This has been a long time coming. When I sat down with ATU Executive Board Officer Alina Clark, and TriMet Transportation Directors, Donnie Vercher on Wednesday, May 8^th, to discuss the development of a salaried employees’ recognition program, we produced what we believe will be a great pilot program that can serve as a model for all transportation supervisors. I hope the rest of the managers will get on board in supporting this recognition effort and implement its use for their department. If not, I have no problem putting shame on their face for not recognizing their employees, the hard-working folks. I have included the specific information regarding the new Transportation Supervisor of the Quarter/Year Pilot Program on the last page of the Bulletin.

We are still moving forward on working on several contracts, TriMet, Yamhill, Public Safety (LTD), and Walla Walla. All are really close to becoming tentative agreements (TA’s), and I am hoping by the time you read this there will be TA’s available for members to review and vote on their contract.

On another positive note, we will be holding a vote for Student Transportation of America, a group located in Tigard, Oregon on June 6th to get them unionized with ATU Local 757! 

Lastly, I would like to say what a pleasure it has been working with and on behalf of all my ATU 757 brothers and sisters over the duration of my long career in the transportation industry including 42 years as a proud ATU member. Together, we have endured some hurdles, enjoyed fun times, leaned on each other during sad times, but most often enjoyed times of silliness and great joy.  We ate together, laughed together, shed tears together, made funny faces, and enjoyed each other’s presence. It has been an honor to service our membership and fight to protect the best interests and employment rights of all the hard-working folks across our properties during my three elected terms serving as ATU Local 757 President and my tenure as an ATU member. I wouldn’t have missed out on any of my experiences for the world.  While I now look forward to my transition into retirement, know I am planning to remain in touch. I continue to want the best for all of you and remain proud of the direction we are going.

Hello Transportation Supervisors!!

Transportation Directors Casey Goldin, Mary Hill, and Donnie Vercher are pleased to announce the Transportation Supervisor of the Quarter/Year Pilot Program!

TriMet, as the region's prominent public transportation agency, relies heavily on the dedication and hard work of its Rail Supervisors, Bus Supervisors, Controllers, Dispatchers, and Lead Supervisors. Recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance is essential to fostering a positive work environment and encouraging employees to excel in their roles. To achieve this, we will be piloting the Transportation Supervisor of the Quarter program, which will highlight exceptional individuals across these departments.

With a goal of announcing our first Supervisor of the Quarter on July 1^st, a link to the nomination form will be sent out very soon.

Please read on for answers to questions that you may have.

Who can I nominate?

• Rail Supervisors
• Bus Supervisors
• Controllers
• Dispatchers
• Lead Supervisors

How do I nominate someone?

A link to a Smartsheet intake form will be sent out when nominations go live. You will be required to give detailed reasoning for your nomination.

How is the winner selected?

A SurveyMonkey poll is used to ensure fairness and secure voting. Access to a SurveyMonkey account is required to create polls. Only Supervisors are eligible to vote in the polls.

How do I qualify:

• Nominated individuals will be vetted based on specific metrics:
  • At least one year seniority as a Supervisor
  • Time loss does not exceed twenty-four (24) hours.
  • No written warnings, reprimands, suspensions, or terminations.
  • No unexcused absences or absences without leave.
  • Teamwork: Assessing collaboration, communication, and skills
  • Job Performance: Reviewing overall work quality and efficiency.
  • Safety records
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Innovation
  • Commendations.
• The qualifying pool of candidates will then be voted on by their peers, like the current Operator of the Month/Quarter voting process.

What do I get if I win?

• Supervisor of the Quarter plaque
• $200 Cash Award
• Posting of picture & profile in Express Line and prominent locations at TriMet facilities
• Celebration in your honor

We are very much looking forward to announcing TriMet’s first ever Transportation Supervisor of the Quarter, so look out for the link!!