 - First Transit ATU Members:
The position of SHOP STEWARD is currently open. Those interested in serving in this position may send statements of interest to the Union office for consideration by the Executive Board on April 4, 2011 and member ratification at the meetings that follow. In your statement, please include the name of the position and how you may be reached, including your home telephone number and your cell phone number, if any.
March 8, 2011 - ATU 757 - TriMet Members:
Follow the link to read the correspondence on the outstanding arbitrations issues. FULL STORY>>
March 7, 2011 - Sam Schwarz is interviewed by FOX12 in Salem at the Jobs Rally
March 2, 2011 - AFL CIO Job's Rally on the Capitol Steps
This coming Monday, March 7th at noon, please join us on the state capitol steps in Salem at the AFL-CIO’s Rally for Jobs. This is an important opportunity to make a clear statement to the Oregon Legislature and the state that we need jobs and we’re not fixing our budget problems on the backs of the front-line workers! The AFL CIO has arranged for buses to provide transportation to this event, leaving the Machinists District Lodge 24 in Portland at 10:00 am. If you are interested in attending this, please call now to reserve a seat at (503) 287-3114. We look forward to seeing you there!
March 1, 2011 - Report from the 9th Annual Faith/Labor Breakfast
This morning ATU representatives attended the annual Faith/Labor breakfast. There were about 120 attendees, half labor, half religious leaders. The topic was "Reclaiming the American Dream for the Common Good." The topic of discussion in the small table groups was how American community values differed from the prevailing global corporate values. A short film on the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire was also screened. The factory employed 166 women. To make sure the women stayed at their machines, the employer locked the exit doors. A fire broke out and only 20 women escaped with their lives. The owners ended up having to pay only $75 per dead worker. In 2008, a fire broke out at a Thailand toy factory where U.S. sold toys are made and 188 workers died. The factory's exit doors were locked. Currently there are 11,000 sweatshops operating in the U.S. and U.S.-based global corporations are moving factories to countries that outlaw unions.
Some interesting facts and statements were made at the breakfast:
- One out of every six American workers is currently unemployed. CEO wages increased 17% last year. In the last few years, 80% of all income growth went into the pockets of 1% of the people.
- "Whatever you do to the least of us, you do to me." Jesus C. (Spiritual Leader)
- "When I rise, it will not be from the ranks, it will be with the ranks," Eugene D. (Labor Leader)
- "We need a shift in our common conscience, we need to become more selfless." Fernando H. (Portland, Unemployed Worker)
Important Upcoming Labor Events:
- March 7, 2011, in Salem, Jobs Rally
- March 11, 2011, in Salem, Single Payer Rally
- March 19, 2011, End the War Economy Peace Rally
- March 23, 2011, Portland, Info Picket, TM Board of Directors'
- April 16, 2011, in Portland, Jobs/No Cut in Benefits Rally
February 28, 2011 - February 26th, Wisconsin Solidarity Rally in Salem, Oregon.
Put on by Moveon.org and a coalition of grass roots organizations and attracted approximately 1200 people. Follow this link for a few photos provided by the ATU people in attendance.
February 24, 2011 - Video of TriMet Board of Directors' meeting and President Hunt's opening remarks
February 24, 2011 - Video of Sam Gillespie, Grievance Director of UFCW Local 555, speaking to TriMet Board of Directors; closing comments from President Jonathan Hunt
February 24, 2011 - YouTube video of David Sale speaking to the TriMet Board of Directors' meeting:
February 23, 2011 - Text of ATU President Jonathan Hunt’s remarks to the February TriMet Board of Directors’ meeting:
At what cost do you jeopardize the health and safety of your employees and customers? In cutting personnel costs, TriMet is jeopardizing the health of its employees and the riding public. KGW ran a recent story of spreading airborne diseases, particularly the H1N1 virus onboard crowed MAX trains and busses. There was even talk about TriMet putting hand sanitizer dispensers on all vehicles. But TriMet’s response to this problem was to get rid of all bus cleaners some six months ago. FULL STORY>>
February 23, 2011 - A few photos from the ATU 757 Informational Picket this morning outside the Portland Building:
February 15, 2011 - TriMet ATU 757 Members:
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 from 8:00 to 9:00 am - information picketing at 1120 SW 5th Ave, Portland, Oregon. Help us keep transit moving. FULL STORY>>
February 22, 2011 - ATU 757-TriMet Members:
For those of you who are interested in tracking the status of ATU 757's TriMet arbitrations, follow the link to the documenting correspondence. FULL STORY>>
February 11, 2011 - TriMet ATU 757 Members:
Here we go again. It appears that TriMet has mastered the art of the "shell game." Under Neil McFarlane's leadership, TriMet believes that it can directly communicate with its unionized workforce and convince them that they should feel good about TriMet taking away their hard earned benefits without bargaining. The truth is, that TriMet's position of wanting huge concessions from its employees has not changed during the past year and a half of bargaining, and in fact, to some extent, has gotten worse.
"Now you see it, now you don't" is the game TriMet continues to play. If TriMet is so confident that an independent arbitrator is going to buy their hard luck story and let them balance their budget on the backs of the employees, then why doesn't TriMet comply with the law and let the legal process resolve the dispute? Maybe the reason is that when the shell is lifted, the "pea" is nowhere to be found! FULL STORY>>
February 3, 2011 - TriMet ATU 757 Members:
Once again, Neil McFarlane' description of negotiations last Friday and yesterday was "fiction" as usual. TriMet's position is the same as it has been: “take-away after take-away." One thing he didn't write about is what time talks ended last Friday. Since TriMet management doesn't work past five o'clock, that is when they ended talks. Goes to show how important employees are to TriMet, doesn't it? FULL STORY>>
January 31, 2011 - TriMet ATU 757 Members:
Wednesday’s TriMet Board meeting produced some lively discussion. It is unfortunate that the President of the
Board allowed his frustration to end the meeting abruptly, not allowing one of his board members, Lynn Lehrbach,
the opportunity to speak on very important issues. I sent a very strong message that we will not be backing down and if
they want to play hardball that’s exactly what we are prepared to do.
While the outcome of the meeting was not what we wished for, I do believe it motivated TriMet management to return
to the bargaining table with an open mind. Although negotiations are far from done we have had good dialogue since then
about different options concerning wrestling with this health insurance problem. We have another meeting set up for
Wednesday and I’m hoping TriMet comes back to the table ready to settle.
Thank you to all of our members and supporters who continue to put their best foot forward and participate in all events, past and future.
January 28, 2011 - TriMet ATU 757 Members:
We have just learned that TriMet is requesting union members in various positions to sign confidentiality agreements that could result in termination. The Union suggests that you sign this agreement and put "under protest" in parenthesis after your name. Please send a copy of this to the Union office. This is a change to the status quo and therefore we have sent a demand to bargain notice to TriMet.
January 26, 2011 - Part 1 of President Jonathan Hunt speaking at the TriMet Board of Directors' Meeting
Part 2 of President Hunt speaking at the TriMet Board of Directors' Meeting
January 26, 2011 - Financial Secretary Treasurer Evette Farra speaking at the TriMet Board of Directors meeting
January 26, 2011 - Vice President Sam Schwarz speaking to the TriMet Board of Directors
January 21, 2011 - Information Picket Location Change!
Next Wednesday's Information Picket will be at the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Avenue. FULL STORY>>
January 11, 2011 - First Student Corvallis School Bus Members:
The position of First Student Corvallis School Bus 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 7, 2011 and membership ratification at the meetings that follow.
January 7, 2011 - TriMet ATU 757 Members:
Although we do not agree with the implementation of the new insurance policy, we want to remind you to save all receipts and documents. As you know, we are fighting this. Our first hearing is in April, and when we prevail it will be essential to identify how and what you should be reimbursed.
Thank you for your continued patience as we move forward and please do not allow this implementation to interfere with the quality of your medical care.
January 5, 2011 - Message from Jon Hunt
Recently, as you may or may not be aware, I made a mistake and was charged with a DUII. The incident took place late on the 26th and I instructed staff over the holiday to put it on our web site and ATU facebook account as soon as we returned from the holiday weekend (our staff was on holiday until January 3rd). I posted the news on my personal facebook account before it went to the media. When the media called, I responded with a statement immediately. FULL STORY>>
January 4, 2011 - Save the Date!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 from 8:00 to 9:00 am - information picketing at Liberty Centre, 650 NE Holladay Street, Portland, Oregon. Come one, come all. FULL STORY>>
December 20, 2010 - The following is in response to a recent article written and posted by General Manager Neil McFarlane on the TriMet website:
General Manager McFarlane’s article reflects the age-old mentality of “let's balance the budget on the backs of the employees.” FULL STORY>>
December 17, 2010 - Santa Visits the Union Tomorrow
Saturday, December 18th from 10 am to 2 pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be handing out presents to all your children and grandchildren, 16 and under. Come join us for a cup of hot cocoa and cookies at the Salvation Army, Rose Center for Seniors, 211 NE 18th Ave, Portland (intersection of 18th and Sandy Blvd, adjacent to the ATU office).
December 14, 2010 - ATU Member Testimonials
December 9, 2010 - Information Picket outside of Neil McFarlane's house
We are holding another ATU 757 Information Picket. This one will be outside the home of TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane (the Grinch who is trying to steal Christmas) FULL STORY>>
December 9, 2010 - ATU 757 Member Testimonials
December 8, 2010 - YouTube video of Cheree' Guengerich addressing the TriMet Board of Directors' meeting
December 8, 2010 - YouTube video of President Jon Hunt addressing the TriMet Board of Directors' regarding the motion on the floor.
December 6, 2010 - Join us Wednesday morning for an information picket outside the TriMet Board of Directors' meeting!
Please join us as we tell TriMet to stop breaking the law. Come late, leave early, just please attend. FULL STORY>>
December 3, 2010 - President Hunt's comments at the ATU 757 Retired Member Chapter annual Christmas banquet
Good afternoon and Merry Christmas to all. It is great to see many of you again, and sad when you realize some who were here last year are no longer with us today. But Christmas is supposed to be a happy and joyish occasion, so let’s take a positive look at today and at the future. FULL STORY>>
November 11, 2010 TriMet Tracking Faster - Safety
In recent days the media as well as TriMet have made repeated statements about the need for increased safety in the transit system. Despite TriMet’s failure to involve the Union in these safety discussions we need to be responsive to these safety concerns. FULL STORY>>
November 10, 2010 - YouTube video of President Jon Hunt responding to the Oregonian article on TriMet employees' wages at the 3rd Informational Picket
November 10, 2010 - 3rd Informational Picket Press Release
Both active and retired employees of TriMet, who are members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757, will conduct informational picketing at Portland State University, Smith Memorial Student Union Building, Room 329 where the TriMet Board of Directors will meet on November 10, 2010 at 9am.FULL STORY>>
November 3, 2010 - Please join members of ATU 757 as we hold our next informational picket prior to the TriMet Board Meeting.
This picket will take place at 8:00 am, November 10th, at the Smith Memorial Student Union Room #329, Portland State University, 1825 SW Broadway. We are demanding that TriMet:
- Stop breaking the law.
- Stop using the media to persecute their own employees.
- Stop risking the public's safety.
The ATU 757 has offered many changes to the contract that will save TriMet millions of dollars during negotiations; TriMet has refused to consider them. Our officers remain ready to bargain.
October 29th, 2010 - Part Two of the video of President Jonathan Hunt speaking before the TriMet Board of Directors' meeting on October 27, 2010.
October 28th, 2010 - Video of President Jonathan Hunt speaking before the TriMet Board of Directors' meeting on October 27, 2010.(Part 1)
October 27th, 2010 - Video of President Jonathan Hunt being interviewed outside the TriMet Board of Directors Meeting by OPB on October 27th, 2010.
President Jonathan Hunt speaking to Commissioner Nick Fish outside TriMet Board of Directors Meeting Informational Picket
October 27th, 2010 - Video of last Thursday's Informational Picket at Rail-Volution.
October 27th, 2010 - TriMet members:
The second ATU 757 Informational Picket is being held Wednesday, October 27th, 2010. The purpose of this picket is to inform the public that TriMet management is breaking the law with the current actions they have taken against Union members both active and retired. This picket will begin at 7:30 am outside the TriMet Board of Director's meeting at the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Avenue, Portland.
October 25th, 2010 - The 2010-2011 scholarships
These scholarships are in remembrance of retired International Vice President Stuart Snowden who passed away in 2009. Brother Snowden served as an International Vice President for ten years and retired in 1980. This year the program will consist of five scholarships each in the amount of $5,000. In addition, a $2,000 scholarship may be awarded to a vocational school applicant. For a copy of the Scholarship Application Form and instructions, please click here.
September 29, 2010 - TriMet Members: Management Game Playing
ATU’s general counsel specifically informed TriMet’s general counsel, Brian Playfair, that all of the Union’s full time officers and most of its executive board officers would be attending the International convention this week in Florida. She requested that TriMet take no negative actions with regard to the Union members until we return next week.
So what happened? Surprise, surprise. One day into the convention and TriMet management directly contacts every bargaining unit member to inform them that TriMet will be freezing wages (in December, over 60 days from today) and charging for health insurance (in January, over 90 days from today). Putting aside whether these threats are legal (they are not) you should ask yourself why TriMet management had to take this action, in the absence of the Union officers, this week. The answer can only be management’s crude attempt to incite anxiety in folks. Put even simpler--blatant and clumsy “game playing.”
As a courtesy to TriMet, the Union agreed to mediate with management over the unfair labor practice complaint. The mediation date is October 22, 2010. In the meantime, many of you have come forward with instances where TriMet management has and is wasting public money. That information is helpful to the Union in the collective bargaining process since TriMet is claiming it’s broke.
The Union is therefore announcing that it will be establishing an internet website within the next two weeks. This website will be for the purpose of gathering and publishing information about TriMet management’s wasteful practices. The website will provide you with the opportunity to provide information in confidence, without being identified. Further information about the website will be posted in the near future, so stay tuned . . .
September 21, 2010 - TriMet Members: October 22nd meeting on ULP
We are meeting with the Company on October 22nd over the Unfair Labor Practice regarding contract negotiations. As you may recall, their final offer contained takeaways not discussed at the bargaining table. This will determine if we return to the bargaining table or whether we move negotiations forward to binding arbitration.
Fourteen days prior to binding arbitration, both parties will again have the opportunity to present their last, best final offer. If TriMet changes their position significantly, we will take that to the membership for a vote.
Please keep checking your union boards and this site for updates on this process.
Upcoming Meetings:
