As summer comes to an end and schools prepare to reopen for another school year, school speed zones will soon be back in effect, and young children will once again be walking to and from school. Please remember to watch your speed and keep an eye out for young students and their parents walking, as well as high school students driving to school. Let's all do our part to help make the roads safer as we begin another school year.

As we approach open enrollment for insurance at most agencies, we are encouraging each agency to bring in representatives from their individual insurance options to explain the benefits, answer questions, and help our members better understand how to utilize the benefits available to them.

It is important to understand how our utilization of health care affects the overall cost—not only for us as members, but also for our employers. With overall percentage increases being seen in the high 20% range, it is more important than ever that we understand how we can help reduce our overall costs while maintaining the highest level of benefits possible.

A prime example of an agency working directly with its members is our team at C-Tran. They have created a Health and Welfare Committee that meets with all employees, both represented and non-represented, to help select and adjust benefit options based on the needs of their employees.

As open enrollment approaches at your location, and you see representatives from your insurance plans, please ask questions. Take the opportunity to understand what your plan offers and how you can make the most of the benefits available to you.

Around the Local

C-Tran

Contract negotiations continue with Operators, C-Van, and current employees.

As mentioned above, the C-Tran Health and Welfare Committee is doing a fabulous job dealing with the loss of Providence insurance in Washington. I appreciate all of the members who showed up at the last continuation meeting in Vancouver, participated in the BBQ put on by the C-Tran officers, and took part in the contract updates.

RVTD

As we continue with contract negotiations, we are once again being hit with a record increase in our medical premiums. The Health Care Committee has met and is working to find ways to once again reduce the overall cost for our members.

We appreciate everyone remaining patient as we work through this process.

LTD

The Health Care Committee has met and has come up with the best overall increase I have seen this year, with only a 3.77% increase.

This is another great example of a committee that is jointly administered by both union and non-union employees and is working together to address the needs of its employees.

Cory has also established two new positions in the IT department.

Salem Cherriots

As Allan Pollock retires, there is now a nationwide search underway for a new General Manager. David Trimble has stepped in to serve as Interim General Manager while the search is taking place.

As you read this article, we will have just completed an arbitration involving the reinstatement of an employee at your location.

COIC

Tammy Baney has stepped back in as Robert Townsend has stepped out of his role.

It saddens me to inform our membership that one of our COIC members has lost their home to a wildfire. Please keep this member and their family in your thoughts and prayers as they work through this devastating loss.

TriMet

As we continue to see bumpbacks and layoffs, all members need to understand that there are protections and provisions in the MOA that address extenuating circumstances. We have placed the MOA on the website for you to read.

Please do not rely on the rumor mill. If you have questions or concerns, please email me.

During these cutbacks and reductions in service, please encourage your riders to share their frustrations directly with TriMet and the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors can only make decisions based on the information they receive, and right now, they are being told what TriMet tells them.

Transdev — Regions 2 & 3

I would like to congratulate Matt on his due diligence and the successful contract negotiations.

In Region 3, Matt's review of the newly ratified contract identified a provision that allowed for a review of employees who had been terminated under Article 10.9. As a result, several employees have been reinstated.

Portland Public

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a relaxing summer break and has a safe return to the new school year.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming union meetings, which are now being held at the Union office.

First Student Portland

During the kickoff meeting Henry attended, we learned that Samsara cameras have been installed on all buses.

We have sent a reminder to the agency regarding the demand to bargain that has been issued. We will continue to keep you informed as this develops.

We also need your help. If you are experiencing issues at your location, please make sure we know about them. Your information is important as we continue to address these concerns with the agency.