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) The Carrier, as per the contract, has informed me that ROLLOVER will be on October 14, 2018.
B) I was successful in working with NJTPD on getting police officer patrols back out riding our trains on nights and weekends. NJ Transit is in the process of hiring more police officers and these assignments will be more regular in the near future. The train crews I spoke with on the property said having the patrols on the platforms while loading and then walking through the trains during the trip was very helpful.
C) I have already asked the Carrier to distribute asap the new job run sheets and the corresponding employee timetables that will go into effect on October 14. The added time will allow our Members to research the assignments properly.
D) This week I met with a large contingent of General Chairman, International Officers and Local Officers from NJ Transit Bus and Rail Division Unions. The group met for the purpose of discussing current events that affect all unions on NJ Transit, particularly pending legislation in Trenton or Washington DC. The group will be meeting again in the near future and we will be having representatives from light rail also included.
E) I did meet with the Carrier about its plan to replace the NEXTEL phones with new “iPhone 7” model. The new phones will give the train crews advance notice of cancellations, track outages or any other incident before the information is distributed to the passengers. The new model of phones are also equipped with “one touch” safety features for contacting police in an emergency. I will be making the Carrier adhere to all contractual obligations as pertain to a company issued device.
Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com
Fraternally,
Stephen J. Burkert
General Chairman
