Local Union Update – February 2026
Around the Local
This month, we continue to wait for two arbitration decisions. Three additional cases are scheduled to be heard in the first couple of weeks of March. We have also begun a thorough evaluation of all grievances at the arbitration level and are finding that the previous administration often did not submit document requests or fully investigate cases before advancing them. This limited the union’s ability to present the strongest possible cases, which we are now working diligently to correct.
TriMet Update
We have met with TriMet to resolve most of the first 50 grievances, primarily older non-termination grievances.
TriMet attempted to implement a two-tier time-loss policy for full-time and part-time employees. We successfully enforced the contractual language, confirming that only one time-loss policy exists under the TriMet contract. TriMet will now correct any part-time employee who was improperly placed on a time-loss step. If employees were advanced incorrectly, they will be returned to the proper step.
TriMet has also updated the clock-in (Hastus) process, increasing the allowed clock-in window from 10 minutes to 20 minutes prior to sign-in time. Because of this change, approximately 900 members will need to re-sign the updated form that previously reflected the 10-minute policy.
Time loss continues to be a significant issue. If you have questions regarding FMLA, OFLA, or PLO, please contact your union officer. If they cannot assist directly, they will help guide you to the appropriate resources.
Additionally, TriMet appears to be re-correcting time-loss issues with the start of the new calendar year 2026. If you were placed in any time-loss step from January 1, 2026, to present, please contact your union officer and request a time-loss audit.
RVTD Update
A member alerted us that the district was not paying the four-hour guarantee under Section 4.6 of the contract. Working with the district, an audit was completed and all ten affected part-time employees were fully paid. RVTD worked cooperatively with the union to resolve this grievance.
We continue to work on scheduling improvements and have received data identifying runs that are experiencing issues. We also successfully modified one layover location to improve restroom access and break opportunities.
Contract negotiations are scheduled to begin March 19–20, with a continuation meeting on March 21. Members are encouraged to attend for the most up-to-date information.
Salem Cherriots Update
We continue to bargain over reasonable union access during the new-hire orientation process.
We have also received a February 2, 2026, letter from BOLI addressed to Cherriots regarding religious accommodations (File #25-08461). The letter confirms that all Oregon employers are required to reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs or practices unless doing so creates a substantial burden on business operations.
Religious beliefs may be theistic or non-theistic and include sincerely held moral or ethical beliefs. Accommodation may include flexible scheduling, voluntary shift swaps, workplace policy modifications (such as dress codes), and allowing leave for religious observances. For more information, see ORS 659A.030 and ORS 659A.033.
Transdev Portland – Regions 2 & 3
We successfully reinstated one employee through the Step 3 grievance process. Contract negotiations will be starting soon. Members are encouraged to submit contract proposals by mailing or dropping them off at the union office or giving them to their union representative.
PPS Update
PPS has entered mediation, and we will continue bargaining while in this process.
C-Tran Update
We continue bargaining the Operators Contract. The small table is gaining momentum and finding its rhythm, leading to meaningful progress. At the big table, discussions remain productive, and we continue to have constructive conversations.
Legislative Update – House Bill 4008
We continue working with our lobbyist on House Bill 4008, which would create a bi-partisan, transit-funded task force. This bill is intended to identify long-term, sustainable funding solutions for public transit and ensure stability for years to come.
