July 2026 Labor Press - TriMet Merlo Transportation article by Adam Slater, Executive Board Officer

Please note that, due to space limitations and the volume of submitted materials, certain articles will be published on the ATU website and official Facebook page to ensure that all communications from ATU Officers remain fully accessible to the membership.

Summer is here!

Brothers and sisters, summer is finally here and I hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather.

This summer will be trying for everyone. The fiscal situation is fragile with no relief in sight. Refused service, morale at an all-time low, and a reduction in management, supervisors, and union staff will challenge us all. Workloads get shifted, performance expectations remain high with fewer resources, and that burden falls to those who remain. Not much will officially be done to resolve this. It is as important as ever to stay strong and united together. Each other is all we have.

It is important we check on each other often. If someone needs to vent, just listen and be supportive. If you need to vent, find a classmate, trainer, mentor, or union rep to talk to. Understand you are not alone during these times, and we are all experiencing these challenges differently. Stay strong and be good humans.

Remember to protect your time. Make sure to contact the leave desk to discuss your claims and get help with getting everything approved and recoded. Please reach out to a rep early to assist you through the process. It’s very difficult to correct things that may go wrong as timelines are critical.

Discipline is aggressively being handed out. Please remember not to cut corners and follow the SOPs. Be patient, take your breaks, and get out of the seat if you can.

Staff-on-staff complaints are on the rise. Everyone is on edge. If you’re having an issue with another union member, please reach out to your reps so we can work to resolve it.

DOT cards are now being routed through the FTA before going to the state. This has caused several people to have delays in getting the card approved. Remember the AWOL policy gives you only 5 days to correct any issues that may arise with your driving status before you are terminated. Especially if you have medical issues or get renewed for only one year, start working on it early.

Take care of yourselves and stay safe!

Adam Slater