Archives for September 14, 2017

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

A) I attended a meeting with NJT Labor Relations for Directors Level of Appeals. All of the Members Grievances that were denied at a Manager’s Level are discussed at this level automatically, unless settled beforehand. If the Carrier rules against the grievances at Directors Level then I will send them to a SBA as per our Agreement. Special Board of Adjustment hearings are conducted with an arbitrator from the National Mediation Board as a neutral person to review each case and give a decision.

B) I had meetings with the Carrier to start compressing some of the work assignments. This would take some of the shorter jobs and make them longer by changing the assigned trains per day. The Carrier has too many jobs with not enough members to work them, so by compressing some assignments we would have more members available to work consistently blanked jobs.

C) I had meetings with the Carrier about “clearing passenger trains at final terminals”. The trains are not properly staffed at final terminals due to crew responsibilities, Ticket Collectors not assigned or blanked and the train equipment itself.(ie: Multi-Levels) I will continue to work this issue with both crew and passenger safety in mind.

D) I, along with Ron Sabol NJSLD, had the opportunity to sit and discuss with Assemblymen Dan Benson from the 14th District issues that affect our members. We discussed overcrowding, understaffed trains and safety concerns. Assemblymen Benson is a frequent passenger on our trains and has observed first hand the conditions we work under. I will continue to have meetings with him in the future, along with other politicians and civic leaders to protect our members.

E) I, along with Ron Sabol NJSLD, again met with Phil Murphy, Democratic candidate for NJ Governor. I expressed our concerns about the lack of “designated funding” that would not only cover equipment purchases but also expenses for our Members who work the trains in passenger or yard service. It is unfair to our Members to bear the brunt of the consequences because New Jersey Transit has not planned properly for the future.

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

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman