GENERAL CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
July 2014
On behalf of the entire Local 60 membership, I would like to congratulate the following member(s) which have recently retired, and wish them the best in their retirement years: Guy Verde. Also the following will be working their last day on Friday, August 1st: Thomas Detweiler, William Gordon & Michael Thomas.
A Letter from Transportation Division President Previsich dated July 10, 2014 was sent to National Mediation Board requesting mediation services for NJ Transit Conductors & Trainman. A copy of this letter is submitted today to Secretary Sussman for inclusion into the minutes.
Transportation Division International Vice-President Doyle Turner has been assigned to assist our General Committee with ongoing contract negotiations.
Track 5 will be closed for approximately 3 months due to the construction at Newark Penn Station. I requested that a separate window be dedicated to conductor remittances. Window (1) will be that dedicated window. We have also requested a place for our Train crews to relax/eat, etc. A Temporary room will be open by the Trainmaster’s office, for which a new wall and door are currently being constructed.
TC assignments in Trenton, currently at 68, are being reviewed as per UTU request. With so many assignments being blanked, and going “no bid”, we are working with the carrier to attempt to make the assignments more attractive for all.
With trying to reduce cost for the local, I have eliminated the 800 number for the Local 60 office. Also eliminated were (2) other lines that were being underutilized. The following numbers were eliminated: 800-200-0313, 973-527-7021 & 973-527-7022. The following are the active numbers for the Union Office: 973-527-7018 & 7019. The fax remains the same at 973-527-7020.
When members have been off for an extended period of time, and are returning to work, they will be required to pay any insurance payments, loan payments, and the required monthly medical payments that may be owed. These deductions are normally withheld from the first paycheck upon the employee’s return to service. If the member does not want all of those deductions to be withheld in the first paycheck upon returning, NJ Transit Payroll Department can make a reasonable accommodation to spread the payment over a certain time period. However, it is the responsibility of the employee to contact the Payroll Deductions Department prior to the first pay check to make any special arrangement. You can call 973-378-6585 or 973-378-6322.
With the recent manpower shortages and the increase of members wanting to work their relief days, effective Monday, July 7th, the (3) month trial period for calling procedures from the supplemental list was instituted. Employees wishing to work a relief day will call the day before between 12 noon and 8 PM. Members will call and leave a message with their name and employe number. They will be put on the supplemental list according to the time they called, which is also documented. The Newark Division number is 201-246-2980 and the Hoboken Division number is 201-246-2982. This procedure will assist with (1) having a current list of employees that want to work and not have to make numerous calls to get someone to accept and (2) will enable us to have accurate records so everyone has equal opportunity to work overtime.
We recently opened up an eating area in Hoboken adjacent to the men’s locker room. Also the MMC lounge area was again opened, located in the yardmaster building. There was recently a locker inventory in Hoboken male and female locker rooms. We ask that you complete the forms and return to Mike Ewell and Cookie Doyle so we can maintain accurate information and provide lockers for members.
Qualifying Conductors now will receive a “walk-around” when qualifying the portion of Hoboken terminal. This should assist with preparation for the test and also better prepare them for working in the terminal.
Rail Payroll News – We continue to send a representative to rail payroll every Tuesday for pay issues. It is very important for members to check their earnings statement weekly, and also when requesting assistance from your union reps, that we are supplied with all the facts from your shortage. That greatly helps us with getting any correction(s) paid. Timeslips are picked up by courier from NYP, Hoboken and Newark Track 5 every morning Monday thru Friday then delivered to Maplewood payroll by 11:00 am. This ensures timely and accurate delivery of the timeslips.
Please contact me if you do not have a radio. Asking that you reach out to your co-workers and inform them of this request. I am attempting to have NJT issue radios to all train crew members. Also, any trainman, no matter what position they may be working, (Conductor, Rear Brake or TC) are required to have their radio with them when working. The radio’s assist all crewmembers with their numerous functions.
Working Fund – Every member working in passenger service is required to have their $100 working fund with them when working. There are NO exceptions to this rule. Also, any unpunched tickets in your possession will result in discipline up to and including dismissal.
Special Board of Adjustment – The SBA hearings that were scheduled for April, then May, then June, have now been scheduled for September 3rd. This date now has been assigned by the NMB. These postponements are account funding issues at the NMB.
I urge all members to visit the railroad retirement website at www.rrb.gov , the VSP (vision) website at www.vsp.com and Great West website for your 401/457 website www.25gonjt.com This is a one time set up and is part of your benefits.
Last, but not least, be courteous, look professional and PROTECT OUR WORK!
Member Information Report since last Union Meeting
Retirements (1), Resignations (3), Dismissals (0)
Hearings & Investigations – G-250’s issued – (29) in June and (15) to date in July.
CLAIMS
Anthony Accardi – 6.5 Hours at straight time for 6/29, SV-4
E Rockson – earnings of MM-18 mishandle for 5/17
W Risley – 4 hrs straight time for 6/24
N Werner – Earnings of TR51 for 5/5 and 8 hours DH for rules class on May 6 & 7
E Revello – 8 hours deadhead for for both 4/23 & 4/24
T Kupfer – Earnings of TF-1 for 6/8
S O’Neill – Earnings of gn-36 for 3/19
S McGgeady – 4 hours straight time for 6/14
R Lisicki – 4 hours DH for 6/9
S Mikola – Additional OT payments for 6/18, 6/24, 6/25 & 6/26
M Stone – Additional OT payments for 6/18, 6/24, 6/25 & 6/26
W Wilson – 4 Hours DH for 6/18
M Estrada – 4 Hours straight time and 4 hours DH for 6/8
M Danke – Additional OT for 7/23, late train
M Greene – 8 hour 013 payment for 7/1
Michael J. Reilly
General Chairman
