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) This past few weeks have been absolute misery for our passengers, and it has been even worse for our Membership. The Carrier has annulled trains for “Crew Shortages” and mechanical issues. I informed the Carrier that “crew shortages” was an incorrect term, they were short engineers not conductors. I asked for more accurate information to be released to the public since our assaults have risen due to passengers venting their anger at poor train service and taking it out on train crews. I was the only Union Officer, to attend Governor Murphy’s press conference today at NJ Transit HQ. I explained to both Governor Murphy and Executive Director Corbett what the ramifications of twitter/customer service responses that are not accurate or misleading have on our members. The Carrier agreed to be more precise in their notices and responses to passengers.
Governor Murphy started his press conference by stating that train conductors are not responsible for the annulments, nor were they involved in mechanical issues. He was very clear in his statement that NO PASSENGER should ever take out their frustration over service delays on train crews, either verbally or physically, and it will not be tolerated.
Executive Director Corbett later added that he felt NJ Transit and their union member’s relationship is in a good standing and he only hopes to make it better in the future. He applauded the effort of our train crews in dealing with overcrowding and lack of air-conditioned equipment. Corbett also stated that train crews had no control over annulment and should never be assaulted for things that are out of their control.
Governor Murphy, DOT Commissioner Scaccetti and Executive Director Corbett all agreed there needs to be more accurate information given not only to the public but to us, the employees. The information needs to be timely but also accurate as to what is actually the train crews responsibility and what is beyond their scope of duties. Giving passengers inaccurate information leads to confrontations that are unnecessary and some times volatile.
B) While I attended the Regional SMART TD meeting, I did have the opportunity to address the FRA in a forum session. I questioned the FRA moderator on their position about LOST ELECTRONIC ITEMS onboard passenger trains. I explained that freight railroads dont have a lot of lost items found but on passenger service it is a common occurrence. I explained my position that the FRA Rule when adopted, did not have the foresight in what passengers crews duties are on a daily basis. He agreed and stated that the rule was being investigated on a National level due the correspondence originated by myself on the subject. Please be aware that NJ Transit has posted a new rule as of this past Monday on this subject.
I want to be very clear to all of the Local 60 Members that I represent in the yards, on the trains or Ferry street classrooms. Whether I am visiting crew bases and talking to Members, working in our Netcong office, at NJ Transit HQ or away from the area on Local 60 business, I will not tolerate any injustice towards Local 60 or it’s Members. I have no issue talking directly to Governor Murphy, Executive Director Corbett or the FRA if I think that a Member is being slighted by their actions. I will persist in my efforts by any means I deem necessary to protect our Local 60 family. I have no issue in personally taking the heat from any state or federal agency, state or federal politician or John Q public when it comes to protecting you and your families.
Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com
Fraternally,
Stephen J. Burkert
General Chairman
