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 attended a meeting this week with New Jersey Transit Medical Department, the legalization of marijuana in the State of New Jersey was discussed. Please see the attached notice from NJ Transit concerning this matter.

B) Members with SLEEP APNEA, the meeting also included a package of new letters for your next doctor visit. The letters clarify for your doctor that if he/she determines that you are in 70% compliance and he/she feels the MWT is not necessary, you will not have to go for that test. I will post the letters to the website next week when NJT supplies the final version.

C) Any Member who is taken OUT OF SERVICE for medical or discipline issues please contact the Union office at 973-527-7018. The Carrier does not notify the office, I can only assist you if you contact the office.

D) Members, please note the new tab on the Utulocal60.com site for CREW CALLER ISSUES. Please fill out the form so we have a paperwork trail to present to the Carrier. I ask that you give as much detail as possible, times, jobs and names and what is the issue itself.

E) Members in conjunction with the new tab concerning Crew Caller Issues, please fill out a PENALTY TIME CARD that deals with the dispute. Please give full details on the time card, Get both copies time stamped at receivers window. If it is denied fax me the second copy to the Union office at 973-527-7019.

F) Members whose Penalty Claims were settled last week will see the amount in this weeks check. These Claims were from 2013/2014 that went to the National Mediation Board, but have taken longer to be heard due to cases backlog. These were dual service and mishandle claims mostly.

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 attended the New Jersey Transit Board of Director’s Meeting this week. I attend the monthly meetings regularly to keep current on issues that affect our Members. I did publicly address the NJT Board this month over the issue of Lost and Found Electronic Devices. I explained that NJT has rules that we must collect lost items including phones, but in doing so it violates the FRA rules. I am working with the Carrier on revising our NJT Rule and a letter has already been sent to the FRA for their input. I will continue to keep the Members informed on this issue.

B) I was made aware that the BLE was in discussion with the Carrier about a provision in their Collective Bargaining Agreement that would affect wages. I asked the Carrier for an explanation of those discussions and their effect on SMART TD Members. This is the response from Labor Relations

“We do not have a final agreement in place yet, however, to be clear, the engineers are NOT getting a 10.4% pay increase. There is an existing rule in the BLE agreement which provides for a 10.4% pay differential between engineers and conductors. This rule has been in the Agreement since the start of NJTRO in 1983.   When Conductors were afforded the Conductor certification payments in the last agreement, those conductor certification payments served to reduce the engineer-conductor differential to less than 10.4%.  The “new” 15 minute straight time payment will restore the 10.4% differential, as provided in the BLE agreement.”

C) All Members, if you are having CREWCALLER ISSUES, please go to the home page of this site utulocal60.com , you will see a new tab in the header labeled crew caller issues. Please fill in the appropriate information with as much detail as possible. We will be addressing these issues with the Carrier.

D) I met with Members in NY Penn Station this week and listened to their concerns about a wide range of issues. I  did discuss current events not only on our property but in Trenton. I will continue to visit different locations in the future to get feedback from the Members.

E) I have requested a meeting with the Carrier over the latest round of social media slander against our train crews. I have requested that our Customer Service Department be involved who are answering the twitter rants that are putting our Members safety in jeopardy. If the Carrier is going to validate this type of information as factual, without any investigation, I intend to protect the rights and safety of our crews.

F) Any student who is in class or who is qualifying, you are allowed to work your relief days as long as it does not interfere with your classroom hours. You must be rested to return to class or qualifying on the proper day. Please make yourself available to the crewcallers if you wish to work. If the crew callers refuse to allow you to work your relief day, see ITEM C above, fill out the form with as much detail as possible.

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) We have added a reporting form on this website as recommended at our latest meeting, click on top of page“CREW CALLER ISSUE”. If you encountered a crew caller issue please use this form to give full details. This form acts in a similar way to our uniforms or payroll shortage forms. I ask that you give as much detailed information as possible so the issue can be investigated properly. Please include times, caller name and all pertinent details. This will notify all officers of your issue and enable us to track and categorize problems.

B) The PINK AMNESTY MILEAGE forms are out on the property. If they are not at your location please email me at sburkert@utulocal60.com so we can replenish that area. This form is turned into the timecard box, please keep a copy for yourself. It will cover a time period from 1/1/2017 through 2/28/2018 for any missing or unpaid tolls or mileage. If you no longer have original toll receipts please list that on the form.

C) Any Member who is looking to work their relief day please contact the crew caller office the night before you are willing to work. This weekend in particular, there are several events going on and the Carrier will be providing extra service to the events. The Carrier will be looking for extra help from Friday through Sunday.

D) The MOBILE VALIDATION TEAM did meet this week to go over the initial data on testing. The team scanned approximately 8000 tickets, either monthlies, weeklies or dailies in their first week. The team did provide the Carrier insight on improvements that could be made and will be testing again this week. This testing is only the beginning process to see if it is even feasible to use the device on our trains.

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) June 1 starts GAS MILEAGE AMNESTY,please use the “pink gas mile sheets only”. Please list all missing or unpaid gas miles and tolls. The open period to submit will run until July 15. You are allowed to submit any partial or missing miles/tolls from January 1, 2017 through February 28, 2018.

B) There will be a Local 60 Union meeting this Sunday 10AM at the Linden VFW.

C) I was with CTP Class 18-01 at Ferry street, along with Ron Sabol NJSLD and LCA Officer Scott Spratt. The entire class joined the SMART ARMY and posed for this picture in their new T-shirts. I welcome them to our Local 60 family!

D) I attended a SLEEP APNEA meeting with the Carrier in trying to streamline the entire process. I am pushing for an updated policy that is not a financial burden on our Members. I hope to have more news in the coming weeks.

E) Passenger crews will see Mobile Validation Device Team Members working on your trains. The Team Members are testing a new type of phone that will be able to validate train tickets via scanners. I wish to thank the MVD Team Members for their effort.

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

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

If any Member is still interested in becoming an engineer and taking the LETP test, please email Valerie Green at Human Resources Department. Please email her today at

VGreen@njtransit,com

Thank you and good luck in your endeavor.

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 am working on the LOST&FOUND “ELECTRONIC DEVICES” which are left by passengers on our trains. I have let the Carrier know that the FRA CFR rules conflicts with the Carriers Rules for dealing with these items. I have contacted the FRA, NJTPD, NJTRO and Ron Sabol NJSLD with my concerns about picking up these items and then being in violation of the CFR. I will continue to update all Members as more information becomes available.

B) Hoboken Parking Lot A will be closed over the weekend for repairs to the overhead gate, please see NJT Notice.

Download (PDF, 60KB)

C) I urge all employees to please continue to fill out the FAIL TO MEET SLIPS. I will be meeting with Executive Director Corbett soon. I will bring with me all of your pink slips for missed transportation. I will inform Members via this forum on totals soon.

D) The Carrier is sending out reminder letters for Members to keep up to date on their EHOS submissions.

E) I met with the Carrier on claims and encourage all Members to continue to fill out 025 PENALTY SLIPS. I have notified the Carrier of my intent to progress these types of contract violations on the next SPECIAL BOARD of ADJUSTMENT from the National Mediation Board.

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 had a meeting today with NJ Transit Medical Dept. I had requested in the past for a more direct line of communication with them rather than the phone. They have provided an email “Medical@njtransit.com” to be used by our Members. Please put in the header General Questions or Medications or Sleep Apnea, so the appropriate person receives the email. Please include your contact info, including emp# and phone number.

B) The Carrier will be conducting onboard spot inspections for PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCEMENTS. Please be mindful of the rules and regulations regarding making PA announcements. If there is a service disruption please designate a crew member to make the proper announcements in a timely manner. All crew members should be walking through their assigned coaches during the service disruption and be available for passengers questions.

C) The Carrier will be reviewing all 1155 reports submitted recently. They will be looking for daily submission by the Conductor, passenger counts, mechanical defects and delay reports. If any crews find PA heads that are not working please make sure that the Conductor knows so it can be reported and repaired.

D) Any Member who has been tested for Sleep Apnea and has been deemed NEGATIVE, if you have not been reimbursed for your expenses or the lost time from your assignment please email me as soon as possible. my email is sburkert@utulocal60.com

E) There is a LOCAL 60 Union Meeting this Sunday at 10 AM at the Linden VFW. All Members should try to attend to stay informed on current events.

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 attended a meeting this week for an overview/conclusion of the OPEN DOOR COMMITTEE. The Members on this team have been out on the property discussing how to properly lock out defective doors plus talking with crew members about other important safety issues. The team spoke with almost 700 crew members and received very valuable feedback from the train crews. Thank you to all Members who participated in this program.

B) I met with our SMART TD Designated Legal Counsel Matt Darby over our pending SLEEP APNEA litigation. I urge all Members who incurred lost time or expenses, whether you were positive or negative, please contact me at sburkert@utulocal60.com asap if you have not already. I will keep you informed via this forum on the progress of the case.

C) I attended the NJTPD ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY this week where 3 of our Members received awards for their heroic actions while working as Train Crew Members. I want to add my congratulations for all 3 on  a fantastic job representing our craft. Please feel free to congratulate CHRIS DUNN, CHET WIELGOLINSKI and DAVID MOUNTZOURIS for receiving the “ Civilian Commendation Award”.  Thank you also to NJTPD Chief Trucillo and Deputy Chief Clark for a lavish awards ceremony for our Members and others, it was a 1st class event

.

D) I have filed a PENALTY CLAIM on behalf of all Extra List Members. The issue was brought to my attention by Sister Roshonda Brown at last month’s Local 60 meeting. The claim states that if a “CTP Student” is given an assignment that rightfully should have been given in proper order to a Member there is a Mishandling Claim. The CREW CALLERS should be notifying the Member on the Board of any job that went to a student ahead of them so a claim can be processed. The earnings of the original assignment given to the student should be claimed by the mishandled Member.

E) I attended a meeting this week with Human Resources about future employment for not only our craft but all of Rail, Bus and Corporate. I asked for more communications on job postings ANYWHERE inside NJT. I have asked for television screens be installed at all sign up locations that will constantly show any job openings or JOB FAIR DAYS. This will give our Members or their families the opportunity to apply for the vacancies. I will keep you updated on the progress of our endeavors.

F) I ask any Member who is running a social media site concerning our craft to either shut it down or severely limit the access to only LOCAL 60 MEMBERS. There has been a recent surge in confidential information that our Members use as a resource that is going public. I would prefer that Members either contact our Officers for information or visit this site only. The Carrier has also been trolling these websites and NOT to the benefit of our Members. Please heed this warning before anymore damage transpires. Thank you.

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) TRAIN CREWS the Carrier will be on the property talking to crews about ” On Board PA Announcements”. The Carrier will be discussing the rules and requirements so passengers are informed when trains are delayed due to mechanical failure, signal issues or trespasser fatalities. Conductors please designate an employee to inform passengers of the ongoing issue if you are involved in the incident yourself.

B) Gas Mileage Update, the verification clerks are through mid February in processing the forms. They hope to be finished  with all of February by working overtime this weekend. The checks should be sent out from Accounts Payable Department next week. Please list on our utulocal60.com site under “payroll shortages” tab if your payment is incorrect or short.

C) Members if you are notifying crew callers that you are available to work your relief days and then find out that assignments were blanked, please fill out a PENALTY SLIP for a mishandled Rule 20. Please have the time card date stamped at ticket relievers send copy to my office fax at 973-527-7019.

D) I was in NY Penn Station in the afternoon last week and in Dover early morning this week. I appreciate the feedback from the crews on issues that are affecting their daily assignments. I plan on visiting all locations to speak with the crews in the coming months. If a Member has a pressing issue with a terminal please email me at sburkert@utulocal60.com

E) I attended a Carrier inspection of the DOVER facility after talking with crews. The Carrier will be making some upgrades and improvements to the facility that are long over due. When I have a final version of action items I will list them here in the future.

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) On April 3 I had another meeting with the Carrier over SLEEP APNEA as it relates to our Members. I am trying to get a more direct line of communication to the medical department for questions and assistance during the process. We asked that the forms being given to our doctors be updated so our doctors can approve an “opt out option” for the MWT test. I am also pushing for all Members who are negative to be absolved of any deductibles. I will keep you informed of the progress made on these issues as I get answers from the Carrier.

B) I have a meeting set up with our Designated Legal Counsel Matt Darby concerning our petitions over the SLEEP APNEA cases. If any Member has not contacted me yet about their case please do so soon.    sburkert@utulocal60.com

C) I met with Safety Department over the removal of Asbestos on the MU cars. We reviewed the Carrier’s safety bulletins and process for alerting our Members of locations and types of Asbestos that are present. The asbestos removal will be discussed in the annual BOR class for all Members.

D) I met with the Carrier on Monday at NJT HQ over payroll, DH and gas mileage issues. I explained AGAIN, that the delay in our Members getting paid properly is unacceptable. In attendance was the Chief Financial Officer Livharcik who stated they will be putting more clerks in payroll department to handle our requests in a more timely manner. He agrees that the system in place is not working properly and adjustments need to be made for a better result for our Members. I will continue to push for improvements from the Carrier on these issues.

E) I attended the NJT Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday April 10. I did have a chance to speak with Executive Director Corbett on several subjects of concern to our Members. I will be sitting down with him in the near future to discuss these issues in a more in-depth setting.

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

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman