Progress Through Unity

Archives for October 2021

Vaccination/Testing

October 14, 2021 By
To all- I want to give you an update on the latest vaccine and testing protocols. As you know, all employees are required to either be vaccinated (and show proof of their vaccination status) or be subject to testing.

Employees who are vaccinated should  forward a copy of their vaccine card to Covidvaxproof@njtransit.com
Employees must provide their name and employee number on the subject line of the email. Once received, the employee will receive a confirmation via email. Vaccination cards should be submitted by Monday, October 18, 2021. 

Given the complexity of developing a test procedure for a railroad environment, we have not finalized the scope and nature of the testing process.  As soon as a testing procedure is developed, we will  share it with you and answer questions you may have. 

We appreciate your patience as this process is developed. 

—

General Chairman/President Smart-TD Local 60/GO-610
8 Wilson Ave 3rd Fl
Newark, N.J. 07060
Office: 973-527-7020
Cell: 908-294-0166
Filed Under: Local 60 News

Infrastructure Actions

October 13, 2021 By

This month is critical for infrastructure. Congress continues to debate the size and scope of the reconciliation bill and are aiming to pass the infrastructure package (reconciliation and the bipartisan bill) by the end of October. There is intense debate over the size of the reconciliation bill and it will likely be cut down significantly from $3.5 trillion to somewhere in the ballpark of $2 trillion. This means our priorities could be on the chopping block. We can’t let this happen.

 

We want to keep the pressure up on every member of Congress to pass both bills and make sure they include SMART priorities. The AFL-CIO is asking every state federation and central labor council to meet with every member of Congress over the next week to share this message—pass both bills with all of labor’s priorities.

SMART Army request: We are asking the SMART Army to take the same action as the AFL-CIO. Over the next week, meet with every member of Congress in your area.  Ask them to pass both bills and include SMART priorities.

SMART’s four primary asks for infrastructure:

  • Apply strong labor standards to any infrastructure project receiving federal support.
  • Provide at least $100 billion for school construction.
  • Include PRO Act provisions.
  • Strengthen rail and transit safety provisions (such as those incorporated into the House’s INVEST Act).

 

SMART’s overall message:

  • Our position has been and continues to be—we need both bills as quickly as possible!
  • Both bills have important priorities for SMART and we want to see both passed and all of our priorities included.
  • We want to continue to leave the negotiation of how this is sequenced and gets done to the party but want to make sure we let members of Congress know that we want both bills and that we want our priorities included.
  • It is critical that all SMART locals stick to this message. We are stronger speaking with a unified message.

Links and attached Materials:

  • Spreadsheet of targets: The spreadsheet of all members of Congress is here. You can use the spreadsheet to find where members stand on our priorities and if they serve on key committees.
  • Key MOC messages document: This word document is a “cheat sheet” so you can tailor the message based on the position of the member and what they’ve done on our priorities to date.
  • Toolkit: The toolkit provides an overview of infrastructure, a link to an action alert, text link, sample social media posts, sample letters to the editor and a script for member videos.
  • Telephone TPs: This document provides an overview of our top asks and points members can use when calling and/or talking to members at town hall events.
  • Infrastructure-rail safety talking points: This document provides talking points on rail safety.
  • Town Hall spreadsheet: This link provides an up-to-date overview of town hall events by state and district.
  • Breakdown of infrastructure package: This document outlines the provisions of the bipartisan infrastructure bill and reconciliation that benefit SMART members. It is important that we continue to urge Congress to pass both right away because both have critical provisions, and we want all of it!
  • Biden accomplishments: This podcast breaks down Biden’s first 100 days in office and how it benefits labor. Page 3 and 24-30 in the latest issue of the SMART Journal outline a timeline of Biden’s accomplishments for labor.

Download (DOCX, 17KB)

Download (PDF, 542KB)

Filed Under: Industry Related, Local 60 News

Special Meeting

October 12, 2021 By
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Filed Under: Local 60 News

EPO Network

October 11, 2021 By

Horizon advises:

 

The Advantage EPO network would be identical to the participating providers in the HMO network inside NJ.  Below is the link for members to access.  Please ensure that they are selecting “Advantage EPO” under the choice of plan.

https://doctorfinder.horizonblue.com/

 

Outside of NJ, the Advantage EPO offers a national network of providers through the Blue Card PPO/EPO provider network.  Below is the link to find participating providers outside of NJ.

https://provider.bcbs.com/app/public/#/one/city=&state=&postalCode=&country=&insurerCode=BCBSA_I&brandCode=BCBSANDHF&bcbsaProductId

 

Regards,

 

Leslie

Filed Under: Local 60 News

Employee Message from the Compliance and Ethics Department – Political Activities

October 5, 2021 By

Employee Message From

Compliance & Ethics Department

October 5, 2021

 

Please post in a central location for those who do not have access to email

 

As election season approaches, this message serves to remind employees of the restrictions on political activities.  All NJ TRANSIT employees are prohibited from certain types of political activities.  More specifically, employees may NOT:

  • Engage in political activity during work time
  • Use NJ TRANSIT resources, materials, funds or assets for political activity
  • Post or display political materials in NJ TRANSIT offices or facilities
  • Post or display political material or messages on NJ TRANSIT computer home screens, digital computer backgrounds, or physically in the background during business meetings or video conferences
  • Wear clothing, buttons or other apparel displaying political materials in NJ TRANSIT offices or facilities
  • Distribute campaign brochures or other materials in NJ TRANSIT offices
  • Copy political materials on NJ TRANSIT copy machines
  • Display political bumper stickers on NJ TRANSIT vehicles
  • Use photographs taken in NJ TRANSIT offices or facilities for political brochures or advertising
  • Use NJ TRANSIT e-mail for sending political messages, supporting political candidates or advertising or encouraging attendance at political rallies, fundraisers or meetings
  • Use the authority or the influence of his/her position to control or modify the political action of another person
  • Serve as a campaign treasurer or in any other campaign position that requires filing reports with or representation before a State agency

In addition, employees whose principal employment and job duties are in connection with an activity which is financed in whole or in part by loans or grants made by the United States or a Federal agency are subject to the provisions of the Hatch Act.  These employees may NOT run for public office in a partisan election or seek election or reelection to a partisan political office.  Nor may they ask subordinates to make political contributions or volunteer for any partisan political campaign, political party, etc.

NJ TRANSIT employees may engage in certain political activities in their personal capacity, but not their official capacity.  (This means you should not identify your official title or your affiliation with NJ TRANSIT when engaging in any of these activities.)  During personal time, employees MAY:

·         Assist in voter registration drives

·         Express opinions about candidates and issues

·         Contribute money to political organizations

·         Attend political fundraising functions

·         Attend and be active at political rallies and meetings

·         Sign and circulate nominating petitions

·         Campaign for or against referendum questions, constitutional amendments and/or municipal ordinances

·         Campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections

·         Make campaign speeches for candidates in partisan elections

·         Distribute campaign literature in partisan elections

·         Campaign for and hold office in political clubs or parties

·         Volunteer to work on a partisan political campaign

·         Participate in any activity not specifically prohibited by law or regulation

·         Join and be active members of a political party or club with the written approval of the Ethics Department

·         Be a candidate in a non-partisan election with the written approval of the Ethics Department

 

Additionally, so long as you are not in a federally-funded position covered by the Hatch Act, you may run for office in a partisan election with the written approval of the Ethics Department.

 

If you have any questions, please contact the Ethics Department at: 

 

Toll-Free Hotline:        (833) 749-3782

eFax:                           (973) 863-4641

Email:                          Ethics_Dept@njtransit.com

Mail:                            Compliance & Ethics Department

One Penn Plaza East, 8th floor

Newark, New Jersey 07105                           

Filed Under: Local 60 News

NJ TRANSIT Health Advisory (Flu Vaccine Registration and Appointments)

October 5, 2021 By

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ATTENTION EMPLOYEES

 

NJ TRANSIT Medical Services is booking appointments for seasonal flu vaccines

 

Online Registration Is Required 

 

To register, click on this link https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/cxyvqev6/

(use any internet browser EXCEPT Internet Explorer)

 

 

or scan the QR code below: 

 

 

 

Flu Vaccine Facts

  • COVID-19 vaccines may be co-administered with other vaccines, to include flu vaccines – on the same day, as well as within 14 days of each other. See: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pandemic-guidance/index.html
  • The flu vaccine will not give you the flu.
  • One of the best ways to avoid getting a serious case of the flu is to get a flu vaccine.
  • A flu vaccine is needed annually in order to prevent against current strains of the virus.
  • The flu vaccine is an effective prevention tool. 
  • While the flu vaccine does not guarantee protection against the flu, those who have been vaccinated are much less likely to get the flu than those who have not been vaccinated and symptoms are less severe and shorter in duration.
  • The flu vaccine is very safe. Serious problems related the flu vaccine are very rare. Some may experience minor injection site redness or tenderness, but these symptoms are generally short lived.
  • The vaccine can take up to two weeks after administration to reach peak effectiveness.
  • The vaccine is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions.
  • The inactivated flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women, helps protect them during pregnancy and their babies for up to 6 months after they are born.
  • The vaccine can keep you from getting sick from flu and thereby also protects the vulnerable people around you.

 

If you would like additional information about the flu, please visit:

You can find a location for your family to obtain a flu vaccine on either site.

 

Please post this notice for the benefit of those who do not have access to e-mail.

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Filed Under: Local 60 News

2021 Fall Optional Displacement

October 5, 2021 By

Download (PDF, 38KB)

Filed Under: Local 60 News
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