Message from OSS;

Unfortunately we were experiencing some problems with our vendor who was not submitting invoices in a format that can be process and paid in our system. However last Thursday we were able to work out the issue and the hold on the account has been lifted.

The Crew Callers telephone line(s) experienced some difficulties today. If anyone was affected by this please let me know. Due to the possibility of high volume please email at jjohnson@utulocal60.com.

Brothers and Sisters:

I would like to remind our members how important our craft is. Please respect our duties, and take them seriously. Responsibility always fall on our members, lets stay prepared and remain professional. Please read the rule regarding door operations. I implore that all members follow this rule to the fullest.

2.1.4 Station Stops:

At station stops, only doors on the platform side and which are within the platform or designated boarding area will be open to board and detrain customers, except as provided by 2.1.3. Doors must not be opened until the train comes to a stop. The crewmember responsible for operating the doors will operate the local door first and ensure that all doors that are to be opened are on the platform before opening the rest of the doors on the train.

Please adhere to strictly.

Thank You

Jerome

Brother and Sisters: The new Flexible Spending Account administered by TASC should be up and running. Letters from TASC should be coming to all members who participate in the FSA. When you contact them to set up your account, please provide them with your contact information, which should include your email address. If you have any issue with the agent assisting you, please ask for a supervisor. Any questions, or issues, as always never hesitate to reach out via the office #, my cell #, or email address.

Thanks

Jerome

Brothers and Sisters:

The General Committee met with the Senior Director of Human Resources and her staff, along with the Director of FMLA. Any member that believes he/she received this letter in error, because they are in compliance with their current certified FMLA are to call Kathleen Roseme @ 973-491-8023, and Nancy Alvarez @ 973-491-7226. The members should call and ask them to provide you accurate information on how he/she violated the “usage”. We were told if members received these letters in error they will send the member a retraction letter, and call the member personally with an apology. I IMPLORE everyone to call if you believe you received the letter in error.

Have a great weekend.

The Carrier is investigating two proposals which I have discussed with them regarding our Members. The first has to do with an 8 for 8 daily pay for all Members, whether in the yard or passenger service. The second has to do with the assistant conductor new hire classes. I explained to the Carrier that we are not getting enough applicants for hire because it takes too long to achieve full rate of pay over 5 years. I have requested the old standard be reinstated of three years for full rate. The Carrier is researching both proposals at this time. I have asked the Carrier not to wait until the end of the year to implement both of these proposals, as it will benefit both the Member and the Carrier. I will keep the Members informed as information becomes available.

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman  

Members as you are aware our present contract runs through December 31 of this year. I will be able to present to NJ Transit on October 1 what we are looking to achieve in the next round of negotiations.  I have sat with the Carrier, informally, numerous times since the last Agreement was signed to discuss ideas from our side of the table. Work rule changes will be in the forefront in this round of talks. I have already secured the change in DH compensation through claims. I believe higher wages, everyone being paid for all time on duty and adjusting the new hire wage progression back to its original time limits, will be at the top of the list. The hourly wage should be brought in line with our comparable railroad neighbors. I will keep you informed as information develops.

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman

I contacted SMART TD on December 17, 2018 after a hundred or more Member ballots were returned by the U.S. Post Office to our Netcong office. The ballots were all marked as “UNDELIVERABLE”. I contacted SMART TD because, according to our constitution, there are time constraints when remailing ballots. I attached photos to illustrate the issue with the ballots. SMART TD immediately replied saying that the ballots in the photos did not conform to the SMART TD CONSTITUTION and the ballots would have to be completely redone. I was asked at this time whether the same issue occurred during the November election. I was told that because the defect was the same, the November election would also have to be redone.

The ballot preparation was done in the Netcong office and supervised by Local President Johnson and Secretary Sussman. I had nothing to do with the preparation of either sets of ballots, contrary to the rumors that are on the property. SMART TD took issue with the ballot preparation because it did not comply with the SMART CONSTITUTION. I ask that you please read the following letter from SMART TD so you have truthful information.

I will keep the Members informed as I receive more information about the election. I wish you all a safe New Years Holiday.

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 Monday of this week I was in Atlantic City Terminal to speak with our Members affected by the service suspension. I also spoke with Senator Chris Brown and a group of NJ Assembly Members about the rail suspension and the reasons why it must happened. I explained to all who were present that I am pushing for a more robust train schedule when the train service resumes. I facilitated and am a part of a meeting with NJ Transit and the AC Convention Center entity for next week, ahead of the line suspension, to discuss their needs for better schedules for their employees and events. We will also have a group from the AC Casino industry involved to provide their work shift information.

B) On Wednesday of this week I had the pleasure of welcoming a new class of students that are taking our Conductor Training Program. This is the second class of the year, 18-02 and has 25 students. I enjoyed speaking with the new class and answering their questions about our craft and our job responsibilities. I wanted to impress on them that we are a family here at Local 60 and welcome them.

C) Yesterday I was in Bay Head yard speaking with both morning and afternoon crews about ACRL and other current events. I did have a good opportunity to explain legislation coming out in the future on RESIDENCY LAW, CREW ASSAULT BILL and a MINIUMUM CREW SIZE. I have been extremely active along with Ron Sabol NJSLD in improving protections for our Members through communication and education of our politicians.

D) While in Bay Head yard Ron Sabol and I gave an afternoon tour of the facility and yard to NJ Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling from Monmouth County. We explained the importance of the yard, the effects of Superstorm Sandy and the need for improvements for our passengers in reliable equipment. Houghtaling appreciates the importance of the train service and agreed that we should always look to improve the service.

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

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Burkert

General Chairman