Union Update

As I write this article, I am watching the primary election results roll in. With transit funding declining across the state, it raises more questions about the stability of our jobs.

I am pleased to share that I have been selected to serve on the Governor’s Transportation Vision Subgroup. Governor Kotek is convening transportation experts, system users, and advocates from across Oregon and from across the political spectrum to help build an achievable vision for Oregon’s transportation system.

The vision workgroup will review transportation needs, funding challenges, priorities, and trade-offs. The group will provide recommendations to help inform action during the 2027 legislative session, with a focus on affordability, accountability, safety, and economic vitality.

With Measure 120 not passing, it is even more important that a transit union voice is represented on committees like this. I am honored to have been selected.

Around the Union

RVTD

We are still in contract negotiations and will return to the table again on June 5. There appears to be some misunderstanding about the bargaining process, which we hope to clear up during that session.

PPS

As I write this article, we are preparing for our first mediation session. After speaking with other unions currently in mediation, I am unsure what to expect. At this point, it does not appear especially hopeful.

As we approach the end of the school year, please remember that your bargaining team will continue working throughout the summer to negotiate your contract. Make sure the Union office has your current email address so we can keep you informed during the process.

Union Office: 503-232-9144

C-TRAN

We continue to negotiate both the operators’ contract and the attendance policy.

Transdev Regions 2 and 3

Contract negotiations are continuing. We have made progress on several non-economic articles and are beginning to focus on economic proposals. I would like to thank the bargaining team for showing their dedication and continuing to work long hours to prepare responses to the Districts.

Transdev Canby

We are preparing for our first bargaining session. We are ready to present a full economic proposal right from the start.

We appreciate the opportunity to meet with the membership before negotiations began. Those conversations gave us a much better understanding of the priorities that matter most to members.

Tillamook

To our members in Tillamook: please continue reaching out to your elected liaison officer if issues arise. The district continues attempting to limit our members’ access.

We have now entered into an MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) that allows Tyler access to the location. Please watch for him in the break rooms.

LTD

We continue to bargain with an experienced and dedicated team that is fighting hard for all members. We are now moving into economic discussions.

We are finally able to schedule a Step 3 hearing for a member who has been out of work for nearly two years. Unfortunately, the District has continued to delay the process for this member.

Valley Transit

We will soon begin contract negotiations for supervisors.

We will also be joining the membership in June for their continuation meeting, and we look forward to meeting and visiting with members in Walla Walla.

General Updates

As we continue presenting arbitrations, it is frustrating that decisions are not being issued in a timely manner.

We also continue receiving reports from members who return to management after receiving a “come see me” letter. We want to remind everyone to ask your manager, assistant manager, or supervisor whether the meeting could lead to discipline.

Please remember your Weingarten Rights.

Weingarten Rights

Make this statement to your employer if discipline is possible:

“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, I respectfully request that my Union representative, officer, or steward be present at the meeting. Until then, I will remain present in this meeting until excused from attendance, but I will not participate in the discussion.”

If your ATU officer is unavailable, contact the Union office for assistance at 503-232-9144.

As a reminder, management is not your friend. Please know when to invoke your Weingarten Rights.

For those who may not understand: the Union starts with “U.” We need your participation and your input. When times are tough, union members stand strong together.