Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Officers Present: Officers Excused:
President – Joseph J. Sullivan Delegate – J. Cooper
Vice-President Steve Knestaut Steward – V. Gourdine
Secretary-Treasurer – John Campanella Steward – J. Marks
Mechanical Delegate – Frank J. Olive Jr. Steward – H. Marvel
Field Salary Delegate – Gabe Sullivan Steward – A. Morgan
Steward – Julio Borrero Steward – R. Scipione
Steward – Raymond Cappy
Steward – Deletha Carstarphen
Steward – Joseph Ciancio
Steward – Jami Lyles
Steward – Deonne Moore
Steward – Jerome Page
Steward – Conrad Reynolds
Steward – Steve Rollins*
Steward – Joseph Romeo
Steward – Dave Wilson
*Attended AM Meeting
Call to Order: President Sullivan opened the meeting and asked for a moment of silence for: Brother William Brennan, whose mother passed away; Sister Raushanah Rasheed, an Egg Harbor Twp. bus operator who passed away; Brother Michael Negron, whose mother passed away; Sister Lizette Aviles, whose mother passed away; Brother Robert Rigney, who is very ill; Dave Virgilio, a retired instructor who passed away; our soldiers.
Minutes: President Sullivan said the minutes were posted in all locations and asked for questions. There were none. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Brother Steve Knestaut and seconded by Sister Deletha Carstarphen. Motion passed.
Financial Report: Secretary-Treasurer John Campanella read the financial report, which was also posted on the bulletin board along with a copy of our latest audit, and asked for questions. There were none. A motion to accept the financial report was made by Sister Deletha Carstarphen and seconded by Brother Gabe Sullivan. Motion passed.
President Sullivan explained to the members that the delegates to the upcoming International Convention need to make travel arrangements to Florida and asked for a motion to allow each delegate to be paid the cost on one average roundtrip airline ticket because some delegates are driving and some are flying. A motion to approve this expense was made by Sister Deletha Carstarphen and seconded by Brother Jim Hannon. Motion passed. President Sullivan explained that the two airlines used for comparison were US Air and Southwest. A member suggested flying out of Atlantic City even if it meant leaving a day early. President Sullivan said he does not live near Atlantic City and leaving a day early would incur additional hotel expense. The delegates are receiving the lesser expense between flying and driving. The cost of an airline ticket is less than the cost of driving. (Note: This practice is consistent with travel arrangements approved by the International Union.)
New Business: President Sullivan said that it has been brought to his attention that some operators are working with their shirts hanging out, wearing moccasins, and looking unkempt in appearance. Please dress professionally. Your appearance has a lot to do with customer satisfaction.
President Sullivan reminded operators to notify the control center if they are running late. Also, do not abuse the attendance policy. It has been put in place to help the union employees. If you are sick or have a personal problem then use the attendance policy for your benefit.
President Sullivan said that there are rumors that the company can watch bus operators on camera while they are driving their buses. It is not true. Only when an incident occurs will the camera record the event. However, there are cameras at the bus terminals that are always on.
President Sullivan told bus operators to make sure they stop at red lights before making right turns on red. The law says you must come to a complete stop before proceeding. The red light cameras at these intersections will video record the violation and the operator will receive a ticket. The union and the company will be working on procedures regarding write-ups for running red lights. This is a money maker for all these towns and we will see more and more red light cameras at intersections.
President Sullivan told members that Cherry Hill Police are standing in crosswalks in front of Cherry Hill West High School and are ticketing motorists that do not yield to a pedestrian. Make sure you stop for pedestrians in crosswalks or you may receive a ticket.
President Sullivan told members that he received a suggestion from a NJ Transit police officer that bus operators do not hang their employee ID card around their neck. It would be too easy for someone to grab it and choke the operator. It is appreciated that the NJ Transit Police made the effort to contact us. Also, please sign the cards for the NJ Transit police officer when he or she gets on your bus. They are there to help you. It is also a good time to speak with the police officer about any problems you may be having anywhere on your route.
President Sullivan said the union has sent another letter to NJ Transit expressing interest in beginning contract negotiations. We are waiting for a response.
Nominations: President Sullivan opened the floor for nominations for a Washington Twp. mechanical shop steward position that has been vacated and explained the election process. Brother Dave Wilson nominated Brother Stanley Peplowski. Brother Dave Wilson nominated Brother Rondell Braxton. Brother Rene Ashford nominated Brother Charles Mayes. President Sullivan asked if there were any more nominations. There was no response. Nominations were closed.
Arbitration Case: Brother Ivan Hood presented his case to the members and answered all questions. A motion to vote was made by Brother Brian Crawford and seconded by Brother Julio Borrero. Motion passed. The results of the vote were 36 yes votes and 1 no vote. This case is approved for arbitration.
Adjourn: A motion to adjourn was made by Sister Jami Lyles and seconded by Brother Brian Crawford. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned.
Sincerely,
John Campanella
Secretary-Treasurer
Note: The next general membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2010. Hope to see you there.