Archives for February 2018

In an effort to better communicate information as quickly as possible to the Local 60 Membership, here is the ” HOT TOPICS” for this week.

A) On Tuesday February 20th I was in Hoboken crew base talking with Members. One of the main talking points had to do with the loss of tax deductions, overcrowding and the poor condition of the train equipment.

B) I am waiting on word from the Carrier about when the revised OPEN DOOR POLICY will go into effect. The information about an accelerated LETP program for conductors is also waiting on the Carrier.

C) I have had discussions with SMART TD in Cleveland about the loss of tax deductions and what recourse we have at this point. They are working the issue and will get back to me shortly with a game plan for going forward.

D) I have a meeting set up for next week with the new NJT Executive Director Kevin Corbett. I will be discussing all of the important issues that are effecting our Members now and the issues that will present themselves in the future.

E) I have requested our Safety Department to be fully engaged in the ASBESTOS removal in Hoboken Terminal. They will be posting updates of progress and monitoring air quality while this construction is in progress. The issue was brought to light at our last Union meeting and I immediately requested answers from the Carrier.  This is a perfect example of letting me know of an issue so I can correct it for our Members. Thank You! 

F) There has been no notification from the Carrier on when ROLLOVER will happen. They are required to let me know 30 days in advance.

Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

In an effort to better communicate information as quickly as possible to the Local 60 Membership, here is the ” HOT TOPICS” for this week.

A) I met with the Carrier this week over the attempt to have an accelerated Engineers Training Program consisting of members from our roster. There will be more information to review on next weeks job bulletin.

B) I am very pleased to report that the AC Line service for the Eagles parade went off without incident. I did work with the Carrier in the planning phase such as bigger train sets and extra TC help. I insisted on police presence at terminals and platforms but also police officers riding with our crews. I believe the added police made everyone’s day that much more enjoyable. Thank you to all of the crews who worked the line on parade day.

C) Attention Hoboken bound crews this weekend!!! Route 7 into Hoboken will be closed all weekend for construction.

D)  All Members as a reminder if you are short weekly wages or gas miles please go to our utulocal60.com Home Page and list your shortage. We have been getting very good results in correcting the issues.

E) THIS and THAT UNIFORMS has the New Jersey Transit contract again for this year. I would urge all Members to please order your uniform online https://www.njtuniforms.com/ rather than calling the store. The online orders give a clear tracking line if there are any issues.

Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

In an effort to better communicate information as quickly as possible to the Local 60 Membership, here is the ” HOT TOPICS” for this week.

A) I met this week with Labor Relations about claims that were already listed for arbitration with the National Mediation Board. These claims had to deal with dual service or irregular service at end of shift. These claims were settled in favor of the Members and will be paid in the coming weeks. these claims were from 2013 and 2014. These claims were retracted from the NMB pool so more urgent claims could be heard.

B) All Members who have already sent me an email about being taken OOS for sleep apnea I would like you to call David Leibensperger. David works for Matt Darby DLC and is spearheading our sleep apnea cases. He can be reached at 410-769-5406. Please call ONLY if you have already sent me the first email.

C) If there is any Member who has been taken Out of Service for Sleep Apnea, whether positive or negative, and HAVE NOT sent an email please send me an email with the following details included. Name, address, phone number,job title,date taken OOS,date returned to service, whether positive or negative,date of diagnosis, complete doctor information, your hire date and total lost expenses including deductibles.

D) I would suggest that all passenger crews wear disposable gloves while performing your daily assignments. The CDC has put out alerts that state the less contact with the virus on surfaces such as our tickets will lessen your chance of contracting an illness. Any of the box stores such as Home Depot, Loews or Harbor Freight carry gloves in a color of black to abide to our rules. Please take precautions, this issue is very severe this year.

E) If you have a rest day on Monday February 5th and want to work please let the crew callers know early on Sunday the 4th. I hope all members enjoy the Superbowl and get home safely from their destinations. Monday February 5th is a normal train schedule and all crews should report as their assignments are listed.

F) Our Local 60 monthly meeting will be this Sunday at 10am at the Linden VFW. The VFW is on the East bound side street from Linden platform.

Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman