Archives for December 2017

Sunday is New Years Eve and the carrier is concerned they will be faced with crew shortages and are trying to come up with ways to entice an already strained membership to cover all assignments.

The organization has made some recommendations and we will have to see what they come up with to make this weekends service better than last weekends.

We have been shown in a bad light in recent media articles and in political reports, now we need to let passengers know we are the front line employees who are professionals, and essential to a safe and reliable transportation system.

The union is asking for members to make every effort to work your regular assignment if scheduled to, and for extra and supplemental employees to make themselves availabe. While working smart and safe.

Please wear your complete uniform if provided, make all efforts to hit all platforms, collect revenue if properly staffed (or do your best if not) wear PPE, follow rules while working in yards (S hooks), and work safely without shortcuts. There have been recent events where we now have members facing disciple for before mentioned items.

Thanks,

Scott Spratt

Secretary LCA-C

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) After many discussions with the Carrier over the last 3 years we have a clear equation on what is the probation period for students in the CONDUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM. The Carrier has agreed with my suggestion and instituted a 6 month time period which begins on the first day of CTP class. So as an example, if they started class on January 1st their probation would end on July 1st.

B) I have requested an additional meeting with the Carrier concerning the payment process of GAS MILEAGE SHEETS. Due to the holidays it would appear that the meeting will take place in the second week of January so all managers are available to attend. Please review all payments from this weeks batch of payments. I foresee another GAS MILE AMNESTY PERIOD to get all Members properly paid.

C) I attended a meeting this week concerning the CTP OJT MENTOR PROGRAM. We have again made adjustments to the program in light of some mentors being moved up after being assigned students. I ask all of the Member mentors to please fill out the daily questionnaires about the students with as much information as possible. The trainers at Ferry street review the sheets and assist the CTP students where necessary.

D) I, along with Ron Sabol NJSLD, were invited to attend the monthly meeting and holiday party of SMART TD Local 1413 from PATH. (Pictured above with plaques for service.) I was invited to speak to our fellow Brothers and Sisters about political meetings that I have attended. I also spoke about our last round of Collective Bargaining and the process that was involved from Mediation to PEBs(2) and finally ratification. I want to thank General Chairman Carlton Williams for the invite and the chance to speak with his Members. PATH will be without a new Collective Bargaining Agreement for 8 years this coming July. I have offered my assistance in all areas in gaining a new CBA that their Members rightfully deserve.

E) The Carrier will be making payments for CONDUCTOR CERTIFICATION as per our Collective Bargaining Agreement starting with CTP Class 16-01. The Carrier is collating all the necessary documentation and will forward to payroll for completion.  All CTP classes from 16-01 going forward, who were paid as Conductors while qualifying on the physical characteristics of the railroad will be included. This will settle all of the claims I have been submitting monthly for all of the CTP students since our last CBA was signed.

F) I will be out of the office next week for the holidays. I wish all Members a happy and safe holiday season.

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

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

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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) The Carrier is going to start a test program of the new electronic HOS keypads in Atlantic City this coming week with select crews. Those crews will be instructed when to report for the extra training. The extra training will be reflected in your wages above and beyond your normal assignment.

B) The Carrier has mailed out 3 new batches of GAS MILEAGE Checks to Members. Please review the accuracy of the checks and all the information.

C) The NJTPD Officers are all wearing BODY CAMERAS while on duty. The camera will capture all activity when they respond to our train crews request for assistance. The cameras record video and sound, including all conversations that take place during the interaction.

D)This past week we had a CTP new class, # 17-04, start the Conductor Training Program. I met the new class and welcomed them to our family. I explained what our job duties entail and our expectations of them.

E) I have met with the Carrier over Morrisville yard assignments and will do so again after the holidays. There will be no changes made until after the New Years Holiday, this will allow our members to rest easy about family plans already established.

F) I met with Executive Director Santoro, NJT Chief of Police Trucillo, Ron Sabol SMART TD NJSLD and Bob Lavell over the recent assaults. We will meet once a month going forward to review all incidents and get progress reports. I am going to request that NJT claims department gives a monthly report for unpaid medical bills.

G) The Carrier has informed me that they will be using the same uniform company, THIS & THAT Uniforms next year.

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

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

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