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) John Lineman is hospitalized at this time with a serious medical matter. If any Member wants to send a card here is the address. John Lineman – Kingsbrook Medical Center- 585 Schenectady Avenue Winthrop, Brooklyn, NY 11203. Room #202
B) I was invited to speak with our new Executive Director Kevin Corbett on Monday March 12th. I discussed Sleep Apnea and how the NJT program has been so detrimental to our Members and how it can be done more efficiently. I explained about crew shortages and how unsafe overcrowding has become the norm. We will be speaking again in the upcoming weeks.
C) I attended the NJ Transit Board of Director’s Meeting on Wednesday March 14th. Governor Murphy attended and spoke about dramatically improved funding of NJT. Our new DOT Commissioner Dianne Gutierrez Scaccetti praised our Members. Kevin Corbett spoke about a new direction and more hiring of Conductors. All three praised Local 60 Members for their efforts over victory parades and snow storms.
D) There is an issue concerning FELA and what are NJ Transit’s intentions going forward. This issue has been known to me since the end of January. I have been working with the Carrier,our DLC Matt Darby and SMART TD to better educate the Attorney General about the ramifications this move would have on our Members. We are covered under the RAILWAY LABOR ACT and NJT was told directly by myself and Ron Sabol NJSLB that we would consider this a MAJOR DISPUTE if they continue this course. I will keep you informed as we progress.
E) NJT had a payroll issue this week with deductions, please read the notice that is posted on this site.
F) The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is tomorrow. If any Member wants to work their relief day please contact the crew caller today. NJT will be running extra trains from Dover, Long Branch, Morrisville and Port Jervis. they will also have extra ticket collectors out on all regular and extra trains.
Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com
Fraternally,
Stephen J. Burkert
General Chairman
