It appears we need to bring this issue back into the spotlight. We are once again seeing fellow Union members having conversations with Managers, Labor Relations, Human Resources, and other Non-Members about Union business.

As a reminder, under your oath and obligation:

"I will not reveal any of the private business to anyone not entitled to know the same."

This means Union business should not be discussed with Managers, Labor Relations, Human Resources, or any Non-Member who is not entitled to that information.

Unfortunately, we continue to see these conversations causing harm to our members. In some cases, members have even lost their jobs because information was shared outside the Union.

If you are experiencing issues with a coworker or have concerns about your workplace, please contact your Union officer or call the Union office at 503-232-9144. We are here to help resolve issues and protect your rights.

During the budget shortfalls affecting agencies across our jurisdiction, we are seeing an increase in tactics that create division within our Union. One of the most common approaches is to distract members from the real issues by creating conflict among coworkers. Rather than focusing on the financial decisions being made by management, attention is redirected toward internal disagreements.

This is not caused by the Union. Agencies such as TriMet are facing significant financial challenges, including a projected $489 million budget shortfall that continues to grow. Throughout this process, your Union has repeatedly presented cost-saving ideas that would retain work in-house, reduce unnecessary spending, and help preserve Union jobs. Unfortunately, many of those recommendations have gone unaddressed.

TriMet is now preparing for layoffs for the first time in several years. It is disappointing that the TriMet Executive Team has not worked collaboratively with the Union to explore every possible alternative to avoid layoffs. Instead, the Union has received information on layoffs in small portions, and as of this writing, we still have not been provided with a complete list of affected positions. We will continue advocating for solutions that reduce costs while protecting our members' jobs.

The HASTUS program at TriMet will once again delay implementation of the AM and PM board changes. Please continue watching for updates as more information becomes available.

Salem Cherriots

Congratulations to Allen Pollock on his retirement. We thank him for his years of service and wish him all the best in retirement.

Our current focus at Cherriots is the search for a new General Manager. I have been asked to participate in the hiring process, ensuring our members have a voice in selecting the agency's next leader. At the time of this writing, there have been 83 applicants from across the country, which will be narrowed down before interviews begin.

C-TRAN

Contract negotiations continue for the operators. We are approaching the economic portion of bargaining, which is expected to be the most challenging phase.

In addition, the Health and Welfare Committee is working through significant changes resulting from Providence no longer providing services in Washington.

RVTD

Contract negotiations continue. We are pleased that several employees who had previously been laid off have been recalled to work, and we remain hopeful that additional employees will be brought back as well.

Valley Transit (Walla Walla)

We have reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) covering the Road Supervisors and Dispatchers. This proposed three-year agreement includes:

• Reduction in wage progression steps
• Creation of a new Language Translation position
• A 13.5% wage increase over the next three years

The agreement will now be presented to the membership for a ratification vote and then forwarded to the Valley Transit Board for final approval.

Tillamook

Employees continue to express frustration over the lack of communication from management regarding bus safety concerns. We will continue pressing management to improve communication and address these safety issues.

As summer continues, I hope everyone stays safe and takes care of themselves. Please remember to take your scheduled breaks, stay hydrated, and watch out for one another. Thank you for everything you do every day to keep our transit systems moving.