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What’s New at ATU?
February 2018 edition
Welcome to the latest edition of ATU 757’s e-newsletter for members, with updates about what’s happening inside your union, in the world of organized labor, and around our region. If you have a feature you’d like to see in a future edition, please contact ATU 757 staff!
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In case you missed it…
- Oregon OSHA has issued a citation to the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) requiring the company to improve working conditions for ATU-represented workers, after ATU Liaison Officer Jacob Foster filed a complaint. Learn more about the complaint, the OSHA citation, and what we’ll do to keep holding the company accountable.
- We now expect TriMet to issue checks for retro pay on March 7th. We’re disappointed by this delay, and want to assure you that every member will receive the retro pay to which you’re entitled.
- Earlier this year, we received the results of an independent audit of ATU 757’s finances – we passed! Learn more about the audit, and read the full report from auditor Aaron Traxton, CPA.
- Members at Valley Transit in Walla Walla, Washington have ratified the Tentative Agreement between ATU 757 and the company – congratulations on your new contract!
- Striking school bus drivers at First Student in Seattle (represented by our friends at Teamsters Local 174) have returned to the job after overwhelmingly approving a new contract with better pay and health benefits! This is one of multiple strikes at First Student properties – workers in Pasadena, California and Montreal, Quebec have walked off the job over the last few months, as well.
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TriMet Continues Dog-and-Pony Show on General Manager Hire
TriMet’s long, “international” search for the next General Manager settled on the guy down the hall: current Chief Operating Officer Doug Kelsey. In his time at TriMet, Kelsey has shown himself to be a McFarlane loyalist who will continue the broken status quo. You can learn more about Doug Kelsey and the hiring process on our website.
We learned today that Neil McFarlane’s last day will be Wednesday, February 21st (good riddance!). On that day, TriMet’s Board will nominate General Counsel Shelly Devine as interim General Manager. A week later, on February 28th, the Board will meet to vote on whether to hire Doug Kelsey, current Chief Operating Officer, as the next General Manager.
Every indication we’ve seen suggests that Kelsey will be the next top boss at TriMet, but we’re not giving up so easily. We’ll continue to stand with community partners like OPAL Environmental Justice to demand that TriMet stop this broken sham of a process. We join the chorus of voices demanding that TriMet engage in an authentic, public, community- and worker-led process to hire the next General Manager. |
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TriMet to Cease Stranding Sick Operators on the Side of the Road
Good news, sisters & brothers – TriMet has officially announced it will end the practice of stranding sick operators on the side of the road when they call in during their shifts. Check out Elliot Njus’ coverage at the Oregonian for more details.
In case you missed it: on Friday, TriMet operator and former ATU 757 Executive Board member Sandy Guengerich shared her experience with being denied road relief and left at Lake Oswego Transit Center while suffering from a cold.
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ATU 757 Endorses Burgerville Boycott
We’re proud to stand with the members of the Burgerville Workers Union as they fight for better working conditions in the face of their bosses’ aggressive retaliation and union-busting. Last month, our Executive Board voted unanimously to endorse the BVWU’s call for a boycott.
Until the company comes to the negotiating table, keep Burgerville off of the dinner table. Learn more about the boycott – and show your solidarity by staying away from Burgerville until they do right by their workers!
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Upcoming meetings and events
It’s Meeting Week – we hope to see you at our Charter meeting, or a Continuation meeting in your community! Check out the list below for this month’s meeting dates, starting with our monthly Charter meeting TONIGHT at 6pm. And for meetings dates through June 2018, look no farther than our online events calendar on atu757.org. |
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- Charter meeting: Monday, February 19th, 6:00pm at Salvation Army Rose Center for Seniors
- Charter day meeting: Tuesday, February 20th, 10:00am at ATU 757’s Schoppert Hall
- Salem Transit/MV: Tuesday, February 20th, 7:00pm at Salem Senior Center 50+
- Lane Transit District: Wednesday, February 21st, 7:00pm at the Woodworkers Local Lodge
- PPS/First Student Portland: Thursday, February 22nd, 6:00pm at Scott School Library (room 403)
- First Student Corvallis: Thursday, February 22nd, 10:00am at Troop #3 Cabin
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- Valley Transit: Saturday, February 24th, 10:30am at WSDOT Maintenance Building
- Rogue Valley Transportation District: Saturday, February 24th, 6:30pm at Angelo’s Pizza (Phoenix)
- COIC/Bend: Saturday, February 24th, 6:30pm at Black Bear Diner (Bend)
- Tillamook/TCTD: Sunday, February 25th, 1:00pm at Rendezvous Bar & Grill
- C-TRAN/C-VAN: Sunday, February 25th, 6:00pm at 2212 NE Andresen Rd
- Retired Members’ Chapter: Wednesday, March 7th, 9:00am at Westmoreland Union Manor
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