Download - ATU1005 Newsletter
The 1005 LineThe news and information
publication of
ATU Local 1005 Prepared and
distributed by the Education
Committee
For The People Who Know Where They Are Going
January / February 2012
"The labor movement
means just this: It is the
last noble protest of the
American people against
the power of
incorporated wealth."
Phillips (1811-1884) -
abolitionist, reformer
and advocate for Native
Americans
What’s Inside...
Officer’s Corner
page 2
Union Meeting Highlights
page 3
State of the Bus Fleet
page 6
FamilyMedical Leave
page 7
Lisa Benson
page 9
Southwest LRT
page 11
TSSC Minutes
page 18
Retirements
page 21, 22
Letters to the Editor
page 22, 23
Obituaries
page 24
On Monday, January 9th, members of Local 1005 and the ATU
Executive Board came prepared to show the Transportation Committee that
we wanted resolution on many of our unresolved issues.
A week prior, on Monday, January 2nd, the Executive Board members and
other members had begun to show up in the FTH Tower lobby with a variety
of signs pertaining to these issues. They then spent the week educating the
people in the Tower on what many of the no cost/low cost issues were.
Local 1005’s presence at these meetings was successful. As of
Wednesday, January 10th, management had suffi ciently dealt with nine
issues:
• Allow Cleaners to bid normally on Commuter Cleaner jobs.
Management was trying to create a separate process. The one-year
commitment to Commuter Rail will still apply.
• Pay back to retirees any overpayment they made on healthcare for
2011(affects 33 retirees).
• Change Observation Reports to refl ect only ADA and calling streets
issues.
• Change progression wage rate for operators to include all employees
not at top scale to 30 days from date of hire effective July 1, 2010 (adds
about two weeks of higher pay for 520 active members, and establishes
a more equitable standard).
• Money Room overtime agreement fi nalized.
• Fixed Recognition Program on transfers. (In the past, a transfer resulted
in a loss of recognition time in both departments.)
• When a suspension includes holidays, the holidays will be included as
work days missed when calculating days.
• Any bus operators who want to turn the interior lights off at layovers/
pull-out/pull-in trips can call TCC and request permission if they believe
there is a safety concern and there are no passengers on the bus.
• Arbitration panel meetings
Many thanks go out to all the Local 1005 members who assisted in
educating management and the Met Council, and to those who fi nally
resolved these issues.
Executive Board and Members Show Up for
Transportation Committee Meeting
OFFICER’S
CORNER
Page 2
Mark LawsonRecording Secretary/Ass’t.
Business Agent
LOCAL 1005
OFFICERS
President/Business Agent
Michelle Sommers
Vice-President
Dorothy Maki
Recording Secretary/
Ass’t. Business Agent
Mark Lawson
Financial Secretary/
Treasurer
Tommy Bellfield
ATU Local 1005
Union Office
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
(Closed 12:00 - 1:00)
312 Central Ave.
Suite 345
Mpls., MN 55414
612-379-2914
email:
website:
www.atu1005.com
Calendar
Education Committee
Meetings - 11:30 a.m.
on the third Tuesday
February 21st
March 20th
Membership Meetings
on the fourth Tuesday
February 28th - Mpls.
March 27th - Mpls.
10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
As the newest member of the ATU Local 1005 office, I would like to
say that it was a pleasure to meet so many of our members during my
campaign. The membership of our union is truly diverse and talented.
As the political season is upon us, I would like to remind us all that
now is not the time to tune out the the news and political rhetoric.
Now is the time to become more involved. Every member of our local
is working as a result of the government.
Whether you receive your paycheck from Metro Transit, or a private
company, decisions made in Washington D.C., St. Paul, and locally do
affect your paycheck. As the funds for transit are cut, the ability of the
officers to negotiate a favorable contract is curtailed. As budgets shrink,
jobs are cut, resulting in open positions being eliminated. Further cuts
could bring layoffs to reality. Many transit systems around the country
have experienced layoffs and cuts in service.
The fact that we have been spared large cuts does not mean we can
rest politically. Last year, Governor Dayton and Minnesota politicians
received 12.000 signed postcards from transit supporters. This was an
influential factor in helping transit maintain funding in the budget
solution last summer.
So, we need your help. You need your help! It takes only a little
time to send your representative an e-mail. Go to a town hall meeting
and speak up for transit. Call you senator, and let them know that you
are delivering a valuable service to the public. And most of all, hold
them accountable on election day.
Mark Assumes His Duties
Page 3
Education
Committee
Advisor
Dorothy Maki
Chair
Melanie Benson
South
Liz Goldberg
Stacey Taylor
Heywood Office
Ilona LaDouceur
Rec. Secretary
Nicollet
Alec Johnson
Ryan Timlin
Twaya McIntosh
Blayne Williams
Ruter
Anastasia Bloodsaw
Jackie Williams
Scott Lindquist
East Metro
Philip Jarosz
Doug Barton
Heywood Garage
Faye Brown
Vice-Chair
Walter T. Curry, Jr.
Debbi Sievers
LRT
Carl Rice
Lisa Callahan
725 Bldg.
Stephen Babcock
Layout
Editorial Board
Ken Dolney
Gary Bier
(To be appointed)
Requests for arbitration
A South operator requested arbitration for a responsible accident
and Final Record of Warning. After a brief explanation during which
the operator appeared, a secret ballot was cast. This case will go to
arbitration.
A South operator requested arbitration for a fi led customer service
complaint. After a brief explanation during which the operator appeared, a
secret ballot was cast. This case will go to arbitration.
A South operator requested arbitration for a fi led customer service
complaint. After a brief explanation during which the operator appeared, a
secret ballot was cast. This case will go to arbitration.
An FTH operator requested arbitration for a 20-day suspension and
Final Record of Warning (Cell Phone Violation). After a brief explanation
during which the operator did not appear, a secret ballot was cast. This
case will not go to arbitration.
An FTH operator requested arbitration for a filed customer service
complaint and a three-day suspension. After a brief explanation during
which the operator did not appear, a secret ballot was cast. This case will
go to arbitration.
A South operator requested arbitration for a 20-day suspension and
Final Record of Warning (Cell Phone Violation). After a brief explanation
during which the operator appeared, a secret ballot was cast. This case
will go to arbitration.
A South operator requested arbitration for a responsible accident and
Final Record of Warning (third accident). After a brief explanation
during which the operator appeared, a secret ballot was cast. This case
will go to arbitration.
Financial Secretary/Treasurer’s Report
The following member passed away since last month’s meeting:
• Charles Alvecrog – 50-year retiree
Members stood for a moment of silence.
President’s Report
The arbitration award for a discharged Commuter Rail cleaner was
denied.
Continued on page 4
Union Meeting Highlights
November 2011
Light Rail
Carl Rice #6223
Lisa Callahan #6716
We say goodbye to Ed Volk,
#9328, who retired on January 6.
Ed was a train operator for eight
years and a bus operator for three.
Enjoy your retirement, Ed!!!
Tom Kotila #2632 retired
January 25, 2012 with 38+ years
of service. We wish you well,
TOM!
We say hello again to William
Morris, #68103. Welcome back!
It’s that time again for the
Right to Know and Rules classes.
Be on the lookout for relief to take
this important class.
1/3 DONE!
Construction of the Central
Corridor light rail transit line is 32
percent complete.
Light Rail trivia:
1) Service began in what year?
2) Coupler to coupler, how long is
the one consist (car)?
3) How many people total can fit
in one consist?
4) How many stations from end to
end?
5) How many bus routes serve the
light rail?
Answers
1) Partial service 2004
2) 94 feet
3) 66 seated plus 180 standing, so
when three trains are coupled
together for games and events we
haul at one time about 738 people.
Wow!
4) 18
5) 46 routes connect to 13 sta-
tions. Approximately twenty per-
cent of rail riders will arrive by
bus.
Page 4
Retiree healthcare rates for 2012 were received and distributed for
information only.
A national effort is underway to persuade House Republicans on the
Transportation Committee to support increased federal transportation
funding. Rep. Chip Cravaack, Minnesota CD #8, is on the committee and
a letter campaign has begun to urge him to support increased
transportation funding. Further actions are being considered.
President Sommers announced her invitation to a meeting in
Washington, D.C. with other union leaders (ATU and TWU) to discuss
bus operator health and safety issues.
Seven executive board members recently attended the 2012 Minnesota
AFL-CIO Legislative and Political Conference to better prepare ourselves
for upcoming political challenges.
A fundraiser is being held for the locked-out Crystal Sugar workers. It
will be held at the UFCW Local 1189 union hall in South St. Paul on
November 29, from 6–8 pm. All are welcome!
Assistant Business Agent’s Report
Dan Abramowicz reminded members that contract proposals are due in
the union office by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11 and by-law
proposals by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.
December 2011Arbitration requests
An East Metro operator requested arbitration for an accident for which
he was held responsible and subsequently issued a Final Record of Warn-
ing (third accident). This case will not go to arbitration.
A Nicollet operator requested arbitration for a responsible accident.
This case will go to arbitration.
An MJR operator was discharged for Gross Misconduct. This case will
not go to arbitration.
An MJR operator requested arbitration for a responsible accident and a
Record of Warning outside policy. This case will go to arbitration.
An FTH operator requested arbitration for a Class B violation (calling
streets). This case will go to arbitration.
A Nicollet operator requested arbitration for a responsible accident and
a Final Record of Warning (third accident). This case will go to arbitra-
tion.
East Metro
Philip Jarosz, Dr. #65015
Doug Barton, Dr. #68273
Two new weekend part-time
drivers are #71243 and #71245.
David Jungwirth #2840 retired.
Federal regulations class is
mandated by OSHA. This starts in
late January. Dates are posted on
the board and ALL must attend at
East Metro only.
The kitchen is starting to take
form as more improvements get
approved.
Any comments can be forward-
ed to Doug, Phil or Ken Dolney.
Please check board for no-tres-
pass photos posted weekly against
pick room board.
Drive Safely through this win-
ter without much snow. Remember
last year - sleepover. Lol
Page 5
Financial Secretary/Treasurer’s Report
Two members passed away since last month’s meeting:
- Richard Bork, Sr. - retiree
- Humberto Chavez – retiree
Members stood for a moment of silence.
President’s Report
“Transportation Day” at the Capitol is set for February 23, 2012.
“Transit Day” has not yet been announced. Congressman Chip Cravaack,
CD 8, will be receiving more letters urging him to support transit funding.
Letter collection in Duluth has been great.
All the outgoing Executive Board members were commended for their
service and dedication.
Members were cautioned about requesting video from buses. Some-
times issues can and have come up before and after the incident for which
the video was originally requested.
President Sommers commented on her recent trip to Washington, D.C.
for a joint meeting of the ATU and TWU leadership to talk about drivers’
safety and security. A survey will be coming out from the ATU Interna-
tional about restrooms and restroom breaks.
Extra Board mark-up sheets will soon no longer display the specifi c
reason an operator is off work. Instead, it will read “No Assignment” next
to the operator’s name, to protect confi dentiality.
An increased number of members, mostly operators, have been getting
DUIs, DWIs, positive drug tests and arrests.
Did This Ever Happen to You?Stephen Babcock #3128
"Buried"
Twenty years ago, I was driving a bus northbound on the #5 line
(Chicago Avenue). As usual, I was a few minutes late, which I didn’t
like - for all bus drivers know it just takes missing one green light to get
buried with people. As I was approaching 36th Street, and the light was
freshly green, I noticed an older gentleman across the street. Not only was
he waving his cane at me, but he had his other hand up waving, trying
to dodge traffi c while coming across the street against the light. Under-
standing how upsetting it is to miss your bus and be late, I pulled over to
wait for him, letting the light turn against me. After almost getting hit, he
fi nished crossing traffi c. I opened my door, he entered, struggled up to the
top step while hanging on the rail, step by step, stopped and said, “What
time is the next bus, going the other way?”.... Buried.
If you have a good story about transit, please send it to your Education
Commiittee member for possible publication. Thank you!
Commuter Rail Big
Lake
Northstar Achievements for 2011
2012 brings a new year with
new goals for the Northstar team.
We were happy to reach our goals
from 2011, including the follow-
ing achievements:
1. Purchase of sixth locomotive
2. Ramsey Station funding
3. Served all Twins Target Field
and Vikings Metrodome games
4. Chris and Joel became DSLE
qualified
5. 96.2% on-time performance
6. Only one FRA reportable injury
Popular free rides
The Northstar (along with LRT
and bus) provided free rides to
passengers going to the Holidazzle
parade on Dec. 10th and 17th.
Demand was huge, as passengers
filled the train at the Big Lake
Station on the 10th. On Dec.17th,
preparations were made to add
another special train and make the
regular service train consist larger.
This time, passengers loaded on at
Big Lake and filled the train to 1/3
capacity, with passengers loading
at Elk River closing the gap.
Although the first train did not
stop at any other stations, the sec-
ond train was able to pick up at all
stations except Fridley.
Welcome changes
In December, John McConnell
joined Northstar VMF as a clean-
er. John was a bus operator for
20+ years. Welcome, John.
A few schedule changes for the
new year as well: Will Fetterly has
switched shifts with David Linde.
He’ll be working the 3-11 shift
with David going to the 11-7 shift.
Kelly Craven moves to daytime
hours, working 7-3.
Page 6
State of the Bus Fleet
Melanie Benson, Driver #854
The Metro Transit bus fleet is always in a state of flux. Older buses
are retired, newer buses are added - and many of us don’t have a clue as
to when and how these decisions are made. This article is the first in a
series that should give us some answers to these questions.
There are currently 876 buses in the Metro Transit fleet:
approximately four New Flyer Artics; 105 New Flyer LowFloor Artics;
97 Gillig 40ft. Hybrid LowFloors; 297 Gillig 40ft. LowFloors; 260 Gillig
40ft. StandardFloors; and three MCI coaches.
Buses generally aren’t kept for longer than twelve years, so a number
of buses purchased in 1999 are scheduled for retirement, although 20-30
may be kept around to use for the State Fair. New bus deliveries will also
be used for the State Fair. The 40ft. buses 600-710 will soon be 12 years
old. The youngest 40ft. standard-floor buses were purchased in 2003-04.
There are currently no plans to purchase more standard-floor buses (only
one manufacturer – Nobi - makes them); but orders will not be placed
until mid-2013.
This will be a multi-year procurement, covering the years 2014-2019.
Metro Transit management will be soliciting input from drivers,
mechanics and others as it prepares its specifications for the
manufacturers. In past years, buses and chassis have been brought around
to the garages for feedback.
The factors taken into account when ordering new buses are:
technology, comfort, ease of boarding, fuel efficiency, longevity,
maintainability, reliability, test results, stability, and cost. New bus
purchases are paid for with 80% federal funding and 20% local (state)
funding. The hybrid buses are paid for with 90% federal funding and
Paul Kirchner, from the bus
Continued on p.14
Page 7
Heywood
Ilona La Douceur #66048
Faye Brown # 6331
Walter T. Curry, Jr. #3815
Debbi Sievers #64222
SAFETY
Pedestrians - Please slow down,
look, listen and be aware of your
surroundings. Pedestrians are
wearing hoodies, headphones and
always in a hurry, all things that
make it easy for them to step in
front of your bus. The schedule is
not worth a life or your livelihood.
Talk to your safety person to see
what can be done. We are still
meeting our goals, so that’s great!
MAINTENANCE
#1300 series bus purchases are
complete at Heywood.
The white painted lines forward
of the crosswalk have been
touched up so you can see if a for-
ty-footer can fit.
Remember to take a trash bag
liner - it really makes a difference
when you’re sitting that close to
the bag.
When the diesel/oil tanks are
finished, we will resume (BTR)
pulling in the driveway.
The 1005 Line
Remember, you can always
access past and present issues
online at www.atu1005.com on
the Education page.
You can also see the results
of arbitration votes and other
meeting results.
Family Medical Leave (Part 2)Doug Barton #68273
We last saw our friend ill-advisedly practicing Dick Van Dyke pratfalls
in the garage and ending up getting his head broken for his troubles. He
has diligently been calling in on a weekly basis to keep his manager up to
date on his recovery progress. His manager at some point (usually within
30 days of continuous injury/illness absenteeism) will inform him about
FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act). The requirements and benefi ts are
expected and available to you, but why wait for the manager? We’ll go
over them now.
Who’s Eligible?
As a Metro Council employee, you are eligible for FMLA if you have
been employed for a minimum of one year and have worked at least 1250
hours. The employment doesn’t need to be consecutive, but does need to
be at least 12 months. This means that you must have been employed for
at least 12 months and have worked a minimum of 1250 hours prior to
taking your leave.
If you are married and both of you are employed by the Council, a
maximum of 12 weeks FMLA leave may be used by both of you com-
bined, and is permitted in the event of birth, adoption, or foster care place-
ment of a child, or the serious injury/illness of a parent. However, each
employee/spouse is eligible for up to a 12-week maximum for his/her own
injury/illness, or to take care of a parent or child.
FMLA leave may be taken on a full-time, part-time or intermittent basis
upon doctor recommendation and management approval.
Leave may be paid or unpaid under Federal law. The determination of
whether the leave will be paid or unpaid is dependent on if the employee
has accrued paid time. Paid time will be used according to current ATU
contractual agreement. At present this would mean that any accrued sick
time would be used fi rst, followed by whatever vacation time is avail-
able. After exhausting all paid leave, and if you still haven’t returned to
work, FMLA will still be generating payments to your medical insurance
to keep the premiums up to date. This will continue until you have reached
the maximum time off allotted by FMLA. After that point, you will be
required to pay the full amount of your medical premiums or your insur-
ance will lapse.
Defi nition of a serious injury/illness would be as follows:
1. Inpatient care (i.e. overnight stay in a hospital, hospice or residential
care facility.)
2. Continuing treatment by a health care provider that involves:
A. A period of incapacity of more than three consecutive calendar
days.
B. Any subsequent treatment or period of incapacity relating to the
same condition that also involves:
a. Supervision of a health care provider of two or more times.
b. Treatment by a physician that results in a regiment of continuing
care by a health care provider.
Nicollet
Melanie Benson #854
Twaya McIntosh #9002
Alec Johnson #66034
Ryan Timlin #66279
Blayne Williams #77
Karyn Krech, retired Driver
#100, known as "Lake Street
Karyn" passed away January 22
after a long struggle with cancer.
More information on back page.
Transportation
January’s retirements include
Bernadine Woodards, Driver #545
and Robert Ueeck, Driver # 6381.
Maintenance
Drivers are asked to be espe-
cially conscious about how we
pull buses into the bays. The new
buses, with the extra-deep dash,
must be pulled up so the extension
hangs over the front line in the
bay. Otherwise, the other buses
pulled in will block the crosswalk,
creating a safety hazard.
Maintenance has a request for
drivers before pullout: Please
check signals and tires first, then
pull ahead to check coolant and
get help if needed. This keeps the
front of the bays free for the
movement of buses that need
repair.
Driver 854 is still looking for
someone to help her arrange pho-
tos on the boards at the top of the
stairs.
Page 83. Any period of incapacity due to pregnancy or prenatal care.
4. Incapacity due to a chronic long term health condition (i.e. asthma,
diabetes, epilepsy, etc.)
5. Permanent long term health condition for which treatment will be
limited or non-effective. This would require you to be under the continu-
ing supervision of a health care provider.
6. A situation requiring that you have to multiple treatments or restor-
ative surgery after an accident or injury, or in the case of a long term ill-
ness such as cancer, arthritis, or kidney disease that would require medical
intervention to prevent long term incapacity.
Notifi cation and Designation of FMLA Leave
Employees will need to complete a Leave Application/Agreement and
give it to their manager 30 days prior to taking leave. Should the leave
be unexpected then the form must be completed and turned in as soon as
possible to your manager. You will be notifi ed by mail upon acceptance of
FMLA leave.
Medical Certifi cation
A Health Care Provider Form must be completed prior to taking FMLA
leave (if leave is expected), and/or turned into your manager ASAP after
your initial treatment. The Council may require a second opinion at their
expense and by the doctor of their choosing. Upon completion of treat-
ment and before your return to work, a fi tness-for-duty report must be
completed and turned into your manager. (This will determine whether or
not you would be able to perform the duties of your job.)
Return to Work
The Met Council will require the employee on FMLA leave to periodi-
cally report on their status and intent to return to work. Should your status
change in the amount of time you would need to remain on FMLA leave,
you should inform your manager within two business days of the status
change. For all workers’ compensation claims and DOT safety sensitive
positions a fi tness-for-duty report is required and paid for by the employer.
Should the employee indicate that their intent is not to return to work,
all FMLA benefi ts will cease and notifi cation of COBRA (Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) will be sent to the employee. This is
the federal law that provides many workers with the right to continue cov-
erage in a group health plan. The medically disqualifi ed employee would
be required to pay this monthly expense going forward.
Should you have any more questions on FMLA, search out your union
rep and/or your manager and they will be able to help.
Sources:
U.S. Federal Employment Guidelines and Minnesota State Labor Law
Metropolitan Council Policy Guidelines on FMLA
Minnesota Department of Labor Guidelines
MJR
Jackie Williams #66180
Anastasia Bloodsaw #2297
On January 18, MJ Ruter cele-
brated a husband/wife team,
Nancy Amerson #2356 and
Richard Amerson #64091, who
both retired on the same day.
A late congrats to Harry Lewis
#67132 who retired on December
30. We wish him well.
Congratulations to Safe Driver
Award Winners:
Richard Pratscnner #1793
Mike Piere #8815 (20 years)
Carla Simonson #9631 (14 years)
Billy McLean #7015 (12 years)
Sherwood Kenerson #5887 (11
years)
Congratulations to TSSC win-
ner Dereje Tafesse (DJ) #64154,
who was elected to another two-
year term and is also the chair of
the TSSC. Good job, DJ, we are
proud of you.
Pardon ‘their dust,’ but MJ
Ruter is receiving a 1650 sq.ft.
addition on our east side. Thanks
for our training room, a much-
needed conference room, a fitness
room with state-of-the-art equip-
ment. (This replaces our Stone
Age equipment that most operators
are convinced is ‘hidden.’) Come
on, operators, by the time we shed
those sweaters and jackets, we
should have plenty to be happy
about.
Oh, hopefully this will be the
year operators will be allowed to
wear face or mouth masks. The
colds and flu symptoms are
becoming very hard to shake.
Page 9
South Garage’s Lisa BensonStacey H. Taylor Driver #70055
Lisa Benson (Operator #9143), newly-
elected ATU 1005 Representative to
South Garage, never planned on being a
bus driver for more than five years when
she started her career in 1991.
Benson’s father, John Westphal
(retired Driver #164) suggested she start
driving for Metro Transit (MTC) because
it would be a “great” part-time job while
she attended the University of Minnesota.
“He told me I could drive A.M. and P.M.
rush hours and take classes in between,”
Benson said. She agreed with her father and took a part-time position
offered by the MTC. “It was going great until they offered me full-time,”
Benson said. “Then I said I’d take the money and the benefits.”
During her 20 years of service Lisa moved to the full- time position;
worked the extra board for a number of years; and worked as a relief
dispatcher.
You could say that, for Benson, transit is in her blood - or at least
rooted in her family tree. Benson said her uncle and her sister both have
driven Metro Transit buses. Also, Lisa is married to South Garage
Coordinator Bob Benson.
Lisa Benson stepped into her role as union representative following
the November 9, 2011 Amalgamated Transit Union 1005 election. Mark
Lawson left the position and was elected ATU 1005 Recording Secretary/
Assistant Business Agent.
“Mark did an excellent job,” Benson said. “I watched others and Mark
in that position, and when I knew he was going for a different position I
decided to go for it and try to do it as well as Mark.”
For the next three years, Benson will represent nearly 225 combined
MJR Black History Celebration
Thursday, February 16, 2012
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A $5 nominal fee includes turkey and dressing, ham, mixed greens,
mac and cheese and Banana Surprise for dessert.
Hosted by Lillie Loving #6828, Margaret Stephens #9069, Diahann
Banks #70026, Alemu Foluke #63113 and Lorene Love #838
Please take the time to come on over and enjoy!
Continued on p. 10
Page 10
725 Bldg
Scott Lindquist #6401
Stephen Babcock #3128
The Radio Electronics shop is
done with new bus installs. They
are now revamping older artics'
APCs (Automatic Passenger
Counter) and upgrading the DVRs
from GE to Verint. They are also
finished with half of the MCI
buses.
New buses, the first prototypes,
will be arriving in March or April.
The Farebox Department is
back to a full crew. A new pick
just started. They have been
installing a new E-prom to elimi-
nate the past problems caused by
the "daylight savings" time
change. They should be done by
February 15th.
CRYPTOEach letter stands for another. If you think A=F, for example, it would
equal F throughout the puzzle. Clue: D=E (Answer on page 15 )
Submitted by Pat Kelehan, Facilities Tech. #5470
A Z B X Y C Y W X D X D B T V G W H
F V W C D A B H C Y X K L D H V N L D C
F B Y T W P H
Q B H D S Y W H ' C Z K R Y X K L D.
South Garage drivers and dispatchers, as well as continue driving duties.
“I have been thrown into the fire. It has been very busy,” Benson said.
“On the driver’s side, I deal with grievances from cell phone policies to
accidents; from customer complaints to absenteeism and contract issues.”
Benson, who worked for some time as a relief dispatcher, said she
also understands dispatchers because they are in a difficult position
between drivers and management. “They are ATU, yet they have to do
the hard job of marking drivers late or scratched,” Benson explained.
“They are in the middle and get yelled at or blamed from those on either
side. Sometimes there are miscommunications or misconceptions that
occur between operators and dispatchers,” Benson said, “and I’ll have to
try to mediate.”
One common misconception she points out is the complaint by drivers
that dispatchers give them bad buses on purpose. Benson said her
experience on the other side gives her a different perspective. “The truth
of the matter is that dispatchers usually just give drivers the next bus in
line,” Benson said. “It is simple, if you are the next pull-out you get the
next bus.”
Benson said her union representative role is sometimes confused with
other Metro Transit roles. “Although I deal with contract issues,” Benson
explains, “I do not make decisions on what goes into the contract. Those
contract decisions are left up to the executive board and the membership.”
Benson explains that she is often called on to assist with drivers’
concerns that should be handled by peer support. “Many drivers come to
us for issues ranging from family problems to issues with difficulty
getting to and from work,” Benson said. “I try to give advice and help
any way I can, but many of those issues are more related to peer support.”
Benson often volunteers for other union and work-related jobs
throughout Metro Transit as well as organizes the South Garage travel
club.
When she is not busy with her day job, Lisa can be seen volunteering
as an animal handler of snakes and lizards at the Minnesota Zoo.
South Garage’s Lisa Benson continued
Page 11
SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR - PROJECT FACTS AND TIMELINEIlona LaDouceur - #66048
The Central Corridor Rail Line is about one-third complete and is on schedule to begin service in
2014 as scheduled. So what is next on the agenda? Here are some project facts and a timeline obtained
from the Met Council website.
Southwest LRT Project Facts
• Approximately 15 miles long between Eden Prairie and downtown Minneapolis
• 17 new stations
• 29,660 riders per weekday by 2030
• $1.25 billion cost (year-of-expenditure dollars). Capital costs are expected from four sources:
o the Counties Transit Improvement Board’s transit sales tax in the metro area
o the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority
o the State of Minnesota, and
o the Federal Transit Administration.
• Southwest LRT will operate from downtown Minneapolis through the southwestern suburban
cities of
o St. Louis Park,
o Hopkins,
o Minnetonka, and
Page 12o Eden Prairie,
o passing in close proximity to the City of Edina.
• The line will connect major activity centers in the region
including
o downtown Minneapolis,
o the Opus/Golden Triangle employment area,
o Methodist Hospital,
o the Eden Prairie Center Mall, and
o the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes.
• The line will be part of an integrated system of transitways
converging at the Interchange in Minneapolis where
connections using the Target Field Station can be made to
o the Hiawatha LRT line,
o the Central Corridor LRT line, with direct connections
to the U of M and downtown St. Paul,
o the Northstar Commuter Rail line,
o the proposed Bottineau Transitway, and
o future commuter rail and intercity passenger rail lines.
• Hennepin County is continuing work on the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement.
Southwest Corridor LRT Timeline
Here is the projected timeline for the SW Corridor light rail project:
• Aug. 31, 2010 – Submitted application to Federal Transit
Administration for approval to enter preliminary engineering
• 2012 – Publish draft Environmental Impact Statement and begin
Preliminary Engineering
• 2013 - 2014 –Conduct Final Design
• 2014 – Secure Full Funding Grant Agreement, committing the
federal government to pay 50 percent of the project’s capital
cost
• 2014-17 –Construction
• 2018 – Begin passenger service
More facts about transit found at southwesttransitway.
org:
• In an average week, all vehicle miles traveled in the metro area
total more than three times the distance to the sun, 93 million
miles away.
(Metropolitan Council)
• Every gallon of gasoline we burn produces about 19 pounds of
carbon dioxide. The average car traveling around 12,000 miles
per year emits 5.2 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
(Environmental Protection Agency)
• Metro area commuters waste an average of 43 hours a year stuck
South
Liz Goldberg #1630
Stacey Taylor #70055
Theresa Collins, in honor of
outstanding customer service skills,
was just recently presented with
the "Achieving Accomplishment
Award." Theresa, full- time South
Operator # 1378, has received, in
the last three years, 32 commenda-
tions from her loyal and committed
riders. We are not surprised,
because we know this bubbly. effer-
vescent, outgoing, cheerful and
get-right-to-the-point person - and
we are very proud of her.
Congratulations, Theresa!
Salad Dayz
As of January 11th, South now
offers salad for lunch, every other
Wednesday for $3, from 10:30 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m. Start the year out right
and add some crispity, crunchity,
low-cal and high-fiber salad to your
daily menu.
Numbers....
South Garage currently has a
total of 217 operators:170 full-
time, and 47 part-time operators (37
weekday/10 weekend). We operate
132 runs and have a 38-member
extra board.
Reminder: Don't forget to
shut off those cell phones and
stow them away. The penalty
is stiff - a Final Record of
Warning and up to 20 days
off.
Page 13
in traffic congestion.
(Metropolitan Council, Texas Transportation Institute)
• MN/DOT predicts that the number of miles of congested roadways will increase from 183 in 2000 to 491
in 2025.
• In 1990, 30 percent of the region’s freeway lanes were congested during peak periods; by 2000, the
figure had grown to 60 percent.
(Metropolitan Council 2003 Survey)
• No. 1 - In a survey of metro area residents, traffic congestion ranked as the top concern, above crime,
education, and housing.
(Metropolitan Council Survey)
• By 2030, the metro area is expected to add nearly 1 million residents and 560,000 jobs, generating 4
million more daily trips, a 37 percent increase.
(Metropolitan Council)
• Since 1995, mass transit ridership has grown by 20 percent.
(American Public Transportation Association)
• It is estimated that the average person going to work in the Twin Cities wasted 54 hours in congestion in
2000. This contributed to a per commuter loss of $1,000 in time and fuel, which equates to $1.2 million
for the region.
(Minnesota Department of Transportation)
• By 1999, U.S. public transit systems were carrying more than 9 billion trips, representing the highest
level of ridership in nearly 40 years.
(American Public Transportation Association)
• Of the total mass transit growth, major rail transit modes totaled nearly 5.5 billion passenger miles or
approximately 84 percent of the total.
(American Public Transportation Association)
• In the past 20 years alone, the number of vehicle-miles traveled (all vehicles on all trips) on the region’s
freeways has increased 127 percent. Congestion is worsening at a faster rate than in the past. VMT is
expected to increase faster (+38 percent) than the population (+28 percent) over the next 25 years.
(Metropolitan Council)
• The average American consumes more than 500 gallons of gasoline each year. At $3.50 a gallon, that’s
an average of $1,750 each year.
In future articles, I am going to research and report on the DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact
Statement) and the Met Council’s 2030 Transportation Policy Plan that was adopted November 10, 2010.
It is 12 chapters with over 250 pages. Chapter 7 is Transit (53 pages) and it’s the one I will be
primarily researching.
Heywood Garage
Annual Black History Program
Friday, February 24, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In the Drivers’ Area
The theme for this year will be Education, and the speaker will be the Minneapolis Public School
Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson. There will also be tables set up with information on available
scholarships and classes.
As always, there will be entertainment, food and raffles. In the next issue of The 1005 Line, look for
pictures of the event and winners of the raffles.
Hope to see you there!
Page 14
Missing: Dave Gosha, Rochester City Lines; Rocky Richardson, Steward, First Transit Mechanics
Janis Borchardt, ATU International VP,
Swears in the New Executive Board at the December Membership Meeting
10% local funding.
Retired buses are sold at auction, to others in the transit industry, to individuals, and to salvagers.
When manufacturers design new buses, they take into consideration what their customers ask for, the law, and
the constraints of engineering. Some features are just for design, like the expansive dashes on the new 40ft. low-
floor buses, which add more than a foot onto the length of the bus. Some of these design features require extra
safety equipment, such as extra fans to clear condensation from the expanded and partitioned windshield.
Part 2 of this series will address other safety concerns raised by changes in bus design.
Many thanks to Jan Homan, Director of Bus Maintenance; Chuck Wurzinger, Assistant Director of Bus
Maintenance for Technical Support; and all who contributed information for this article.
State of the Bus Fleet continued from p. 6
From left to right: John Hawthorne, LRT Maintenance; Ron Laumeyer, Overhaul Base; Tom Mevissen, North-
star Commuter Rail; Gordon Raveling, MJR Transportation; Dave Rogers, LRT Transportation; Gary Bier, Offi ce/
Clerical; Mark Lawson, Recording Secretary/Ass’t. Business Agent; Dorothy Maki, Vice-President; Jody Theisen,
MJR Maintenance; Michelle Sommers, President/Business Agent; Tommy Bellfield, Financial Secretary/Trea-
surer; Ken Dolney, East Transportation; Russell Dixon, Heywood Transportation; John Zapata, Nicollet Mainte-
nance; Chuck Feucht, East Maintenance; Tim Dixon, South Maintenance; Clifton Bolden, Nicollet Transportation;
Greg Stowe, Heywood Maintenance; Lisa Benson, South Transportation
We hope to have regular articles on Board Members, starting with new members. (See Lisa Benson, South Trans-
portation, page 9.)
BUS ROADEO
Deborah Sievers #64222
This year’s State Roadeo was held in September, 2011. The winners are:
1st place: Jack Berner - Heywood
2nd place: Randy Finch - South
3rd place: Idar Bilij - Heywood
Congratulations to all the winners and garage champions!
Also, I would like to congratulate the winner of the Roadeo T-shirt contest, Lisa Benson of South Garage.
The 2012 State Roadeo will be held in Bemidji. The dates are July 20th-21st. Heckler’s Row will be going
again this year and would like to see more people join us. If interested, contact Deb Sievers #64222 either at
Heywood Garage or on my cell phone: 612-695-0238. I will be reserving the rooms soon.
Page 15CDL VERSUS DWI (DWI Wins Every Time)
Deborah Sievers #64222
With the rash of DWIs lately, I thought I would do an article on what happens if you drink and drive with a
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Did you know that if you have a CDL the blood-alcohol limit is only .04 versus .08 if you have just a regular
license? Federal laws have held us to a higher standard as professional drivers. This includes driving your own
personal vehicle as well as a commercial vehicle. You will lose your CDL if you are caught driving a commercial
vehicle or your own personal vehicle!
Do you know what the Post Employment Practice is? Taken from Metro Transit Bulletin #94 of 2011, it is as
follows: If you are convicted of a DWI/DUI, Metro Transit will apply the same standard for post-employment
serious driving and criminal convictions as it does pre-employment. You will not be eligible to drive bus at
Metro Transit for 10 years. That is the case even if you plead down to reckless or careless driving and even if
you transfer to another job in the company within 30 days.
Did you know that you will lose your CDL for a year? Drinking and driving will cost you more than the
fines that you have to pay, because the DOT will take your CDL for a year and Metro Transit only will give you
30 days to either get your CDL back or find another position in the company! Either way, you will not have the
job that you started with.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has some tips if you do plan to go out and drink:
1. Have a sober driver - Plan ahead and have a responsible person available as the driver.
2. Have a house party, including non-alcoholic beverages for those who want the option not to drink. Maybe stop
serving alcoholic beverages the last hour of the party.
3. If you have been drinking, please call a cab, a friend, family member, take a bus – or, if there is someone at
the party who has not been drinking, ask them for a ride.
4. The saying “Friends do not let friends drink and drive!” goes a long way. If you see someone who is about to
get behind the wheel after drinking, ask for their keys and help them find a way home safely.
So, please be responsible and do not drive after drinking! A good saying to remember is: “TWELVE HOURS
FROM BOTTLE TO THROTTLE!”
Crypto Answer
FLINTSTONE NEIGHBOR WHOSE FIRST NAME RHYMES WITH OUR
DIRECTOR’S LAST NAME.
ANSWER: BAM BAM [BRIAN LAMB]
Save (Your) Face There have been a couple of serious assaults on drivers recently over fare disputes. Company policy is
that drivers inform passengers of the fare once and then leave it alone, hitting the ‘5’ key on the fare box.
These are hard times for everyone, drivers and passengers alike. Please do not argue with people over
their fare, but inform them politely and as privately as possible what the fare is. Please don’t embarrass them
in front of others, and don’t make it a question of your own pride.
This will reduce the stress level for everyone involved – and it may prevent service disruption and/or
injury.
Page 16
Uniforms Unlimited Promotion
Because of the rush of Metro Transit drivers coming in at the end of the year to obtain uniform items (just
before their vouchers expire), Uniforms Unlimited tried a new promotion in 2011. Any driver coming in before
November 30 would have a choice of free socks, free fi ngerless driving gloves or a free fl uorescent traffi c vest.
An employee of Uniforms Unlimited confi rmed that this was a great success, and that almost 90% of those
shopping early chose the socks.
Our Sincerest Apology
It has come to our attention that some bus riders were offended by the “Bus Groupies” article in the
last issue. We should not have printed this article without fi rst reviewing the article with the riders
involved. We would like to extend our sincere apologies. Please be assured that we understand that
happy transit riders are the key to success in our careers, and we will strive to communicate with
riders in a way that is inoffensive, and mutually benefi cial. We will also not use bus riders' names
in the future unless the union offi ce has confi rmed the approval.
Some Highlights from the ATU International News Service
Bush tax cuts widened the wealth gap CRS report shows The Congressional Research Service released numbers last week confi rming that investment income was the
biggest contributor to income inequality from 1996 through 2006. This message has been repeatedly delivered
by the ATU and Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett who explains that he pays taxes at a lower rate than his sec-
retary does, because most of his money comes from investments that are taxed at only 15%, while tax rates for
income can be as high as 35%.
12,000 - and counting - sending letters to Congress to save U.S. transit! Our campaign to get language providing transit systems with local control of their federal transit funds into
the soon-to-be-introduced federal surface transportation bill is gathering steam. The provision will allow transit
systems to preserve critical service and hold down fares during tough economic times to ensure quality, afford-
able public transportation.
Join the campaign!
Obama NLRB appointments win ATU praise International President Hanley praised President Barack Obama for fi lling three vacancies with recess ap-
pointments to the National Labor Relations Board. "The president's actions are a strong step toward restoring
the balance needed to ensure fairness in labor-management relations…," Hanley said. "We applaud the presi-
dent for standing up to the Congressional Republicans who have threatened to circumvent the labor laws of our
country…"
WIN an iPad2! The International has upped the ante and is holding a new lottery drawing for an Apple iPad 2. All you have
to do is go to the ATU website and send us your email!
Be sure to tell your fellow members to do the same to get a chance to win. More importantly, sending us
your email will allow you to get the latest news and developments about ATU, politics, and the transit industry.
And don't worry, if you've already sent in your email for the fi rst lottery, you will be automatically included in
the lottery for the iPad 2.
Source: ATU Dispatch email dated January 18, 2012
Correction to November's Issue
Regarding the column for the Commuter Rail, Brianne Waterhouse name was spelled incorrectly. We had Bri-
anna not Brianne. It was also incorrectly reported that she transferred from TCC not TIC. We apologized for
the error..
Page 17
ATU Fights to Save Transit
Funding
“Urban transit systems in most
American cities, for example, have
become a genuine civil rights
issue... if transportation systems in
American cities could be laid out so
as to provide an opportunity for
poor people to get meaningful
employment, then they could begin
to move into the mainstream of
American life.” Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr.
Nationwide there is a movement to cut funding to transit. We must fight to save transit, save our
communities.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Governor Walker has a history of cutting transit. In Milwaukee County his mismanagement
ultimately required federal stimulus funds to address massive fiscal problems.
On Saturday, January 14th, hundreds of transit advocates joined ATU International
President Larry Hanley, Wisconsin “Fab 14” State Senator Kathleen Vinehout, 7th
Congressional District Candidate Pat Kreitlow and other community leaders at a rally to
save Metro Ride in Wausau, Wisconsin. The rally protested against slashed Monday
through Friday service, the elimination of all Saturday service, and increased fares. With
more cuts proposed for 2013, advocates are fighting against the extinction of Wausau’s
transit system. ATU and its coalition partners will be ratcheting up the campaign to fight
these cuts that could kill the transit system in Wausau entirely.
Federal Funding
Under current law, only transit systems located in urbanized areas under 200,000 in
population may use their funds for operating purposes. As a result of this policy and the
continued shortage of state and local revenues, more than 85% of transit systems across the U.S. have cut or
eliminated vital service or raised fares since the beginning of the current recession. Thousands of transit riders
can no longer get to jobs and services, and thousands of transit workers have lost their jobs as well. These
challenges are continuing, with more than half of transit agencies currently considering fare increases or service
cuts.
The Federal Surface Transportation bill is about to be considered by the U.S. Congress. This campaign is
aimed at getting language in the bill to provide transit systems with local control of their federal transit funds,
allowing them to preserve critical service and hold down fares during tough economic times so that working
people may be offered quality, affordable public transportation. “This legislation is long overdue,” declared ATU
President Larry Hanley. “Over the last two years, countless transit riders can no longer get to jobs and other daily
tasks, and thousands of transit workers have lost jobs, all because of an arcane law that will not allow transit
agencies serving areas of over 200,000 people to use their federal funds for critical operating expenses.”
Minnesota
The 2012 Minnesota legislative session starts Tuesday, January 24, 2012. The big focal point from a
transportation perspective will be the state bonding bill. There are a number of key transit and bike/pedestrian
capital projects that need a state financial commitment to move forward and, for some, to secure a federal
matching grant.
Sources: ATU International website, Transit for Liveable Communities.
Larry Hanley, ATU
International President
TRANSIT SAFETY/SECURITY
COMMITTEE (TSSC)
MEETING MINUTES
Disclaimer:
Due to format changes, these columns are not exact replicas of TSSC minutes. We
cannot assure the accuracy of all data. The exact minutes are posted after each meet-
ing at the operating garages.
Page 18
December 1, 2011 Members of the Committee
Present: Darell Hanson, Nicollet, Committee Chair
Danielle Julkowski, Management Advisor
Monica Kruger, Management Advisor - Training
Rolland Green, LRT
Daisy Frantz, Heywood
James Minelli, East Metro
Dereje Tafesse, MJR
Lisa Benson, South
Others in attendance:
Mike LaVine, Police
Chuck Wurzinger, Maintenance
Brenda Himrich, Safety
Christy Bailly, Transit Operations
Pam Steffen, Customer Relations
Deb Downing, Street Operations
Dorothy Maki, Union
John Cook, FTH
CALL TO ORDER
Darell Hanson called the meeting to order.
REVIEW OF MINUTES
November minutes were approved.
FTH REPORT
Daisy Frantz in attendance:• Washington Avenue bridge being narrowed
(Rts. 3,16, 50, etc.)• Concerned about buses traveling from WB 4th
St SE to SB 10th Ave (Rt. 652) - position of parked cars brings buses too close to these parked cars when making this turn. Cars are close to the crosswalk.
• Concerned about traffic signal arrow for travel from WB Washington Ave to SB I-35W.
• An OCR has been written on this issue, but she wants to keep awareness of the issue.
• Relayed an operator concern from a weekday WB Rt. 61 operator who reports that at 7:31
a.m., at Westminster and Larpenteur, kids are paying chicken in the street.
• Pam Steffen asked what school is in the area. This is unknown.
• Capt. LaVine said he would put a police detail on the issue.
• Rt. 19 - an incident involving a gun last night. Expressed significant concern about the security issues that are ongoing on Rt. 19. Talked about operators being in danger and that they don’t feel they’re getting support or help.
• Police presence was discussed - LaVine indicates there will be more plain-clothes officers riding and there will be more officers working at night in the coming year.
• Additional ways of addressing the issue were raised.
• Asking MADDADs to focus their efforts differently, saturation of the Rt. 19.
• Working with Service Development about issues related to heavy loads, routing and neighborhood issues.
• Possibly using GIS data if available. Attendees expressed mixed views about the advisability of shorting the route from its current terminal at BCTC.
• Daisy Frantz referenced late night as of particular concern. ATM Cook spoke about the difficulties faced by operators and indicated it’s not just at night.
• Christine Kuennen made the point that information needs to be gathered.
• Transit Control Center has good reporting about when MADDADs ride buses and she will gather this information.
• TCC reports can be used to gather information about incident times and locations that can be analyzed.
• John Cook asked for Capt. LaVine’s perspective about how operators should handle situations in which the operator doesn’t feel
comfortable calling about a situation because of uncertainty about how people onboard might respond, even though waiting compromises the response.
• Capt. LaVine responded that each person has to decide for themselves how to handle a given situation. He talked about operators and customers being afraid to do something as an issue within communities. He talked about the need for operators and riders to say something in order for things to be done. He noted that police can’t arrest for a misdemeanor that they didn’t witness. He also noted that police often end up finding people when good descriptions have been given.
• Pam Steffen of Customer Relations expressed willingness to have a Customer Advocate work with a team to address the issues.
• Christy Bailly thanked Steffen, but stated that they will take it up again with police and have an action plan by next meeting.
POLICE REPORT
Mike LaVine in attendance:• Thefts of phones on trains are down.• Working with Mpls PD• Two weeks in November Safe Streets Detail,
4th St to 9th St…Hennepin to Nicollet and concentrating on 7th and Nicollet livability issues
• Capt. LaVine mentioned joint work done at BCTC with Brooklyn Center, difficulties getting cases prosecuted in some situations, and crime moving from BCTC to Robbinsdale Transit Center when police focused on BCTC.
TCC REPORT
Christine Kuennen in attendance:• Will take over TSSC Rep position. (Eric
Isakson has been in representing TCC at TSSC.)
• Hired three new TCC Supervisors, so please be patient.
• They will also cross-train Transit Supervisors so they cover TCC shifts and TCC Supervisors will train on Transit Supervisor work.
• Is putting together Right to Know presentations. Is interested in ideas (needs them before next TSSC meeting.)
EAST METRO REPORT
James Minelli in attendance:• Chicago/Lake Transit Station…Elliot Ave.• Lines on street for traffic need to be repainted.
Deb Downing put it on her list to pass to her
boss but indicated this kind of thing will not be done at this time of year.
• Relayed an operator’s report that window washer fluid isn’t always filled in the buses.
• Wurzinger responded to the issue.• Asked if squads riding buses could get
transfers when they get off as well as when they get on (as a way to address operators’ complaints that officers don’t ride long enough/far enough/where needed.)
• Minelli and LaVine noted that there are various reasons officers get off (LaVine noted that operators thought officers were afraid to ride to the North Side when they saw them getting of NB buses at 7/Olson when actually they got off there because they were working as Safe Zone officers out of a budget designated for service in a certain area.)
• LaVine stated that officers are required to document the time they spend riding buses on their log sheets which are public documents.
SOUTH REPORT
Lisa Benson in attendance:• I-35W/46th Street station chute was slippery
on a recent day with snow. It needs salt sooner. It’s icy when the freeway isn’t because of the small amount of traffic on the bus lane.
• Kuennen said MN Dot should be aware of this as a priority but she will contact them about it.
LRT REPORT
Rolland Green in attendance:• 4th/Chicago - bar signals - request to be
changed out• Concern about operator safety in making late-
night reliefs• Brenda Himrich had reiterated that she
represents the Safety Department for both bus and rail operations at the TSSC. Himrich will address or relay these issues.
• Dorothy Maki will check on whether late-night reliefs are addressed by contract for LRT operators, as they are for bus operators.
SAFETY REPORT
Brenda Himrich in attendance:• Himrich provided handouts with accident
statistics and handouts about shoulder lane “hot spots.”
• Bailly pointed out numbers on the report in areas she indicates we need to pay attention to: pedestrians and bicycles.
• Question came from DJ about ability to use shoulder lanes on Hwy 100 between I-394 &
Page 19
Page 20I-694. This led to a similar question for SB I-35W.
• Himrich will check with engineering and facilities about this.
• Himrich was asked to forward light rail safety and security questions about a signal light and security at the Franklin station to light rail management and safety. She will provide information at the next meeting.
STREET OPERATIONS
Debra Downing in attendance:• 3rd St/Cedar Ramp-Route Info done by Dave
Hanson (#9451) addressing the situation. Not addressed in RI-ramp was intentionally designed as a right turn to slow traffic down as that area will become a major pedestrian crosswalk once construction is complete. Contractor has agreed to take curb area and ramp it so buses have an easier time making right turn - supposed to be done soon (verified w/Dave Hanson after meeting that it has been done.)
• VA Hospital Bus stops - Committee was formed and met. Agreed that stops should be moved. Street Ops Mgr. will contact VA Hospital staff to get their input.
• Semaphore timing - Several intersections have been identified as being “short” cycles. Advised group that lights are synchronized by city to work in conjunction with other semaphores to move traffic better during rush hour. City to be contacted and their reply will be communicated back to the group.
RISK
Not in attendance
MAINTENANCE
Chuck Wurzinger in attendance:• Parking Brake - push/pull - have looked at
specs and have measured with a gauge finding they are “all over the board.¨ Best advice: Write up buses that are too hard to move, push or pull the parking brake. Those that are new will be submitted under warranty.
• Farebox height - high enough for operators, low enough for customers, space to maneuver around, ADA rules, field of view, etc, many considerations. Last 4 buses - all same. Next step- are there ways to change
• New operators report will be put out on trial, possibly beginning of January.
• Cleanliness of seats. Product called The Defender (dust and moisture resistant) on
passenger seats in v1310. Will talk to Recaro to see if have something available for operator seats. Discussion of removable seat covers. Perhaps work w/ Christy and Brenda.
• Seat belts - retracting - end too tight - will talk to Recaro
• V1330 - no light on destination sign key pad• 1305 - too much glare from sign code• Roadside light options…3200s 330/s - too
much glare - see people in the bus reflected instead of out on the road
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
Pam Steffen in attendance:• Transit Link Transfer Bulletin has been issued.• Miller free rides on New Year’s Eve• Buy 1 - Get 1 7-Day Pass from Dec. 5 thru
Dec. 23, 2011• 1/1/2012 - no more rail-only transfers• Be sure your garage has the fare poster dated
Sept 2011, not older ones. M = Medical Condition (does not qualify a person for reduced fare.) L & A - reduced fare at all times T = reduced fare non-rush
• Question regarding student paper disposable Go-To cards - seems to be going well - goal: eliminate magnetic ten-rides before next school year starts.
MJR REPORT
Dereje Tafesse in attendance:• Safety & Security Garage Forum - 12/15
ACTION ITEMS
• Deb Downing: Put it on her list to pass to her boss but indicated this kind of thing will not be done at this time of year.
• Deb Downing: Street Ops Mgr. will contact VA Hospital staff to get their input.
• Brenda Himrich: Check with engineering and facilities about use of shoulder lanes on Hwy 100 between I-394 & I-694.
• Chuck Wurzinger: Work w/ Christy and Brenda on cleaning seats issue
• Dorothy Maki: Check on whether late-night reliefs are addressed by contract for LRT operators, as they are for bus operators.
• Christine Kuennen: Will contact MN Dot about salting the Chute.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Anleu, Recording Secretary
Page 21
We enjoyed working with you, too, Bernadine!
Bernadine Woodards, Driver 545 of Nicollet Garage, was given
a rousing sendoff into her retirement on Wednesday, January 14
after 35+ years of driving. Bernadine, the second African-American
woman driver hired by the MTC in 1976 (the fi rst was Edith James),
was joined by her family and friends for a celebration of her career.
Several retirees joined current employees and members of manage-
ment to wish her well.
Thanking dispatchers for looking out for her over the years,
Bernadine counseled other drivers to develop good relationships with
them, as well. She got a lot of laughter talking about the long light at
35th Street and Nicollet that almost caused her to be late more than
once: “It’s not my fault!”
Responding to a question about her “most amazing experience on
the job,” Bernadine said it would have to be the fact that many of her passengers followed her from one route
to another. This is especially notable since she used to drive a crosstown route (Franklin Avenue) and switched
Arnie Libby Retires Arnie started in Material Management on
September 22nd of 1986. He completed his service of
29+ years on January 3rd. He will fi nally have some
time to do all the fi shing and hunting he wants, but
fi rst he is going to visiting in Texas.
Arnie, posing with his family:
Nick, Susan, Cindy, Kevin,
Jessica Arnie accepting his retirement
jacket from Vice President
Dorothy Maki.
Erika and son Deshandre (holding their daughter Illana),
James, Bernadine, son Reggie and sister Fatima
Bernadine will miss Nicollet Manager
Ellen Jackson
to driving the 18-line on Nicollet.
(Apparently, riding with Bernadine
must have been more important
than her passengers’ route to their
destination.)
Bernadine plans on enjoying
her retirement by doing more of
what she enjoys so much, and sug-
gested that, in the future, we could
probably catch her at Mystic Lake
– or in Las Vegas.
Page 22
Harry retired from MJR Garage on December 30,
2011.
Harry Lewis #67132 Retires
Harry was joined by his wife Loretta, grandkids Kali-
yah and Kiara, cousin (retired FTH driver) Daddy Mac
#331 and his wife Juanita.
Robert Ueeck, Driver # 6381, Retires from Nicollet with 18+ Years of Service
Robert Ueeck was
hired part-time Decem-
ber 27, 1993 and was
promoted to full-time
January 6, 1996. He
was at LRT for a while,
then Heywood, before
he moved to Nicollet.
Bob will undoubted-
ly be spending some of
his time in retirement
with his extensive col-
lection of motorcycles. Shown with his wife and family
Retired Members’ Clubs
Northside Breakfast Club
Meets 8:30 a.m. the 2nd Tuesday of each month
at Barnacle Bill’s, Shingle Creek Parkway and
Freeway Blvd, Brooklyn Center.
Southside Breakfast Club
Meets 8:00 a.m. the 1st Wednesday and the 4th
Thursday of each month at the VFW Post, 67th
Street & Lyndale Ave in Richfi eld.
St. Paul Retiree Lunch ClubMeets 12:00 p.m. the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Mattie’s (formerly Wells Lanes ) So. Con-cord St., South St. Paul 55075
Metro Transit Mechanic Teammate
Meets at 12:00 p.m. the 3rd Tuesday of the month
at Old Country Buffet (by Petco), 2000 South
Robert St., West St. Paul
RetirementsThere were no retirements in November.
Congratulations to December Retirees
12/08/11 Kim Wendling, Nic Op. 343
12/10/11 Gnia Vu, Nic. Relief Mark-Up
Dispatcher
If you have pictures or announcements of
retirements, please contact your Education
Committee member or the union office. If you want to join the St. Paul Retiree Club, con-
tact one of the following:
President Howard Osterkamp (651) 731-2428
Vice-President Jay Kerkvliet (651) 489-8281
Treasurer Paul Huber (651) 698-6551
Secretary Mary Huber (651) 698-5771
Submissions for Letters to the Editor are subject to approval of
the Editorial Board and space considerations. Letters to the
Editor are solely the opinion of the author and do not represent
endorsement by ATU Local 1005 or the Education Committee. If
you have an editorial to submit, please contact a committee mem-
ber or our advisor Dorothy Maki at: [email protected].
Page 23
Several months ago I wrote a book report about "Choosing Civility," a book by Dr. Forni. I remember saying
that I liked it, but I'm sure some will think it's old school and out of date. I also said that Dr. Forni believes it's a
timeless tool. Since that time I have noticed that there are many skeptics. That is understandable. I admit that it
sounds like poetic idealism, and I know that, because it sounds simplistic, some people might think nothing in it is
worth reading. I'd like to share with you a sample of his (Dr. Forni's) insights.
The following is taken directly from the book:
“What to do: Today the possibility of cross-cultural misunderstanding and confl ict is always present. The
more civil the members of society, the less likely (it is) for this possibility to become reality. Respect for diversity
is part of the cognitive and emotional kit of the civil person, as is the ability to transcend diversity in the name of
a common humanity. Will the next generation be able to acquire and practice these two moral skills? Nothing less
that our future hangs in the balance. ... We have seen a connection between rampant incivility and a diminished
quality of life. It is our job now to increase and spread that awareness (of productive human relations) and make
concerted efforts to bring about the changes so many of us seem ready to welcome."
PS: Doctor Phil likes to remind us that learning new skills is challenging, and "being right" is less important then
being happy.
Kim Henry Rice - Driver, East Metro Garage
Letters
To The
Editor
Operator Assault
Civility
We take assaults to operators more seriously than management, transit police, etc., simply because we are
personally involved.
Just recently, a Ruter operator was brutally assaulted by a passenger. This operator received injuries that will
require several surgeries, plastic surgery, months of rehab, and possibly cause years of pain and suffering.
We feel that operators should be made aware of who this unsub is, a photo should be put up at all the garages
immediately, and an award should be offered for the arrest and conviction of this individual. Operators should
be made aware that this assault occurred on the 19-line and could happen on any Metro Transit route. The public
depends on us for transportation, and we attempt to offer a professional and safe ride. When anything less hap-
pens, operators are immediately held responsible. We are held responsible for short fares, no fares, not issuing
transfers, not knowing the defi nition of ‘courtesy rides,’ not picking up passengers who are not in the bus stop,
enforcing stroller policies, etc., etc.
Maybe, just maybe operators should be encased in a closure that would protect them from such incidents,
or have Transit Police ride the entire lines, (i.e.) all of the 19, 5, 16, 21 and other high assaultive lines. We ask:
Aren’t stats taken to prove where the assaults are most frequent?
Where is operator protection? Metro Transit Police ask, “Is everything all right?” This is only after riding a
few blocks, receiving a transfer to prove they did something. Why can’t we have constant protection? There are
some banks, grocery stores, etc. that have armed protection in high-crime areas. Why can’t we have some of the
same life-saving luxuries? As a former police offi cer, I can certainly see the change in respect for public servants.
Jackie Williams, Operator #66180, MJR
Karyn Krech, age 58, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by
family, on January 22, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents Francis and
Lillian, and mother-in-law Virginia Trujillo. She is survived by her life partner of
12 years, Margo Trujillo; siblings Diann (Bruce) Fyksen, Janet (Bill) Probstfi ld of
The Dalles, Oregon, David (Desli), Donna (Greg) Wahlstrom, Daryl (Jacquie), Brian
(Lynne), and Craig (Kathy) of Portland, Oregon; 11 nieces and nephews; father-in-
law Floyd Trujillo; and other family and many friends.
Karyn retired in 2008 after 30 years of driving Route 21(Selby-Lake) for the MTC,
of which she was very proud. She was a member of the ATU 1005 – Mpls./St. Paul.
Her funeral service will be Friday, February 10, 2012 at Saint John's Roman
Catholic Church, 835 2nd Ave NW New Brighton. Visitation - 11 am to 12 pm, Mass
- 12:00 pm, followed by luncheon and fellowship.
DRUG TESTING RIGHTSIf you do not use the specific wording when you request results from a positive drug test, the agency has no obligation to
comply. All they are required to do is give you a paper stating the results are positive. Every employee has the legal right
to request, in writing to the Medical Review Officers (MRO), copies of: the Litigation Package* of the initial test. (this will
tell you how your test turned up positive); the Confirmation (breaks results down into specific levels); the Threshold levels
(baseline of all tests)
The Litigation Package can be nearly 100 pages of technical data, which cannot be analzed or understood by a layperson,
including union officers. Professional interpetation is available at member’s expense, starting at about $50 minimum.
WEINGARTEN RIGHTS STATEMENTIf disciplinary action is suspected, read this statement to your foreman: I request to have a union representative present on
my behalf during this meeting because I believe it may lead to disciplinary action taken against me. If I am denied my right
to have a union representative present, I will refuse to answer accusational questions and any I believe may lead to
discipline.
Richard Bork, age 66, of Maplewood, passed away on November 30, 2011. Rich-
ard worked at Metro Transit for 33 years. He is survived by loving wife of 44 years
Anna; children, Richard (Christine), Erzsi (Ferdi), Aunca (Billy), Zsuzsi (Sarah); six
grandchildren; sister Lucille (Bob); brother Larry; many friends. Special thanks to
Dr. Joe and Health-partners hospice.
Richard F. “Dick” Trettin, age 56, of Blaine, passed away January 16, 2012. He
was preceded in death by parents, Harold and Harriet; sister, Jan. He is survived by
his wife of 34 years, Debbie; daughter, Jessica (Brett); son, Steven (Aly); grandchil-
dren, Starlette, Emily and Skylar; sisters, Barb (Bill) and Pat; brother, Lewis (Mari-
lyn); other relatives and friends. Dick started as a part-time driver on May 31, 1994
and retired from Metro Transit on August 18, 2011. Memorials are preferred.
Humberto Chavez #268 (retired) passed away November 4, 2011. No
further information is available.
In Memoriam