Archives for April 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) I attended a meeting this week for an overview/conclusion of the OPEN DOOR COMMITTEE. The Members on this team have been out on the property discussing how to properly lock out defective doors plus talking with crew members about other important safety issues. The team spoke with almost 700 crew members and received very valuable feedback from the train crews. Thank you to all Members who participated in this program.

B) I met with our SMART TD Designated Legal Counsel Matt Darby over our pending SLEEP APNEA litigation. I urge all Members who incurred lost time or expenses, whether you were positive or negative, please contact me at sburkert@utulocal60.com asap if you have not already. I will keep you informed via this forum on the progress of the case.

C) I attended the NJTPD ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY this week where 3 of our Members received awards for their heroic actions while working as Train Crew Members. I want to add my congratulations for all 3 on  a fantastic job representing our craft. Please feel free to congratulate CHRIS DUNN, CHET WIELGOLINSKI and DAVID MOUNTZOURIS for receiving the “ Civilian Commendation Award”.  Thank you also to NJTPD Chief Trucillo and Deputy Chief Clark for a lavish awards ceremony for our Members and others, it was a 1st class event

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D) I have filed a PENALTY CLAIM on behalf of all Extra List Members. The issue was brought to my attention by Sister Roshonda Brown at last month’s Local 60 meeting. The claim states that if a “CTP Student” is given an assignment that rightfully should have been given in proper order to a Member there is a Mishandling Claim. The CREW CALLERS should be notifying the Member on the Board of any job that went to a student ahead of them so a claim can be processed. The earnings of the original assignment given to the student should be claimed by the mishandled Member.

E) I attended a meeting this week with Human Resources about future employment for not only our craft but all of Rail, Bus and Corporate. I asked for more communications on job postings ANYWHERE inside NJT. I have asked for television screens be installed at all sign up locations that will constantly show any job openings or JOB FAIR DAYS. This will give our Members or their families the opportunity to apply for the vacancies. I will keep you updated on the progress of our endeavors.

F) I ask any Member who is running a social media site concerning our craft to either shut it down or severely limit the access to only LOCAL 60 MEMBERS. There has been a recent surge in confidential information that our Members use as a resource that is going public. I would prefer that Members either contact our Officers for information or visit this site only. The Carrier has also been trolling these websites and NOT to the benefit of our Members. Please heed this warning before anymore damage transpires. Thank you.

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) TRAIN CREWS the Carrier will be on the property talking to crews about ” On Board PA Announcements”. The Carrier will be discussing the rules and requirements so passengers are informed when trains are delayed due to mechanical failure, signal issues or trespasser fatalities. Conductors please designate an employee to inform passengers of the ongoing issue if you are involved in the incident yourself.

B) Gas Mileage Update, the verification clerks are through mid February in processing the forms. They hope to be finished  with all of February by working overtime this weekend. The checks should be sent out from Accounts Payable Department next week. Please list on our utulocal60.com site under “payroll shortages” tab if your payment is incorrect or short.

C) Members if you are notifying crew callers that you are available to work your relief days and then find out that assignments were blanked, please fill out a PENALTY SLIP for a mishandled Rule 20. Please have the time card date stamped at ticket relievers send copy to my office fax at 973-527-7019.

D) I was in NY Penn Station in the afternoon last week and in Dover early morning this week. I appreciate the feedback from the crews on issues that are affecting their daily assignments. I plan on visiting all locations to speak with the crews in the coming months. If a Member has a pressing issue with a terminal please email me at sburkert@utulocal60.com

E) I attended a Carrier inspection of the DOVER facility after talking with crews. The Carrier will be making some upgrades and improvements to the facility that are long over due. When I have a final version of action items I will list them here in the future.

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) On April 3 I had another meeting with the Carrier over SLEEP APNEA as it relates to our Members. I am trying to get a more direct line of communication to the medical department for questions and assistance during the process. We asked that the forms being given to our doctors be updated so our doctors can approve an “opt out option” for the MWT test. I am also pushing for all Members who are negative to be absolved of any deductibles. I will keep you informed of the progress made on these issues as I get answers from the Carrier.

B) I have a meeting set up with our Designated Legal Counsel Matt Darby concerning our petitions over the SLEEP APNEA cases. If any Member has not contacted me yet about their case please do so soon.    sburkert@utulocal60.com

C) I met with Safety Department over the removal of Asbestos on the MU cars. We reviewed the Carrier’s safety bulletins and process for alerting our Members of locations and types of Asbestos that are present. The asbestos removal will be discussed in the annual BOR class for all Members.

D) I met with the Carrier on Monday at NJT HQ over payroll, DH and gas mileage issues. I explained AGAIN, that the delay in our Members getting paid properly is unacceptable. In attendance was the Chief Financial Officer Livharcik who stated they will be putting more clerks in payroll department to handle our requests in a more timely manner. He agrees that the system in place is not working properly and adjustments need to be made for a better result for our Members. I will continue to push for improvements from the Carrier on these issues.

E) I attended the NJT Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday April 10. I did have a chance to speak with Executive Director Corbett on several subjects of concern to our Members. I will be sitting down with him in the near future to discuss these issues in a more in-depth setting.

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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