United States Version PDF - Amalgamated Transit Union

s e p t / o c t2 0 0 8w w w . a t u . o r gOfficial Journal of the Amalgamated Transit UnionAFL-CIO/CLC

A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENTIF WORKERS GET A FAIR SHOTMaybe it’s a cliché to say that the U.S. elections on November 4, are the most important ofour lifetime, but I actually believe this. The future of working men and woman, andparticularly those who are union members, will be determined by this election. The outcome willdeeply affect our Canadian brothers and sisters as well.Under an Obama presidency, our world would look very different than it does now. What willPresident Obama do? Here is just a brief overview on a few issues:FOR WORKERS:• Sign the Employee Free Choice Act into law. This legislation is the single mostimportant piece of legislation for union members in at least 80 years. Obama says,“We will pass the Employee Free Choice Act. It is not a matter of if – it’s a matter of when.”• Enact a federal Renewable Portfolio Standard which has the potential to createhundreds of thousands of jobs and increase renewable energy production.• Create a National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank to expand and enhance existing federaltransportation investments. The Bank will receive an infusion of federal money, $60 billion over10 years, to provide financing to transportation infrastructure projects across the nation. Theseprojects will create up to two million new direct and indirect jobs per year and stimulateapproximately $35 billion per year in new economic activity.• Extend the Family Medical Leave Act to cover more workers. President Obama wouldalso provide $1.5 billion to states to adopt paid leave policies.• Support protection of workers’ vacation and severance pay from bankruptcy actions.‘The Future ofWorking Menand Women... WillBe Determined ByThis Election’FOR OUR CHILDREN:• Fully fund and reform “No Child Left Behind” so teachers would not be forced to spend theacademic year preparing students to fill in bubbles on standardized tests.• Fix and improve our public schools, not throwing our hands up and walking away.• Expand Head Start and Early Head Start.• Give a $4000 tax credit to help pay for college and streamline the financial aid process.FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS:• Restore fairness to the tax code and provide 150 million with tax relief by creating a taxcredit of up to $500 per person, or $1,000 per working family. The tax credit will completelyeliminate income taxes for 10 million Americans.• Simplify tax filings for millions of Americans. In contrast, John McCain has one of themost anti-union, anti-worker records in the Senate. We need change now. We needyou to vote for Barack Obama for president.In this issue, I have included a flyer containing information on the National Labor College Workers’ Memorial.I am proud that the AFL-CIO Executive Council (of which I am a member) voted to establish this workers’memorial. This beautiful garden will memorialize American workers who died on the job or from workrelateddangers; those who died in the struggle to build their union; and those who made importantcontributions to the labor movement. Please consider making a donation for an engraved brick in thegarden or whatever amount you are able to give.www.atu.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 3

w w w . a t u . o r gs e p t / o c t2 0 0 8Vol. 117, No. 5Contents2 International Officers &General Executive BoardInternational President’s Messagein French & Spanish3 International President’s MessageIf Workers Get A Fair Shot4 Magazine Index5 International ExecutiveVice President’s MessageMcCain Shows His True Colors6 International Secretary-Treasurer’s MessageTen Reasons to Vote7 Obama vs. McCainOn Amalgamated Transit Union Member Issues8 Survey Shows Gas Prices PushingCanadians to Transit, But Capacity Missing9 Western Canadian Greyhound ATU LocalInstructs Members to Limit Carry-Ons11 Proud to Be ATU on Labor DayMembers of our Union in Labor Day paradesacross the United States.12 Legislative ReportTransit in Crisis - But Will Congress Act?14 Canadian AgendaGroundbreaking Study Outlines Needfor Federal Transit Investment15 DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Update15 Legislative Victory Alert16 Labor Lingo: I to P17 The Amalgamated Transit Union2009 Scholarship Competition19 Arbitration Decisions20 Local News21 ATU Training and Events22 In Memoriam23 ATU Activist: Karen NewmanI Did It! So Can You...24 ATU New Orleans LocalsHelp With Evacuation37913A Message from theInternational PresidentIf Workers Get A Fair ShotObama vs. McCainOn Amalgamated Transit UnionMember IssuesWestern Canadian GreyhoundATU Local Instructs Membersto Limit Carry-OnsAction Follows Horrific Killingon Greyhound BusLegislative Report:Transit in CrisisBut Will Congress Act?The Amalgamated Transit Union2009 Scholarship CompetitionIN MEMORY OF: OLIVER GREEN(see page 17)Subscription: USA and Canada, $5 a year. Single copy: 50 cents. All others: $10 a year. Published bimonthly by the Amalgamated Transit Union, Editor:Shawn Perry, Assistant: Paul A. Fitzgerald. Editorial Office: 5025 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016-4139. Tel: 1-202-537-1645. Please sendall requests for address changes to the ATU Registry Dept. ISSN: 0019-3291, USPS: 260-280.PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40033361. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: B&M Mailing Service Limited, 35 Van Kirk Drive,Unit 15, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1A5, E-MAIL-BMCOMM@PATHCOM.COMThe objects of this International Union shall be to organize Local Unions; to place our occupation upon a higher plane of intelligence, efficiency and skill; to encourage theformation in Local Unions of sick and funeral benefit funds in order that we may properly care for our sick and bury our dead; to encourage the organization of cooperativecredit unions in the Local Unions; to establish schools of instruction for imparting a practical knowledge of modern and improved methods and systems of transportation andtrade matters generally; to encourage the settlement of all disputes between employees and employers by arbitration; to secure employment and adequate pay for our work,including vacations with pay and old age pensions; to reduce the hours of labor and by all legal and proper means to elevate our moral, intellectual and social condition. To engagein such legislative, political, educational, cultural, social, and welfare activities as will further the interests and welfare of the membership of the Organization. To seek theimprovement of social and economic conditions in the United States and Canada and to promote the interests of labor everywhere.4 IN TRANSIT www.atu.org

A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTMcCain Shows His True Colors“I’ve fought lobbyists who stole from Indian tribes. I fought crookeddeals in the Pentagon. I fought tobacco companies and trial lawyers,drug companies and union bosses.”–Excerpted from John McCain’s acceptance speech, September 5, 2008Did you tune in to the Republican National Convention a few weeks ago? Perhaps you heardJohn McCain’s acceptance speech, when he said, “I’ve fought lobbyists who stole fromIndian tribes. I fought crooked deals in the Pentagon. I fought tobacco companies and triallawyers, drug companies and union bosses.”So in Senator McCain’s world, organized labor fits into the same category as thieves and companieswith no moral conscience. Good to know.And why are union leaders always referred to as “bosses?” If he were talking about the head ofExxon Mobil, would McCain have called that person, “Oil Boss?” Not likely. Referring to laborleaders as “bosses” or “thugs” conjures up the image of Al Capone in a dark alley long ago. It’s wrong,disrespectful, and purposefully done.The only person I refer to as “boss” is my wife Judy. But I digress.‘...McCainopposes laboron everyissue that isimportant toworking people.’COULD CARE LESS ABOUT TRANSIT WORKERSThe truth is that the longer this campaign lasts, the more the Republican candidate for presidentis displaying his true colors. Based on his voting record, we already know that he opposesLabor on every issue that is important to working people, like the Employee Free Choice Act.And we learned that he could care less about transit workers when he voted to restrict the rights ofunions to negotiate job protections when public transit agencies contract out services.He has been outspoken on the need to curb Congressional earmarks, making the federaltransportation bill (which puts food on the tables of hundreds of thousands of transit workers)McCain’s number one target when the legislation comes up for reauthorization next year.And just a word about his judgment. Before becoming governor of Alaska – portions of whichhave more polar bears than people – McCain’s vice presidential pick served as the mayor ofWasilla, population approximately 7,000.My daughter once served as mayor of Keansburg, a small borough in New Jersey (which bythe way, is bigger than Wasilla). I am very proud of my daughter, but she would be thefirst to admit that she is not yet ready to be president of the United States.Shame on John McCain for putting himself as the only thing between Sarah Palinand the presidency.The more you know about the senator from Arizona, the more you will appreciate thewisdom of choosing Barack Obama as the next U.S. president, or as John McCainmight say, the next “White House Boss.”www.atu.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 5

A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURERTen Reasons to VoteOn Tuesday, November 4, Americans will go to the polls to vote in what will undoubtedlybe a historic election. If that isn’t enough reason for you to participate, let me give you tenmore reasons why you and every eligible member of your family should vote:‘John McCainand His Anti-Labor Friends...Want ToTake AwayYour Union.’10. TO PROTECT YOUR JOB: The next president and Congress will make crucial decisionsconcerning funding for transit services and jobs throughout the country!9. YOUR UNION CONTRACT IS AT RISK: John McCain and his anti-labor friends in federal,state and local government want to take away your Union, contract-out your work anddeny your Section 13(c) transit labor protections.8. YOUR POLITICAL VOICE IS BEING THREATENED: Anti-worker interests want to silenceyour voice in the political process by promoting “paycheck deception” legislation at alllevels of government.7. YOUR LIFE IS AT STAKE: Government officials at all levels are making important decisionsaffecting the safety and security of transit, school bus and intercity bus services.6. TO SECURE YOUR RETIREMENT: John McCain will continue the Bush Administrationpolicies of privatizing Social Security and reduce your benefits!5. TO ELECT THOSE WHO CARE ABOUT YOU: This year the presidency, the control of theU.S. House and Senate, 11 Governorships, and countless state legislatures and local citygovernments are up for grabs – the outcome of these elections could mean the differencebetween safe jobs with decent pay and benefits and dangerous work without health careor a livable wage for millions of workers.4. TO HAVE YOUR OPINION HEARD ON LOCAL MATTERS: You may have the opportunityto make important policy decisions on transit funding, “Right to Work for Less,” andeducation issues by voting on statewide and local initiatives and referendums.3. TO IMPROVE LOCAL HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION AND TRANSIT SERVICES: State and localgovernment officials will be making crucial decisions about health care, education and transitservices in your community.2. IT’S YOUR RIGHT: Voting is your fundamental right as an American and the mostbasic means by which you have a voice in how your government works!1. WHEN TRANSIT WORKERS REGISTER AND VOTE, TRANSIT LABOR-FRIENDLYCANDIDATES WIN!6 IN TRANSIT www.atu.org

Obama & McCainON AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION MEMBER ISSUESObamaBarack Obama Will Protect Our Jobs and Create New Onesq Wants to Increase Transit Service and Funding. Obama “will recommit federalresources to our public mass transportation projects.” His plan will provide twomillion new jobs rebuilding America over 10 years and provide financial incentivesfor choosing to use transit. Obama voted for transit-funding bills to create jobs,boost our economy and improve our transportation system.(Obama for America website; S. 1926, 2/14/08; Vote 220, 7/29/05)q Will Honor and Uphold Transit Labor Protections. Obama firmly supportsSection 13(c) transit labor protections, protecting transit workers’ rights andsafeguarding transit jobs from outsourcing. He will “honor the 13(c) collectivebargaining protections” for workers and will require the Department of Labor touphold these longstanding workers’ rights. (TTD Presidential Questionnaire, 2008)q Opposes Any Privatization of Transit Systems. Obama has vowed to “oppose anyproposals to force privatization mandates on local transit and school bus operators.”This stand will protect transit workers from having their jobs outsourced to thelowest bidder. (TTD Presidential Questionnaire, 2008)q Opposes Cross-Border Bus Service. Obama is adamant that before bus driversfrom any country “are allowed to crisscross our highways” they must meet strong“standards for vehicle safety... as well as adequate oversight over those operations,and driver training.” His plan protects jobs from unfair competition and makesroads safer. (S.Admt. 2797 top H.R. 3074, 9/10/07; Obama Statement, 11/6/07)q Increase Transit Security. Obama has a strong record of supporting transitsecurity programs. He voted to increase transit security four times, supportinggreater use of bomb-detection technology, enhancing anti-terror programs andmaking necessary improvements for transit rail tunnels. (Vote 59, 3/16/06; Vote 194,7/12/06; Vote 186, 7/14/05; Vote 185, 7/14/05)q Health Care for All. Obama’s health care plan would provide affordable,high-quality coverage for all and would guarantee coverage for those who changejobs or have pre-existing medical conditions. (Obama for America website; Speech inIowa City, Iowa, 5/29/07)McCainJohn McCain Threatens Our Jobsq Long History of Opposition to Transit Investment. McCain is a vocal opponent oftransit funding. He has voted repeatedly against bills to build, refurbish, andimprove our crumbling transportation systems. McCain was one of only foursenators to oppose the largest transit-funding bill in our history. (Vote 220, 7/29/05;Vote 184, 7/14/05; Vote 14, 2/12/04; Veto override to H.R. 2, 4/2/87; S.Amdt. 4458 toH.R. 1195, 4/17/08)q Opposes Transit Labor Rights. McCain voted against Section 13(c) laborprotections for transit workers. These laws, enacted 43 years ago, protect workers’collective bargaining, pensions, safety and seniority, and ensure that laid-off workersare provided new, good jobs. These labor protections have broad bipartisan support,but McCain still voted against protecting them. (Gramm Amdt. To H.R. 2, 2/4/87)q Pushes Privatization of Transit Systems. McCain supported a plan to push forprivatizing transit systems, a move that would endanger thousands of transitworkers’ jobs as private companies seek to squeeze wages and get rid ofunion contracts. (S. 667, 4/30/97)q Supports Foreign Bus Service in America. McCain voted four times to allowunsafe foreign buses to travel on American roads. He supported President Bush,saying he “was disappointed the Senate seems determined to defy the president onthe issue of Mexican trucks” and buses. (Vote 245, 7/27/01; Vote 253, 7/27/01; Vote 252,7/26/01; Vote 250, 2/25/01; McCain press release, 11/16/01; Congressional Record, 8/1/01)q Votes Against Improving Transit Security. McCain repeatedly voted againstincreasing transit security and anti-terror initiatives. He voted against bombdetectiontechnology and making key tunnel upgrades. (Vote 59, 3/16/06;Vote 194, 7/12/06; Vote 186, 7/14/05; Vote 185, 7/14/05)q Puts Insurance Companies Before Working Families. McCain wants to tax ourhealth care benefits and push workers into the private market where insurancecompanies can charge whatever they want and refuse to cover people withpre-existing conditions like cancer. He also plans to give the top 10 healthinsurance companies $1.9 billion in tax breaks. (Health08.org, Forum, 10/31/07;Los Angeles Times, 11/20/07; Center for American Progress, 4/9/08)For more information on where these candidates’ stand, as well as for information on their running mates, go to www.workingfamiliesvote2008.org.www.atu.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 7

Survey Shows Gas PricesPushing Canadiansto Transit, ButCapacity MissingRising gas prices are cutting into Canadians’ spending powerand prompting them to consider taking public transit forsome relief, according to a national survey released September 1.But too few trains and buses may derail a once-in-a-generationopportunity to move people from cars to transit, say the Federation ofCanadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Canadian Urban TransitAssociation (CUTA).“Canadians are at a tipping point,” said FCM President Jean Perrault.“They are feeling pain at the pump and willing to consider switchingto transit. The problem is they find most transit systems are alreadyoperating at or beyond capacity.”that their personal financial situation has worsened in the lastsix months.The survey responses suggest that transit ridership could triple as aresult of higher gas prices.“Transit providers welcome new riders, but without new funding thiskind of increased demand would overwhelm urban systems, many ofwhich are already at or beyond capacity during peak hours,” saidCUTA Chair Steve New.“The ability to respond to a surge in ridership resulting from highergas prices will require major investments in additional service,”New added.The survey suggests that high gas prices will be an issue in the nextfederal election.UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY“These are issues that must be debated during the next election,”said Perrault. “We’re looking at an unprecedented opportunityfor government to help Canadians deal with high gas prices whilejumpstarting a shift from cars to transit. Ultimately the countryneeds a properly funded, national transit strategy. But the federalgovernment can get things rolling right now by adding a dedicatedtop-up to the existing federal gas tax fund for transit. The fund is inplace, it works, and we all understand it.”PUBLIC TRANSIT RIDERSHIP COULD TRIPLE“Either we take the opportunity now to support a shift to transitby getting more buses on the road and better rail service,” saidPerrault, “or we do nothing and Canadians will continue to be hurtby high gas prices with no alternatives.”The survey, conducted by the Strategic Counsel for FCM andCUTA, shows rising gas prices have more than one in five Canadiansconsidering switching to public transit.More than 40 percent say they will consider transit if gas pricescontinue to rise. The survey also shows that 83 percent of thosesurveyed believe high gas prices are here to stay and 30 percent say8 IN TRANSIT www.atu.org

Western Canadian Greyhound ATU LocalInstructs Members to Limit Carry-OnsIn the wake of the most gruesome event in memory to take place onan ATU-operated bus, ATU’s Western Canada Greyhound membershave been instructed by Local 1374-Calgary, AB, to make changes intheir baggage-checking procedures in order to protect drivers and theirpassengers from violence.HORROR ON THE TRANS-CANADA HIGHWAYThe new union policy was prompted by a horrific murder which tookplace at about 8:30 p.m., July 31, on a Greyhound bus traveling fromWinnipeg, MB, to Edmonton, AB. About 85 kilometres west ofWinnipeg, a presumably deranged passenger pulled out a hidden knifeand repeatedly stabbed the seatmate who was sleeping beside him. Thiswas, apparently, a random act of violence.Garnet Caton, who was seated in front of the murderer heard thevictim’s screams and turned to see what was happening. Caton yelledat the driver to stop and herded the terrified passengers to the frontof the coach from which they fled.The driver of a second Greyhound, carrying passengers along the sameroute stopped to find out why the lead bus had stopped. Armed with atire iron, he joined Caton and the first bus operator, boarding the firstbus in an attempt to apprehend the knifeman, and possibly save thevictim. But it was too late.The three men retreated after the killer ran toward them, trying toslash them. The killer then attempted to drive the bus away, but thequick-thinking Local 1374 member disabled the engine. The driver alsomanaged to keep the bus doors closed, trapping the man inside.Police arrived about 10 minutes later and a four-hour standoffensued. The alleged 40-year-old killer awaits trial on second-degreemurder charges.www.atu.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 9

‘CARRY-ON’ TO BE STOWED BELOW COACHIn response to this and other violent incidents besieging operators acrossCanada, ATU Local 1374 has instructed its members to stow all luggageincluding “carry-ons” in the hold beneath the coach. Exception is madefor medical items, baby supplies and purses. Drivers were apprised oftheir right to search anything that they believe might contain somethingunsuitable to be carried on a bus. Since 9/11 their contract hasempowered them to take these more stringent precautions when theybelieve them necessary.Local 1374 President Jim Higgs, however, has been frustrated with thefoot-dragging that he senses from Greyhound.“How could the man who killed that boy have gotten a knife the size of aBowie on that bus? I’ll tell you,” he continues, “it was in his carry-on.” Hewould like to see a directive issued by the company mandating that newsafety procedures such as the local’s be implemented immediately.The local is participating in a committee which has been set up byGreyhound which will include a broad spectrum of drivers to make safetyand security recommendations in the wake of the terrible incident. ButHiggs is worried about what happens in the interim.“Why should the Union have to take the initiative?” he asks, “Why shoulddrivers be obligated to search luggage with all of the other things theyhave to do?”In response to company shoulder-shrugging and “wishy-washy”statements that no security system would be impenetrable Higgs asserts,“Well that doesn’t mean we should do nothing!”The Local 1374 operator brought the coach to a stop and waitedfor police. But before the police could arrive, the knife-wielding mangot into a scuffle with the driver. The RCMP arrived and subduedthe assailant with pepper-spray. He was taken into custody.• August 20: A man boarded a bus at Selkirk Avenue and Parr Streetat about 5:30 p.m. in Winnipeg, MB, and then, for no known reason,punched the Local 1505 operator. The driver kept the bus parkedat the scene while he waited for police. After police arrived, theywere forced to use a Taser on the man after he hit them with a poolball hidden in a sock.The Canadian Council and locals are continuing to pursue optionswhich they hope will reduce the opportunities for violence on boardthe nation’s public transit.MORE VIOLENCEThe tragedy, above, is one of several violent incidents which shook ATU’sCanadian members within a two-and-a-half week period. The reportsread like a police blotter:• July 30: A female Local 508 operator was sexually assaulted justafter midnight on the Route 20 bus at Hebridean Drive and St. PaulsAvenue in Halifax, NS. The assault prompted the mayor to callfor special transit police in Halifax. The three-year schedule forinstallation of cameras on buses was shortened to one year.• August 16: A Local 588 operator in Regina, SK, managed to pullhis bus to the curb in the 4500 block of Wascana Parkway as he wasbeing punched in the face by a passenger. Police, who were called tothe scene, said that the attack was totally unprovoked.• August 18: A woman with a hammer boarded a bus around 11:00a.m. near Grandravine and Driftwood in North York, ON, andstarted taking swings at a Local 113 operator. Passengers managedto wrestle the woman to the ground and hold her until policearrived. The woman said that the driver had neglected to pick her upat an earlier stop.• August 18: A man boarded a Greyhound bus en route from FortMcMurray to Edmonton, AB, and proceeded to threaten passengerswith a knife. He told two brothers onboard that he would cut theirheads off just as in the earlier Greyhound incident. “You’ll be onthe news,” one passenger recalled him saying, “I’m going to cutyour head off and throw it out the window.”The pictures above show the items confiscated over one weekend from passengersboarding Greyhound buses at a single terminal.10 IN TRANSIT www.atu.org

Proud to Be ATU on Labor DayATU members demonstrated their pride in being members of ourUnion in Labor Day parades across the United States on September 1.Below are some pictures of a few of those events:International President Warren S. George (in blue),and ATU’s “First Lady,” Jan George, left, join officers ofLocal 85, and their families at the Pittsburgh parade.From left, are Local President Gary Johnson, 268-Cleveland,OH; Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland; Retired IVP Bruce Foster; and IVPBob Baker. Strickland announced that he would authorize $20million funding to help Ohio transit agencies with fuel costs.Members of Local 1056-New York, NY, led byLocal President Ed Figueroa, in front, second from right,showed their support for Barack Obama inNew York’s parade.Members of Local 752 march in the Bloomington, IL’sLabor Day Parade.IVP Janis Borchardt (left) joins membersof Local 998 at LaborFest in Milwaukee, WI.From left, Rick Steffles, 1005-Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN;and Larry Koenck, Ed MN; march in the Twin Cities.www.atu.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 11

transit in crisisBUT WILL CONGRESS ACT?In Chicago, they are tearing out seats on the subway trains to make roomfor more people. Buses are overflowing throughout the central PugetSound area in Washington. In Utah, transit officials say they are having ahard time meeting demand, as bus drivers report having to leave hundredsof people behind at different stops because buses are at capacity.Americans took more than 2.8 billion trips on public transportation inthe second quarter of 2008. This is almost 140 million more trips thanlast year for the same time period, an increase of 5.2%. In 2007, 10.3billion trips were taken on public transportation – the highest ridershiptotal in 50 years.Skyrocketing gas prices are the key reason for the surge in ridership, but thesame high fuel prices that are pushing people to ride buses are also bustingtransit agency budgets. All across the U.S., fares are being increased andservice is being cut back – just when transit services are needed most.RELIEF?As you heard from U.S. House Transportation and InfrastructureCommittee Chairman James Oberstar, D-MN, in the July-Augustlegislative column, Congress is currently considering legislation thatwould provide immediate relief. The “Saving Energy Through PublicTransportation Act of 2008,” would provide $1.7 billion to U.S. transitagencies so that they could lower fares or increase service levels.Most importantly, in response to ATU’s request, the U.S. House ofRepresentatives amended the bill to include language that opens upeligibility to all transit systems for the purpose of paying for fuel. Thatbill passed the House on June 26, by a vote of 322-98.Clinton, literally coming off the campaign trail, testified in support ofher bill before the Senate Banking Committee, which on September 9,called a hearing on “Strengthening the Ability of Public Transportationto Reduce Our Dependence on Foreign Oil.”You can watch the video of her making a strong case for passage of thelegislation on the ATU website, www.atu.org. The Senator from NewYork – a state which alone handles nearly one third of the nation’s transitpassengers – reminded us of her never-ending dedication to the issues thatare most important to ATU members. She is now trying to convince therest of the U.S. Senate that transit needs to be part of the solution – notthe victim – of high gas prices.As of press time, the bill was still pending in the Senate.Senator Hillary Clinton, D-NY, introduced the bill (S. 3380) in the Senateon July 31. During the August recess, the ATU sent postcards – 60,000 intotal – to transit locals all across America. The cards, which are addressedto U.S. Senators and which urge passage of S. 3380, were delivered toCongress the week of September 15. Thanks to all locals who participatedin this historic campaign. Your voices, and the voicesof your transit customers, are being heard.12 IN TRANSIT www.atu.org

www.atu.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 13

canadianagendaGroundbreaking Study OutlinesNeed for Federal Transit InvestmentTRANSIT CALLS ON PARTY LEADERS TO PLEDGE FUNDING DURING ELECTIONTransit leaders from across Canada, September 16, called on federalparty candidates to pledge increased funding for transit during thecurrent federal election campaign. The call to action was supported bythe release of a groundbreaking economic study that analyzed the optimalsupply and demand for urban transit in Canada.“This economic study highlights the need for greater investment in transit,”said Canadian Urban Transit Association President (CUTA) MichaelRoschlau. “The study demonstrates that Canada is clearly underinvestedin urban transit.”The study conducted by HDR Decision Economics Inc. had severalimportant conclusions:• The economically and socially optimal level of transit supply in 2006would have required an estimated 1.7 billion vehicle-kilometres oftransit service, or 74 percent more service than actually supplied.• In 2006, capital investment of $78.1 billion would have been requiredto bring the supply of transit into line with the optimal conditionsof supply in that year.• Results of the analysis conclude that Canada is clearly underinvestedin urban transit.• Bringing transit to the optimal level of supply would produceseveral positive economic and social benefits – more than two thirdsof these benefits constitute the economic value of reducedroadway congestion.TRANSIT CAN’T HANDLE RIDERSHIPSURGE WITHOUT NEW FUNDINGThe economic study release comes on the heels of public opinion datathat demonstrates a surge in public support for transit in the wake ofrising gasoline prices (see page 8).which are already at or beyond capacity during peak hours,” explainedSteve New, CUTA Chair. “Even in some smaller systems that have sparecapacity, there are renewal and replacement needs that resulted fromthe lack of funding over the last twenty years.”The ability to respond to a surge in ridership resulting from highergas prices will require major investments in additional service. TheFCM and CUTA say the federal government must put more moneyinto these systems. Over the next five years, CUTA is expecting that thecountry’s transit systems will require $40 billion to meet the demands of,and expand public transportation.“The fact that such a strong segment of consumers are ready to makethe switch to public transit with rising gas prices means the obviousissue for federal leaders is how to invest now to meet public demand,”concluded Roschlau.CANADIAN TRANSIT RIDERSHIP BREAKSALL-TIME RECORD AGAIN IN 2007Canadian transit ridership for 2007 seta fifth consecutive all-time record,again breaking the previous year’srecord. Preliminary results indicatethat a total of 1.76 billion transittrips were taken across Canada lastyear, representing a 3.1 percentincrease over 2006, and a 15percent increase over the five-yearperiod since 2002. This marks anothersignificant milestone, representing atrend towards continually increasingtransit use.“Transit providers welcome new riders, but without new funding, thiskind of increased demand would overwhelm transit systems, many of14 IN TRANSIT www.atu.org

DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing UpdateIn a recently issued final rule, the U.S. Department of Transportationmodified existing drug and alcohol testing requirements to expandthe number of situations in which directly observed urine collectionswill be required and significantly change how observations will beconducted. While certain provisions of the new rule became effective onAugust 25, implementation of other provisions has been delayed untilNovember 1, in response to petitions filed on behalf of the ATU andother transportation unions.The changes primarily affect employees who participate in the returnto-dutyprocess under their employer’s second chance policy. Specifically,observed collections will be required for all return-to-duty and followuptests. In addition, employees will be required to submit to directobservation anytime there is reason to believe that a specimen has beentampered with or substituted, or if a collector believes that the employeeis clearly indicating an attempt to tamper with a specimen.DIRECTLY OBSERVED TESTS WOULD REQUIRE EXPOSUREThe new rule details that an employee who is required to submit toan observed test must raise his or her shirt, blouse, or dress/skirt,as applicable, above the waist; and lower clothing and underpants toshow the collector, by turning around, that the employee does not havea prosthetic device. DOT claims these new rules are necessary to overcomepotentials for cheating on drug tests.Other changes to the new rule include a requirement that specimen validitytesting be made mandatory for all DOT drug tests. Validity testing screensfor substituted samples or substances used to adulterate or dilute a urinesample. Validity testing was permissive, but not mandatory, under theprevious rules.IMPLEMENTATION DELAYED AFTER ATU PETITIONThe Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO filed a petitionon behalf of the ATU and other transportation unions asking DOT toreconsider the harsh new provisions, objecting to expanding the numberof situations where direct observation will occur and to the changes in thedirect observation procedures.In response to our petition, DOT delayed implementation of therequirement that direct observations be required for return-to-duty andfollow-up testing and has reopened the comment period on this provision.Other provisions included in the new rule, including the new proceduresfor direct observations and the requirement for mandatory validitytesting, have already been implemented and will not be subject to furthercomments. The ATU plans to file additional comments opposingmandatory direct observations for return-to-duty and follow-up testing.When the DOT initially proposed these changes back in 2005, the ATUfiled formal comments which objected to making validity testingmandatory and proclaimed that if it is opposed to “any new or moreintrusive requirements in connection with collections conducted underdirect observation.”Legislative Victory AlertIn a huge legislative victory for the ATU, legislation was recently signed in to law that will requirefederal regulators to revoke the licenses of commercial bus companies that do not comply with therequirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).The legislation was passed in an effort to crack down on “curbside” bus carriers that operate in violationof numerous federal laws, including the ADA. By blatantly ignoring federal regulations, these carriersare able to operate at reduced costs with below market fares, providing unfair competition for establishedcarriers, such as Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines, which follow the rules.“I applaud Congress for passing this bill, which makes it clear to rogue bus operators that they can nolonger ignore federal law,” said ATU International President Warren S. George. “This law will ensureaffordable and accessible intercity bus service to all bus passengers, while also leveling the playingfield in the industry.”The bill directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to consider compliancewith the ADA rules in determining whether to grant operating authority to bus companies. The billalso requires FMCSA to grant operating authority to bus carriers only if the carrier is willing and ableto comply with the ADA requirements and authorizes FMCSA to consider failure to comply with theADA requirements when deciding whether to revoke or suspend authority.www.atu.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 15

LABOR LINGO: I TO PAn essential element of knowing your rights as an ATU member is understanding the terminology of labor-managementrelations. With that in mind, this is the third in a series of columns providing a glossary of common labor terminology.Impasse: The point at which collective bargaining negotiationsessentially break down or deadlock and it is determined that nofurther progress can reasonably be made toward finalization ofa labor contract. Declaration of impasse usually proceeds theimplementation of any available impasse resolution procedures, suchas interest arbitration or fact-finding, and otherwise can pave the wayfor a strike where properly authorized by the union membership oran employer lockout.Injunction: A court order that directs a person or organization toperform or to cease a specified activity, usually on the ground thatthe complaining party will otherwise suffer irreparable injury fromunlawful actions of the other party.Labor Dispute: A disagreement between parties to a collectivebargaining agreement over the terms to be included in their contract(an “interest” dispute) or the interpretation of the terms establishedunder an existing labor contract (a “rights” dispute).Labor Relations Board: A quasi-judicial agency set up under federal,state, or provincial labor relations acts whose duty it is to adjudicatecomplaints alleging unfair labor practices and to certify collectivebargaining agents for employees following the conduct of agencysupervisedrepresentation elections.Last, Best and Final Offer: The final proposal of a party in collectivebargaining negotiations. Submitting a last, best and final offersignals a serious intent to settle by notifying the other side thesubmitting party believes it has reached its “bottom line” in thenegotiations.Layoff: Dropping a worker temporarily from the payroll, usuallyduring a period of slack work, with the intention being to call theindividual back to active duty when needed.Local Union Bylaws: The rules adopted by the membership ofa local union which, once approved by the International Union,govern the way it operates and conducts business, including theprocedures for electing officers, the handling of finances and theconduct of monthly membership meetings.Lockout: An employer’s post-negotiation impasse refusal to allowemployees to work or be paid. Akin to an employer-forced strike orjob action, a lockout is designed to gain bargaining concessions fromthe negotiating labor union.LMRDA: The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, alsoknown as the “Landrum-Griffin Act,” is a U.S. law which grants certainrights to union members working in the private sector and protects theirinterests by promoting democratic procedures within labor organizations.Management Rights Clause: A provision in the labor contract thatexpressly reserves to management certain rights and specifies that theexercise of those rights is not subject to the grievance procedure orarbitration.Mediation: A process under which a neutral third-party, or mediator,is brought into collective bargaining negotiations in order to act as ago-between and to assist the parties in reaching an agreement.Merger of Seniority Lists: The combining of separate seniorityrosters when divisions of an employer consolidate or two employingentities restructure into one. When the new combined list putsone group of employees beneath the entirety of another group, theprocess is referred to a “endtailing.” Where existing seniority datesare preserved for all purposes, with the result that the combined newroster shows some workers from the second group above the first, theprocess is referred to as “feathering” or “dovetailing.”Negotiating Committee: The group of union members selected tonegotiate a collective bargaining contract with an employer.No-Strike Clause: A provision in a collective bargaining agreementunder which the union agrees that it will not engage in any jobaction during the life of the contract.Past Practice: An unwritten but long-standing and consistentpractice or procedure that has become both customary and expected.In the absence of labor contract language on a given subject, pastpractice may be binding upon the parties.Pension Benefit Plan: A fund or program that provides retirementincome to employees or defers portions of their income forsubsequent distribution later on in the employee’s lifetime.Precedent: The legal concept that prior decisions govern, andmust be followed in, later cases. The general rule is that prioropinions are not binding upon a labor arbitrator. They may,however, be considered in determining a given dispute and anarbitrator will often find such opinions relevant where comparablefacts or considerations are presented.16 IN TRANSIT www.atu.org

The Amalgamated Transit Union2009 Scholarship CompetitionIN MEMORY OF: OLIVER GREENThe 2008-2009 scholarships are dedicated to the memory of former International Secretary-Treasurer Oliver Green, the first African-American to hold an ATU international executive office. Green was elected International Vice President in 1975, and remained in thatposition until he was elected International Secretary-Treasurer in 1989. He was re-elected IST at every subsequent Convention until hisretirement in 2000. He died at the age of 77, on May 18, 2008. This year, the program will consist of five scholarships each in the amountof $5,000. In addition, a $2,000 scholarship may be awarded to a vocational school applicant.R U L E S A N D P R O C E D U R E SELIGIBILITYAPPLICANTS MUST BE EITHER:1. a member of the ATU in good standing; ORthe child (whether natural or legally adopted) or stepchild of amember or of a deceased member who was in good standingat the time of his or her death.2. Applicants must be high school seniors planning to enter college (ortechnical or vocational post-secondary school) for the first time followinggraduation during the 2008-2009 school year, or previous high schoolgraduates who have never undertaken post-secondary school ing.3. ATU Scholarships are NOT available to the following persons:those who do not intend to work without interrup tion toward abachelor degree or graduation from a technical or vocation al school,those who are attending or have already attended college, technicalor vocational school,spouses and/or grandchildren of members,ATU International Officers, International Representatives,staff, and other employees or their depen dents, andthose who are fully funded for tuition, fees, and books fromother sources.APPLICATION PROCEDURESValid applications for the ATU Scholarship Program MUST include the following:• Completed Official Application Form• Scholarship Questionnaire• Written EssayTHE APPLICATION FORM1. Official Application forms can be obtained from any ATU local union orthrough the ATU Scholarship Program Office, 5025 Wisconsin Avenue,N.W., Washington, DC, 20016-4139, Tel: (toll free) 1-888-240-1196.You may also use the copy published in our In Transit magazine.2. Completed applications must be sent by first class mail to theATU Scholarship Program Office at the above address.3. Applications must be POSTMARKED NO LATER THANJANUARY 31, 2009. Late applications will not be accepted.4. Upon receipt of the application by the ATU Scholarship Program Office,applicants will receive the following materials by return mail:• Scholarship Questionnaire• Bibliography of Suggested References for the Essaywww.atu.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 17

SCHOLARSHIP QUESTIONNAIRE1. Applicants, and/or their parent or legal guardian, must sign theauthorization statement for the release of the information requestedin the Scholarship Questionnaire.2. The form should then be presented for completion to the principal orheadmaster of the secondary school attended by the applicant.3. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that this form is returned tothe ATU Scholar ship Program Office POSTMARKED NO LATERTHAN MARCH 15, 2009.ESSAY1. Applicants are required to write an essay of no less than 500 words andno more than 750 words in English, French or Spanish on the subject of:“Organized Labor’s Contribution to the Welfare of the Peopleof the United States” (for residents of the United States)OR“Organized Labour’s Contribu tion to the Welfare of the Peopleof Canada” (for residents of Canada)NOTE: The essay will be evaluated on an analysis of the topic - the facts andarguments - that are presented as demonstrating that the student understandsthe topic, and the effectiveness of the essay in demonstrating how organizedlabor benefits everyone, whether they are union members or not. Grammar, style,organization and presentation will also be evaluated.2. Essays must be sent, preferably with the Scholarship Question naire,by first class mail to the ATU Scholar ship Program Office,POST MARKED NO LATER THAN MARCH 15, 2009.DEADLINESAll deadlines will be strictly enforced. Any applica tion which is incompleteor is not postmarked on time will not be considered.SELECTION OF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTSThe ATU International shall appoint a Selection Commit tee of community,academic, and labor leaders. No ATU officer, member, staff or employee shallparticipate in the final selection process.Applicants will be judged on the basis of their scholas tic record, involvement incommunity, extra-curricular activities, and the quality of the essay submitted.The Committee shall select five academic scholarship winners and fivealternates, and one technical or vocational scholarship winner and alternate.Decisions of the Committee shall be final.If a recipient is disqualified due to a failure to fulfill all Scholarship Programrequirements, the ATU Scholarship will be awarded to the next qualifiedalternate.The recipient(s) will be notified by mail of their award and will also be givena form to complete in order to obtain the scholarship funds. Upon the returnof the required information, a check will be issued to the university orvocational school in the appropriate amount. The award will be restricted tothe payment of tuition, books, and associated fees.CUT HEREThe Official 2009 Scholarship Application FormRETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN JANUARY 31, 2009TO: ATU SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION, 5025 WISCONSIN AVE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20016Please Print or TypeName of Applicant:High School Address:(First) (Middle) (Last)Address:Phone Number:Name of Sponsoring ATU Member:ATU Member’s Local Union Number:Relationship of ATU member to applicant:(Self, Child, Stepchild)High School:Name of Principal:List in order of preference, the accredited colleges, technical or vocational institutions towhich you are applying for admission(no abbreviations):1.2.3.I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief the above information is true andcorrect.Month & Year of Graduation:Applicant’s SignatureDate18 IN TRANSIT www.atu.org

Arbitration DecisionsATU Local 1764 and MV TransportationISSUE: Whether a group of employees was discharged, demoted or transferred without just cause by MV Transportation.SUMMARY: In 2007 MV Transportation conducted two separate background checks of its employees. Some of those checks returned information thecompany later used to fire or transfer a large group of them. MV surmised that the information obtained in the background check disqualified thesedrivers from employment and served as evidence that they had falsified their employment applications. The union grieved the action, claiming that noneof the employees were given adequate due process, the company failed to prove that the employees lied in their applications and that mitigating factorspreclude discharge.HOLDING: On July 18, 2008 Arbitrator Alfano held that “the Company did not establish just cause for the termination of the grievants’ employmentssince the Company did not prove that they falsified their applications by knowingly withholding their criminal history information. The application isconfusing, contradictory and poorly drafted, thereby causing confusion for the grievants. Furthermore, the Company violated the just cause standard fordiscipline by not performing a minimally acceptable investigation, by not providing a pre-termination meeting, and by not providing the grievants witha sufficient notice of discharge with reasons therefore.” The arbitrator reinstated the grieving employees back to their former positions; all but two withback pay and benefits.ATU Local 1742 and Mid-Ohio Valley Transit AuthorityISSUE: Did the Employer violate the collective bargaining agreement by failing to timely administer discipline to the Grievant for a traffic accident; andif so what shall the remedy be?SUMMARY: A fifteen-year veteran driver notified his supervisor about a minor accident that he was involved in with a pick up truck at a local grocery storeparking lot. At the scene the supervisor took some photographs, but did not interview the other driver or any of the witnesses to the accident, nor didhe did not notify the police of the accident because the police department in the jurisdiction has a policy of not investigating traffic accidents that occuron private property. Thus, no official police report was prepared. Sometime later the authority received a phone call from the owner of the pick up truckbecause his claim had been denied by the insurance company. After speaking to the vehicle owner and a potential witness via telephone, the employerasked the insurance company to reopen its investigation. Following this the employer decided the accident was preventable and issued the grievant onesafety point. The union grieved this action, arguing the discipline was issued well outside of the contractually permissible 20 calendar day limit.HOLDING: On April 28, 2008 Arbitrator Kohler found that the employer violated the collective bargaining agreement by assigning a safety point to thegrievant. The decision to discipline the employee was made well after 20 days from the conclusion of the investigation as allowed by the collective bargainingagreement. He ruled the point to be removed from the employee’s personnel file along with any record of discipline related to the incident.WHAT’S HAPPENING?There’s a big wide world out there, and it’s tough to keep up with all the events whichcan affect your profession and your livelihood. One of the easiest ways to stayinformed is to go to your union’s website: www.atu.org. There you’ll find the latestnews about the ATU, mass transit, and Labor which will put you ahead of the curve inyour knowledge of the issues which are most important to you, your family, and yourco-workers.Don’t stay in the dark! Find out what’s going on.Check in with www.atu.org, often.www.atu.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 19

LOCAL 285 - Steubenville, OHSteel Valley Regional Transit AuthorityLocal President Mark Sanders and International Vice President Janis Borchardt report settlement.TERM: 3 years 1/1/08 - 12/31/10WAGES: Top Operator1/1/08 - 2.0% - 30¢ - $15.40 (was $15.10)1/1/09 - 2.0% - 31¢ - $15.711/1/10 - 2.0% - 31¢ - $16.02H & W: Employer pays $7,500/month to cover employee’s (to $8,000 on 9/1/08)SICK LEAVE: Personal time charged in one hour incrementsLOCAL 587 - Seattle, WASolid Ground/Seattle Personal TransitLocal President Lance Norton and International Vice President Don Hansen report settlement.TERM: 1 year 2/1/08 - 1/31/09WAGES: Top Operator8/2/08 - 6.2% - $1.03 - $17.50 (was $16.47)NOTE: The contract was ratified by a vote of 29 to 28.LOCAL 588 - Regina, SKFirst Bus Canada, Ltd. (Regina Paratran Division)Local President Mike Ehmann and International Vice President Randy Graham report settlement.TERM: 3 years 7/1/08 - 6/30/11WAGES: Top Operator - Lift Operators7/1/08 - - - $17.407/1/09 - 7.6% - $1.32 - $18.727/1/10 - 3.0% - 56¢ - $19.28Van Operators7/1/08 - - - $15.407/1/09 - 11.8% - $1.82 - $17.227/1/10 - 6.2% - $1.06 - $18.28LOCAL 788 - St. Louis, MOLaidlaw Transit (East St. Louis Branch)Local President Edward Fleming and International Vice President Javier Perez report settlement.TERM: 2 years 7/1/08 - 7/1/10WAGES: Top Operator7/1/08 - 2.0% - 27¢ - $13.97 (was $13.70)1/1/09 - 2.0% - 28¢ - $14.257/1/09 - 2.0% - 29¢ - $14.541/1/10 - 2.0% - 29¢ - $14.83BONUS: Safety bonus - $200/year with no accidents. Attendance bonus - $100/yearCORRECTION: The May/June In Transit incorrectlylisted the charter city for Local 256 as Concord, CA.It should have listed Sacramento, CA.LOCAL 1338 - Dallas, TXDallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)Local President Kenneth Day and International Vice President Janis Borchardt report meet & confer resolutions.WAGES: Top Operator10/1/07 - 4% - .752 - $19.567 (was $18.815)Top Mechanic10/1/07 - 4% - .880 - $22.891 (was $22.011)H & W: Add $125 flexible spending accountSHOE ALLOW.: $115 (was $100)20 IN TRANSIT www.atu.org

LOCAL 1433 - Phoenix, AZFirst TransitLocal President Robert Bean and International Vice PresidentsBill McLean and Don Hansen report settlement.TERM: 3 years 7/1/08 - 6/30/11WAGES: Top Operator7/1/08 - 5.7% - $1.00 - $18.50 (was $17.50)7/1/09 - 8.1% - $1.50 - $20.007/1/10 - 6.25% - $1.25 - $21.25Fuelers/Cleaners7/1/08 - 24.1% - $2.73 - $14.06 (was $11.33)7/1/09 - 2.0% - 28¢ - $14.347/1/10 - 2.0% - 29¢ - $14.63PENSION: ATU 401(k)VACATION: 15+ years of service - 4 weeks, 5 day cash out optionat end of each yearSICK LEAVE: 6 personal days/year- may be cashed outGUARANTEE: Extra board guaranteed 35 hours/week (was 30 hours)UNIF. ALLOW.: Increased by $75 by end of contractNOTE: (New) Domestic partnerships recognized by employer.Student instructor premium $1.00/hour.No employee required to operate vehicle without AC or heatfor longer than 1 hour.The contract was ratified by a vote of 123 to 31.LOCAL 1433 - Phoenix, AZVeolia (Rental Car Corporation)Local President Robert Bean and International Vice PresidentDon Hansen report settlement.TERM: 1 year 3/3/08 - 2/29/09WAGES: Top Operator3/3/08 - 3% - 35¢ - $12.13 (was $11.78)7/1/08 - 2% - 24¢ - $12.37H & W: Employee’s medical contribution frozen at current level forduration of agreement.LOCAL 1547 - Brockton, MANortheast Transit (was Bay Colony)Local President Richard O’Flaherty and International Vice PresidentRichard Murphy report settlement.TERM: 4.5 years 11/3/07 - 4/31/12WAGES: Top Operator8/24/08 - 3.4% - 55¢ - $16.70 (was $16.15)8/24/09 - 2.6% - 43¢ - $17.138/24/10 - 3.0% - 52¢ - $17.658/24/11 - 3.0% - 53¢ - $18.184/29/12 - 0.3% - 07¢ - $18.25H & W: Short Term Disability: $360/week (to $375/week on 8/1/09,$390 on 8/1/10, $405 on 8/1/11 - was $350)LIFE INSUR.: $30,000 (was $25,000)PENSION: Employer contribution 3.5%, employee contribution 7% ( was 3%, 6%)Vesting after 1 year (was 2)PART-TIME: One personal day, one holiday, one day bereavement leave (was Ø)NOTE: Instructor pay - 75¢/hour (was 50¢)The contract was ratified by a vote of 20 to 7.LOCAL 1574 - San Mateo, CASan Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans)Local President Esteban Ballete and International Vice PresidentBill McLean report settlement.TERM: 3 years 7/1/08 - 6/30/11WAGES: Top Operator7/1/08 - 3.25% - 83¢ - $26.45 (was $25.62)6/21/09 - 3.25% - 86¢ - $27.316/20/10 - 3.25% - 89¢ - $28.20Top Mechanic “A”7/1/08 - 3.25% - $1.01 - $32.15 (was $31.14)6/21/09 - 3.25% - $1.05 - $33.206/20/10 - 3.25% - $1.08 - $34.28H & W: 2009 rates frozen - employer pays 100% for employee,employee +1 and family$200/month opt outRates for post retiree medical are frozen @ 2009 ratesHOLIDAYS: Personal time off accrual 180 days (1440 hours) with buy back optionUNIF. ALLOW.: $500/yearNOTE: Utility workers shift differential - 7.5% premiumThe contract was ratified by a vote of 174 to 138.LOCAL 1576 - Lynnwood, WAFirst TransitLocal President Kathleen Custer and International Vice PresidentDon Hansen report settlement.TERM: 3 years 6/1/08 - 5/31/11WAGES: Top Operator6/1/08 - 3% - 55¢ - $19.31 (was $18.75)6/1/09 - 3.5% - 69¢ - $20.006/1/10 - 4.0% - 79¢ - $20.79BONUS: On time bonus - $125/quarterH & W: Employee contribution $49 first year (to $59 in years 3)PENSION: Employer match up to 100% for 401k (was 50%) up to 1% of grossVACATION: Add use of single days and buy back option for unused hoursBEREAVEMENT: Add grandparents and grandchildrenUNIF. ALLOW.: Add light weight jacketNOTE: The contract was ratified by a vote of 43 to 38.November 16 – 21November 18 – 232008ATU Training and EventsFinancial Secretary SeminarSilver Spring, MDArbitration SeminarSilver Spring, MDwww.atu.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 21

In MemoriamDeath Benefits Awarded July 1, 2008 - August 31, 20081 - MEMBERS AT LARGEFRANK E ANDERSONROY H CAMPBELLJOSEPHUS R CARSONWILLARD L COFFEYLELAND KIETH DINGMANDONALD W ROUNDHARRY P RUSSELLELMO RUSSELL SMITHBILLY TAYLORSAMUEL LILLARD WALKER26 - DETROIT, MIRICHARD DECKERHOYT ERNEST RICHARDS85 - PITTSBURGH, PAWILLIAM A ANDERSONGINO CHIODOREGIS H GALLAGHERSTEPHEN J GAZZOGEORGE D GUNNERRICHARD F KRULUTSKENNETH PRESCOTTGERALD J SARSFIELDSTEPHEN J SMIRGA107 - HAMILTON, ONNORMAN COPLEYRODNEY D PATRIQUIN113 - TORONTO, ONDOUGLAS SKENE TROUP192 - OAKLAND, CAMARJORIE P EZELLFREDERICK M SALAICES241 - CHICAGO, ILWILLIE C BOBBITTIMELDA D BROWNERIAS HARRIS JRLA SHAWNA S JOHNSONALLEN JOINERTHOMAS L MOORECHARLES B MORRISEDWARD I OJERFRANCISCO RIOSDANIEL F SERRITELLACLEONA SIMONEAUXFRANCIS A SWIONTEKWILLIE THOMASQUEEN E TINERNAPOLEON WHITE JRTHADDEUS J ZDEB265 - SAN JOSE, CASTEVEN C CIRNERDOROTHY M HOGANWESLEY E NASH268 - CLEVELAND, OHTOM MAYO JR272 - YOUNGSTOWN, OHTHEODORE E RORICK279 - OTTAWA, ONGAETAN BESNERMICHAEL R DRYBURGHPHILLIP M MONCRIEFFALFRED PROULXHECTOR PROULX281 - NEW HAVEN, CTELWIN JOHNSONHENRIETTA SKOMROEVELYN STRICKLAND308 - CHICAGO, ILERVIN J BARKERMATTHEW BRYANT JRHARRY E DIEHL JRCECIL O”QUINNRONALD RAMSEYBERNICE RICHARD425 - HARTFORD, CTROBERT C ROYLEWILLIAM SEYMOURJOHN SILLIMANHECTOR WILLIAMS448 - SPRINGFIELD, MAWILLIAM BEDNARZYK569 - EDMONTON, ABBRUCE A AKERLUND580 - SYRACUSE, NYCHARLES W HAWTHORNE583 - CALGARY, ABALEXANDER SINGER587 - SEATTLE, WAERIC B HODNETTDONALD R RICEJOE A RINGLANDNICOLE C RUSSELL589 - BOSTON, MAHAROLD R ARBOURROBERT P FISCHERFRANCIS A FORCINAPATRICK L FORREY JRJOHN T GERAGHTYMARY T HOULLAHANCOLIN F MAC GILLIVRAYDANIEL F MC NEELYJAMES MULLETTEMILIO A ROMANOJOHN J SHEARONALD M SIEGERWARREN E WRIGHT615 - SASKATOON, SKHENRY EDWARD SAWATZKY618 - PROVIDENCE, RIJAMES CLEMENTSHENRY A SILVIA627 - CINCINNATI, OHVERNON HARVEYERWIN J HEIMLICH628 - COVINGTON, KYJAMES A TAYLOR JR689 - WASHINGTON, DCARNOLD BUCKLANDJOHN W BYRDJOSEPH HEYWARDRONALD L ROACHTHOMAS R RUSSELLVICTOR H SIZEDEBORAH R SMITH691 - SPRINGFIELD, MOJAMES W RICHARDSON713 - MEMPHIS, TNBENJAMIN R HARRELL717 - MANCHESTER, NHJOHN T MAHONEY725 - BIRMINGHAM, ALFRED S NORTHINGTON726 - STATEN ISLAND, NYANTGHONY J DIPIERTO757 - PORTLAND, ORALEXANDER BAIN JRRICHARD A BUCEYLUCINDA CURIELMICHAEL B IWAI758 - TACOMA, WAJOHN HENRY MURPHY788 - ST. LOUIS, MOGLENN H BUNDRICKJOHN E CAVENDERKENNETH D HOUSEALBERT F MADLINGERANGELO L SAVIOBEN SIMMONSHENRY W THOMURE819 - NEWARK, NJPERCY THOMPSON JRJOSHUA WEBBTHOMAS WILLIAMS822 - PATERSON, NJGEORGE BUZINKY JR842 - WILMINGTON, DECHARLES RICHARDS847 - ST. JOSEPH, MOARTHUR ROY DAVISDAWN A DIETDERICH880 - CAMDEN, NJCARL E ADAMSHAROLD CAMPANELLROBERT RILEY998 - MILWAUKEE, WILEO L BERTOLINISEAN R BURDITTCHARLES M JOHNSONHENRY A PARKER1005 - MINNEAPOLIS& ST. PAUL, MNDAVID E PALMERMICHAEL J SCHIMINSKYWILLIAM D THARPCLAYTON C TOWNSEND1037 - NEW BEDFORD, MAANTHONY PINAJOSEPH V SMITH1056 - FLUSHING, NYALBERT BOUKNIGHTSANTO DI GREGORIONICHOLAS J GIORDANORICHARD GLANCZROBERT GREENMARTIN J HARTMALVIN H JOHNSONROBERT F KLOBUSJAMES F LEWISGEORGE W LINDSAYJOHN P MAIORANOMICHAEL A MARINOEVERETT MC MILLIANJAMES MC NEILLJOSEPH A PASTOREWILLIAM A PLEVKAWALTER F RAYANGELO L SANGIRARDIDANIEL J SCULLYSALVATORE SINARDIRAYMOND L TAYLORJOHN A VELLUCCIXAVIER F WALKERO. D. WOOLARD1070 - INDIANAPOLIS, INSTANLEY WILSON1145 - BINGHAMTON, NYBERTAN H IRVING1177 - NORFOLK, VALLOYD JOYCE BARCROFTKENNETH L NIMMOLAURISE R WILBORN1181 - NEW YORK, NYCONCETTA V AIOSAMARION BACHLERMILDRED CASTELLICARMELO JAMES CIANIROSE DE MARTINOJAMES JOHN DOOLEYLOUISE A ESOFFWILLIAM R FITZGERALDMICHAEL HERAGHTYDESMOND H KERRJOHN A LENDINOMARIE MALBIANCHIJOSEPH MANTONEJAMES MARINGOYOLANDA NAPPIGEORGE NICHOLLSPHILIP J OREILLYROSA PALAZZOLOPATRICIA RAINEYBORIS SLAVINJOSEPHINE M WEBSTER1225 - SAN FRANCISCO, CAHIRAM GRABINSKECOLFORD JOHNSON MORRIS1235 - NASHVILLE, TNTHOMAS T SLOSSDONNIE R WATSON1241 - LANCASTER, PAELVIN B KIRCHOFF1251 - BATTLE CREEK, MIJAMES L BRINKERT1277 - LOS ANGELES, CARONALD G DEFORESTCHARLES H JENNINGSLAWRENCE R MEAD1287 - KANSAS CITY, MOJOHN E NAYLOR1300 - BALTIMORE, MDRAYMOND R SEIFERT1309 - SAN DIEGO, CASAMUEL M SNODGRASS1342 - BUFFALO, NYWALKER ALEXANDER JRMARVIN CONRADSARA GIST1374 - CALGARY, ABRUSSEL A BUDD1447 - LOUISVILLE, KYDOROTHY A CHINNKENNETH ELBERTFRANK SALES1496 - WILLIAMSPORT, PARICHARD O ADERHOLD1505 - WINNIPEG, MBGORDON ANDREW KAAKEWILLIAM MOTT1517 - IDAHO FALLS, IDCHRISTINE KAY1547 - BROCKTON, MAJOSEPH F DOHERTY1577 - WEST PALM BEACH, FLANTONIO ROJAS1589 - LONG BEACH, CARICHARD L LOTZ1625 - BUFFALO, NYROBERT LEO1700 - CHICAGO, ILCLARENCE M JONESJAMES L MOOREWALTER R TUCKER22 IN TRANSIT www.atu.org

I Did It! So Can You...Remember Jethro Clammpett?It only took him eight years tofinish the third grade? Well, I earnedmy Bachelor of Arts Degree in LaborStudies at age 55. It was one of theproudest moments of my life whenI walked the graduation line at theNational Labor College in Silver Spring,MD, on June 28.The AFL-CIO established the school tostrengthen union member education,activation and organizing skills.In 1997, NLC began granting collegedegrees; now the Middle StatesCommission of Higher Education accredits the college, and startingnext fall, students can apply for federal student loans to complete theireducation at NLC. The school is all union: ground keepers, cafeteria staff,teachers, everyone! They even sell fair trade coffee at the snack bar.issues, the stories, the legends, the events, the headlines, the massacres,the martyrs, the songs, the strikes, the conditions, the diversity andthe solidarity. The classes instilled a sense of purpose in the things wedo everyday as union members. Additionally, I strengthened my writingskills, and my ability to research topics online as well as in a library.Students devote a lot of effort into researching a topic of interest on apersonal level for the senior project. My project documented the processof raising money from unions affiliated with the Boise Central Tradesand Labor Council to be used as seed money to qualify for federalgrants to build bus shelters for our transit system. It also documentedthe application process to the Boise City Arts Council for a grant forpublic art to decorate the shelters with murals that will documentworkers’ contributions to building the community.Instructors Demand Your Best Effort, Share Your JoyI was enticed back to school because the instructors understand thatunion members and officers have heavy demands on personal time.They understand that non-traditional students have more life issuesthat interrupt study time. They understand that those who attend havea serious desire to earn the degree, and serious fears about writing athesis after decades of writing nothing but grievances. Most important ofall, they want you to graduate; they demand your best effort, and shareyour joy when you reach that goal.There are a few classes that are totally online, but most classes requirea “week in residence.” That means you attend classes on campus forsix consecutive, and very intense days. The rest of your work is doneonline through a program called “Blackboard.” Students are requiredto comment on the topics weekly and respond to other class member’scomments and opinions.Enjoyed ClassesThere are no tests. You write thesis papers. One of the biggest surprisesof my life came when I realized that I was enjoying writing a thesispaper on “The Lasting Impact of the Columbian Exposition of 1893on American Art and Culture.” (It was like a world’s fair. Hamburgerswere introduced to the country, as was “Juicy Fruit” gum, “Cracker Jacks,”“Cream of Wheat” and the Ferris wheel.)The best part of my NLC experience was that I really enjoyed my classes.I learned about union history, the leaders, the battles, the politics, theFrom left, are National Labor College President William Scheuerman;Former U.S. Senator John Edwards, commencement speaker; Karen Newman,398-Boise, ID; and AFL-CIO President John Sweeney at the College’s graduationceremony, June 28, in Silver Spring, MD.Art in Transit Has Practical PurposeMy research taught me that art in transit not only increases thevisibility of public transit and makes the system more user-friendly, italso decreases vandalism and graffiti. It also enlightened me regardingjurisdiction disputes between city, county and transit authorities;licensing, engineering, and EPA regulations of construction; and severalother issues involving lots of red tape. I started the project in January2006; if all goes well, the shelters will actually be built in fall of 2009.I am very proud of the education I received from the National LaborCollege. I am grateful to both ATU and AFL-CIO for their support ofthe school, and for recognizing that union training and life experiencesare worthy of recognition for college credit. I encourage anyonereading this article and considering completion of a college degree tovisit: http://www.nlc.edu/— Karen Newman, President, B.A.Local 398-Boise, IDwww.atu.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 23

PROUD TO BE ATUMoving the U.S. and Canada SafelyATU New Orleans LocalsHelp With EvacuationWas it “déjà vu?” Hurricane Gustav was hurtling toward the GulfCoast and was expected to reach landfall almost three years to theday after New Orleans had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. But,this time the city was prepared, and ATU’s New Orleans Locals 1400and 1560 played an important role in the evacuation of the city.“I’m so proud of my drivers,” said Local 1560 President Joseph Prier, Jr.,“without them the evacuation could not have been done.”The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA), supplied 40 busesto provide free transportation to any resident who needed it to get out oftown, and ATU members were the drivers.ATU’s New Orleans operators ferried thousands from locations in the cityto terminals where they boarded over-the-road transportation to evacuationsites. “It’s amazing how many people have no way to get around other thanpublic transit,” Prier observed.Prier was particularly surprised with the number of elderly and disabledresidents he saw who were totally dependent upon transit to take themout of danger.During Hurricane Katrina government officials did “everything wrong,”Prier asserted. But he believes that this time around “almost everything wasdone right.”‘PEOPLE LOVE OUR DRIVERS’The riders’ familiarity with the ATU drivers was another important factorfacilitating the evacuation. “People love our drivers,” Prier stated, “Theyknow them well.”The local president said that there was some initial reluctance by hismembers to participate in the evacuation because they remembered howbadly they were treated during Katrina. However, they came around.“Our drivers did an excellent job,” he stated. Many of them stayed evenafter evacuating their own families out of town.Although the Category 2 storm had weakened by the time it made landfallon Louisiana’s southeast coast in the late morning of Labor Day, all but10,000 of the city’s estimated 300,000 residents had already left town,thanks in large part to the efforts of ATU members in New Orleans.GOVERNMENTS DID ‘ALMOST EVERYTHING RIGHT’The RTA lost 200 buses during Katrina, but the RTA prepared for Gustav bymoving buses and equipment to higher ground.Amalgamated Transit UnionAFL-CIO/CLC5025 Wisconsin Ave., NWWashington, D.C. 20016www.atu.orgNON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDWASHINGTON, D.C.PERMIT NO. 2656PRINTED IN U.S.A.