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) SUPREME COURT -JANUS decision does not affect Local 60 Members. We are not federal, state or public workers. We are governed by the RAILWAY LABOR ACT, and as per our Legal Department at SMART TD we don’t fall under the Janus decision.
B) I was in Hoboken Terminal this week speaking to Members and listening to their issues. The Local Committee Officers, Albertson and Milan, will be meeting with the Carrier on the lack of working/safe chairs in crew areas. The ceiling leaks in the Mens lockeroom will also be addressed.
C) I conducted both Managers and Directors Level of Appeals this week at NJT HQ. I also spoke to the Labor Relations Department on Claims from Members. I convinced the Carrier to pay some claims from 2013-2014 that were slated for NMB arbitration. These claims dealt with dual service or crew caller issues, this clears up space on our future docket. I am also working with Carrier on condensing claims that are the same category, such as the “025” or “no flagmen” claims. I have averaged 185 claims per year, with some claims are for hundreds of violations each, since I took office in January of 2015. The Carrier is overloaded with the amount of claims from Local 60 Members that I progress. Condensing these claims and bringing 1 claim before the board that may represent 200 claims is the better strategy. Claims will be processed by severity of discipline first and then wo lost earnings or rule violations.
D) I was invited to speak at the LACKAWANNA COALITION MONTHLY MEETING again this week. This group of consists rail riders who support our cause about electronic devices and staff shortages. This group stood with us during contract talks and I am always honored to be invited to speak at their night-time meetings. We have spoken to many of the same people at NJT and Trenton over the same issues.
E) There is only 2 more weeks left to submit unpaid gas mileage or tolls from 1/1/2017-2/28/2018. Please use only the old style PINK SHEETS , keep a copy for yourself, submit in the timecard boxes.
F) Atlantic City Crews, I was notified on June 25th that you were having an issue with managers over DH/travel time consumed. I addressed this issue with the Carrier during a break in Members Appeals that day. The Carrier has addressed my concerns and the managers have been told to cease and desist on this practice. The Carrier will be coming out with new information in the coming weeks that will deal with DH and the FRA CFR rules. If any Member feels threatened or singled out over this issue please contact Wanda J. Barnett, Principal Employee Relations Specialist Human Resources at 973-491-8686 or wbarnett@njtransit.com . I have always told the Members, if something is not correct while at work, contact me asap so I can attempt to resolve the issue. Within 1 hour of being contacted by a Member, the situation was properly addressed, this is a perfect example of your Union dues at work!
Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com
Fraternally,
Stephen J. Burkert
General Chairman
