The Carrier will be suspending service on the ACRL beginning on September 5 and continue the suspension until the emergency repairs are completed. The 18 full-time crew members, Conductor and Rearbrake, who presently own an assignment will continue to report for duty as your assignment is posted. The Carrier will be using the 18 full-time crew members in an emergency situation to assist passengers at rail stations to navigate their travel. Once the emergency situation is resolved on the ACRL the affected crew members will resume their normal duties.  Executive Director Corbett has repeatedly stated he feels the crews will provide much-needed assistance to the passengers in this unusual situation.   I will provide more information as it becomes available.

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

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) Monday August 13th I attended a meeting with NJTPD and the Carrier. I was assisted in the meeting by 2 Members, one from each division, and we discussed past events that involved NJTPD and Crew-members. The meeting produced a couple of examples of where communication was lacking and further explained what NJTPD can do and what they can not do, when called to assist us. There will also be better communication on what happens after an incident either on investigation, arrest or in the court system. All UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE FORMS that involve an assault or crews alerting to unruly passenger behavior are sent to NJTPD for review the following morning. NJTPD is required to investigate and produce a document detailing what was the resolution to the UOR. All incidents that police are called for generate an “event number”, please ask the responding officer for the number or call the Chief Dispatcher or supervision and request the “event number” this will help all parties track the event. I want to thank Jesse Fitzimmons and Matt Maxwell for their insight and questions during the meeting.

B) The National Mediation Board is in the process of updating their files and cases that have not been heard yet. They asked both myself directly and the Carrier to try and clear up some cases that were older and have not been heard yet. I met with the Carrier on Tuesday and cleared some cases that were outstanding from 2013/2014. The Members whose cases were settled will be getting a letter in the mail shortly and a check to follow.

C) I met with Executive Director Corbett on Wednesday of this week. I let him know that the way our Members, myself included, found out about the possible suspension of the ACRL was unacceptable and unprofessional. He agreed it was handled very poorly and it was not their intention to slight our Local. I did discuss with him the options of our affected Members working the ACRL and the impact of a suspension would have on them. I discussed Sleep Apnea and gave him an update on how our Members should be handled differently. I produced the MISSED TRANSPORTATION FORMS that were submitted by Members for the last 15 months that totaled 250,000+ missed fares. I explained that the fares should be collected but we need to properly staff the trains and safety is the top priority for both our crews and the passengers.

D) Yesterday in Trenton I testified in the Capitol Building at a Joint Legislative Committee on behalf of our Members. I explained in full detail about the horrific assaults on our Members by passengers for no other reason than the passengers were angry at NJ Transit service. I hope to have new legislation in the coming months that will make it a MANDATORY JAIL TERM if you assault anyone in uniform working for NJ Transit. I discussed the NJ First Act which includes the residency law which is ineffective and harmful to our Members. I was assured that my efforts in the last 2 years to get rid of the law will become a reality very shortly. I discussed that NJ Transit is having a hard time filling conductor positions and then keeping those Members because of the low hourly wage compared to other neighboring railroads. I suggested that talks should happen asap to try to bring up the wages to industry standards for our Members. I explained that our roster is even more shorthanded than the engineers but due to under-staffing it is hidden. I explained that to properly staff our trains we should have a minimum of 2 crew members for every 3 coaches open, this would allow proper safety for the passengers and the fares to be collected.

E) I have been approached by the media in television, newspapers and online to try to explain and clarify what has been going on with the service at NJ Transit. I put forth the OPEN LETTER TO THE PASSENGERS to give some detailed information. The letter is posted on our website if any of your passengers are asking about a copy. I will continue to protect our Members safety at all times.

Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

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

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 have written the Carrier on their unsafe practice of using trains without a cab-car in passenger service when it is not an emergency. I have asked the Carrier for a written set of rules on how they want train crews to operate this equipment in a safe manner. I DO NOT believe this method is safe for the train crews or the passengers. 

B) I did inspect the Dover crew base and had a chance to talk with Members this week. I asked them to please fill out the webpage tab for crew-caller issues and instructed them about the new G-250 webpage tab also if they are sent a Hearing & Investigation notice by the Carrier.

C) I will be attending the SMART TD Regional meeting, traveling over the weekend and returning later next week. I will be using my time in meetings or seminars that effect our Members and their families. I will report my activities to the Membership via HOT TOPICS and my GC Monthly Reports.

D) There is a Local 60 monthly meeting this Sunday 1 pm at the Linden VFW.

Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

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 is running many trains on “One Way Trips” without cab cars. This leaves the vestibule on the rear of the train as a safety issue. I have asked the Carrier to please put in writing how crews are to secure the last vestibule? Is the body end door to be locked or is that a safety violation? Is the crew allowed to completely lock out those last two doors? Does a crew Member have to be stationed at that door for the entire trip? I am waiting for the Carrier to officially respond to my inquire.

B) I want to congratulate CTP Class 17-02, the entire class passed their “Conductor Promotion Test” on the first try. Kudos also go out to all of the Ferry Street CTP instructors and Rules Department who taught the material. The CTP program will only get stronger in teaching methods and producing students prepared to work in our craft.

C) RAILMEN for CHILDREN will be having their BIKE RUN fundraiser tomorrow, Saturday July 28th at TRAMONTIN HARLEY DAVIDSON.  There is still time to help raise funds for our Santa Train in December. Last year over 330 under privileged children took the train ride, received a gift, had lunch and met Santa all at no charge to any student or teacher. Please support the event, look for more details on this webpage’s home page under Events & Fundraisers.

D) Any Member who has received a G-250 notice about a hearing from the Carrier. It is now Imperative that you fill out the form https://utulocal60.com/g250/ on this webpage’s home page. Please give as much info as possible so your Local Committee Officers can assist you in this process. This will help streamline the process and keep all officers updated.

Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

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

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) NJ TRANSIT received $242 million dollars this year from the approved NJ State budget. Last year NJ TRANSIT received approximately $23 million. I want to thank all Members who contribute to our PAC fund. I also want to thank Ron Sabol SMART TD NJSLD. I have spent countless hours with him meeting all types of politicians, including Governor Murphy, explaining the needs of NJ Transit. I am happy to say our efforts were successful.

B) I am setting up a meeting with the Carrier and NJTPD over Member’s concerns that were brought up at our Local 60 Union meeting last week. I am just waiting on a few dates and times to finalize the meeting. I will give an update after the meeting on the discussions.

C) The Local 60 President will be posting a notice on the property concerning the SMART TD (Green)Travel Card. I have spoken to the Local Officers again about a misconception of card usage. The green traveling card is NOT GOOD for travel and should not be used in such manner.

D) I met with another CTP class at Ferry Street, this time it was 17-02. I had a great conversation dealing with crewcaller complaints or questions on their DH and gas miles. I hope they all signed up for our 313131 service so this will be their first alert message. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking to the class and answering their questions, the class as a whole is doing quite well in their training.

Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

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) SUPREME COURT -JANUS decision does not affect Local 60 Members. We are not federal, state or public workers. We are governed by the RAILWAY LABOR ACT, and as per our Legal Department at SMART TD we don’t fall under the Janus decision.

B) I was in Hoboken Terminal this week speaking to Members and listening to their issues. The Local Committee Officers, Albertson and Milan, will be meeting with the Carrier on the lack of working/safe chairs in crew areas. The ceiling leaks in the Mens lockeroom will also be addressed.

C) I conducted both Managers and Directors Level of Appeals this week at NJT HQ. I also spoke to the Labor Relations Department on Claims from Members. I convinced the Carrier to pay some claims from 2013-2014 that were slated for NMB arbitration. These claims dealt with dual service or crew caller issues, this clears up space on our future docket. I am also working with Carrier on condensing claims that are the same category, such as the “025” or “no flagmen” claims. I have averaged 185 claims per year, with some claims are for hundreds of violations each, since I took office in January of 2015. The Carrier is overloaded with the amount of claims from Local 60 Members that I progress. Condensing these claims and bringing 1 claim before the board that may represent 200 claims is the better strategy. Claims will be processed by severity of discipline first and then wo lost earnings or rule violations.

D) I was invited to speak at the LACKAWANNA COALITION MONTHLY MEETING again this week. This group of consists rail riders who support our cause about electronic devices and staff shortages. This group stood with us during contract talks and I am always honored to be invited to speak at their night-time meetings. We have spoken to many of the same people at NJT and Trenton over the same issues.

E) There is only 2 more weeks left to submit unpaid gas mileage or tolls from 1/1/2017-2/28/2018. Please use only the old style PINK SHEETS , keep a copy for yourself, submit in the timecard boxes.

F) Atlantic City Crews, I was notified on June 25th that you were having an issue with managers over DH/travel time consumed. I addressed this issue with the Carrier during a break in Members Appeals that day. The Carrier has addressed my concerns and the managers have been told to cease and desist on this practice. The Carrier will be coming out with new information in the coming weeks that will deal with DH and the FRA CFR rules. If any Member feels threatened or singled out over this issue please contact Wanda J. Barnett, Principal Employee Relations Specialist Human Resources at 973-491-8686 or wbarnett@njtransit.com .  I have always told the Members, if something is not correct while at work, contact me asap so I can attempt to resolve the issue. Within 1 hour of being contacted by a Member, the situation was properly addressed, this is a perfect example of your Union dues at work!

Please email me feedback or suggestions, I am here for you the Members. sburkert@utulocal60.com

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman