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 met with the Carrier today about the DH TRAVEL TIMES. The Carrier has agreed that effective immediately that Division Notice will be cancelled until more accurate information can be put out to our Members. There were numerous errors in travel times and how those travel times were being applied.
B) Minimum DH Travel Times is a mandate from the FRA and is listed under the FEDERAL CODE OF REGULATIONS. The CFR was put in place to prevent a person from working an assignment that they are not rested to work. An example would be someone who lives in Atlantic City but claims 9 minutes deadhead travel time to cover a job in Port Jervis. This is not an NJ Transit policy nor is it a contractual item, the FRA has made it mandatory. https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L05226
C) I attended the NJ Transit Board of Directors meeting this week. I did have a chance to speak with Executive Director Kevin Corbett. I will be meeting with him soon on a couple of critical items including SLEEP APNEA, 11th Amendment and Missed Transportation Reports.
D) I did ask superintendent Antell about broken chairs in the Pennsylvania hotel, he stated replacements are on their way. I also spoke to superintendent Dolan about Hoboken, he will be making arrangements for new chairs and fixing the leaking ceiling.
E) There will be extra train service on Friday for a concert at Meadowlands Stadium, please call crewcallers if you are available to work.
F) I attended the CONDUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM meeting. The main topic was the mentors for the new students, we are working on a more comprehensive program to assist in the learning process. There will be a new class starting in the middle of August.
Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com
Fraternally,
Stephen J. Burkert
General Chairman
