The PEB hearings concluded last week in Newark NJ. The PEB panel will provide us with their “non-binding recommendations” the week of August 17th. The process of the hearings themselves were both enlightening and intense, with long days filled statistical reports delivered by both sides. The historic all female PEB panel of Chair Wesman, member Deinhardt and member Kenis did an thorough and in depth job of asking questions and clarifying all reports put before them. The Coalition attorneys, Carmen Parcelli and Beth Roma, were outstanding in explaining in great detail our proposal to the panel. Tom Roth, who is the Coalition’s statistician, was above reproach when delivering his analysis of our financial impact review. Joel Parker, the Coalition spokesman to the PEB panel, was superb in giving the timeline on how and why we are still without a contract at this point in time. I will announce any PEB news as it becomes available in the coming weeks.

Thank You,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

I will be attending the PEB hearings in Newark NJ next week. It is anticipated that the hearings will last all week. This is the next step in the process of attaining a new collective bargaining agreement for the members of Local 60. The hearings are closed to the public and I will not be able to give anyone daily status reports. The three member panel will hear both sides of the proposals and by mid August 2015 will produce “non binding” recommendations. I will report as soon as possible on any information produced during these meetings that affects our members.

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

As a reminder, you must submit all time cards within 30 days of performing service. If you request an adjustment on shortage of wages you must attach your weekly pay printout with request. Please pick up your weekly printouts. Thank You

The optional displacement will be on May 17, 2015. There will also be the spring timetable change at that time.

The safety teams that monitor each rail line and  meet with the Carrier on a monthly basis are being suspended. All information from past meetings will be reviewed and evaluated. Upon completion of this review a decision will be made on how to proceed for the future. This suspension is in no way a reflection on the fine work done by past and present Members. The decision to re-evaluate our participation was made with each Members safety in mind.

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

The new pink colored time cards are ONLY for missing days or shortages. If you feel that NJ Transit still owes you days (vacation or personal) or you have never been paid for an assignment that you worked in the past, use this new time card. If you feel that you have been shorted in your pay, and it has never been corrected, use the pink time sheet. The company is willing to go back and research” legitimate” claims of missing monies that are owed to our Members. They must be on the pink copies only. The cut-off date to submit the pink cards is April 15, 2015. If you fail to submit it by that date the amnesty period will be over and you will not be paid. There will be no payments made to Members  until after the 4/15/2015 deadline and verification is made on the ” legitimate” claims that were submitted.

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

The correct term is “Off Cycle Check”. If your weekly payroll check is short more than an 8 hour day you may request this check. They will ask if they can pay you the missing shortage next week. They have the right to ask and that is your decision. If you still require the “off cycle check” they have 24 hours to get you that check. They do not present you with the rquested check on the spot, it will take the 24 hours to process it through the system. This is listed under Rule 26 in our UTU Agreement.

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

The Member roster that is due out on March 1, 2015 will be delayed. Our Treasurer is away at a seminar in Cleveland for his new position. The roster will be posted towards the end of this month. Thank you.

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

In the very near future NJ Transit will require you to have, in your possession, the weekly job explanation sheet printout before answering any shortage questions. Payroll Department will no longer be taking any calls from Members on Wednesday asking if the clerks could see what was paid. When you pick up your check with attached printout you can then call Debbie or Val if there is a shortage. They will also require a copy of the printout to attach to the request for payment. If you have Direct Deposit and leave your printouts please go and pick them up. The printout sheets are critical in getting Members any money that they are owed.  The last three weeks, with the help of Debbie and Val, have been very beneficial financially for our Members. Please check your print outs on a weekly basis and notify them as soon as possible.

Thank You

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman