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Minutes of Meeting of Local 880 General MembershipTuesday, August 12, 2008
Call to Order: President Sullivan opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. and asked for a moment of silence for the following members: Brother Harold Campanell, a pensioner who passed away; Sister Tonya Leslie, a pensioner who passed away; Sister Loretta Weed, a pensioner who passed away; Brother William Wythe, a pensioner who passed away; Brother Royal Dixon, whose father passed away at 100 years-old; Brother Tommie Newton, whose brother passed away; Brother James Davidson, whose brother-in-law passed away; Brother Bernie Kennedy, whose grandmother passed away; Brother Charles Wolfe, whose father-in-law passed away; Brother Stephen Dunham, whose father-in-law passed away.
President Sullivan made special mention of how Sister Weed died and also asked for a moment of silence for Brother John Williams, whose daughter met an untimely death.
Minutes: President Sullivan said the minutes were posted in all locations and asked for questions. There were none. A motion to accept the minutes as posted was made by Brother David Nickodemus and seconded by Brother Ronald Morse. Motion passed.
Financial Report: Secretary-Treasurer John Campanella read the financial reports, which were also posted on the bulletin board, and asked for questions. There were none. A motion to accept the financial reports was made by Brother Anton Koeppl and seconded by Brother Marvin Taylor. Motion passed.
New Business: President Sullivan told the members that recently employees have been discharged for fighting on the property. Do not touch or use any sort of weapon on another employee; you will be discharged. Just walk away from any confrontation with another employee.
President Sullivan told members that you will be discharged for taking anything off a New Jersey Transit property that does not belong to you, including lost and found items. This is considered stealing, no matter how insignificant you feel the item is.
President Sullivan told members that signs will be posted notifying employees that the bus terminals will be under camera surveillance. The Union has had recent discipline expunged because the Company did not notify the Union of such cameras. However, now that we are aware, any future discipline will stand. Also, the Company has mobile cameras mounted in two company cars that they can use for discipline.
President Sullivan told members to make sure they accurately report all incidents that occur on or near their bus. This is especially important because the Company can check the accuracy of the report if a camera bus was used.
President Sullivan told members not to use the third lane when using the North/South Freeway.
President Sullivan told members to make sure they make their ADA announcements because the Company has a new undercover rider checking to make sure all ADA announcements are made.
President Sullivan said that new ticket machines have been installed at the Avandale Park & Ride. We lose jobs in field salary because of these ticket machines, but they are installed and operational.
President Sullivan said he is meeting with the Company after the Board of Directors meeting to discuss the field salary vacation relief #1 position at Newton Ave. He will try to have this job posted for bid.
President Sullivan said the Company is on a campaign to write up operators who do not sign on to the radio. Make sure you are signed on. If you are not sure that you are signed on, call the control center for a radio check.
President Sullivan thanked Brother Frank Olive for working the grill for the barbeque. Brother Olive received applause.
Arbitration Case: Brother Jeff Gladden presented his case to the members and answered all questions. A motion to vote was made by Brother James Boydo and seconded by Brother William Martynek. Motion passed. The results of the vote were 25 yes votes and 27 no votes. This case was not approved for arbitration.
Questions: A member asked when the new buses will arrive. President Sullivan said that he was told the Greenville garage will be the first garage to receive the new buses.
A member asked about contract negotiations. President Sullivan said that negotiations have slowed but there are not many sticking points at this juncture. There have been modifications made to the attendance policy, but the actual changes cannot be discussed at this time. The changes will benefit both sides.
A member asked about the status on run reassignments. President Sullivan said this issue has been addressed in the new attendance policy.
A member said that it is unsafe to have to stop and pick up passengers after backing off the terminal platforms. President Sullivan said this policy is company-wide; it is being done in the New York Port Authority. This issue was discussed.
A member asked for a tentative date that the contract may be settled. President Sullivan said there are some mechanical issues being addressed separately. Hopefully, the contract should be settled by the end of the year, as long as there are no economic issues on which the two sides cannot agree.
A member asked about the field salary proposal where the Company can hire from the outside if a member does not pass a test. President Sullivan said this issue has not been discussed; the Union has no interest in changing anything, at this time.
A member said that she read in the newspaper that New Jersey Transit may leave Atlantic City and have the jitneys run everything. President Sullivan said he had heard some mention of this just recently.
A member asked President Sullivan why he signed a side agreement regarding outside towing. President Sullivan explained his position and how this towing position was created. This issue was discussed at length.
A member asked why operators are not allowed to swap runs. President Sullivan said that this issue has been addressed in negotiations as mentioned earlier in the meeting.
A member asked if the camera in the bus over the drivers’ area is operational. President Sullivan said yes and the last time he viewed the camera the only thing showing was part of the operator’s leg and the register.
Adjourn: A motion to adjourn was made by Brother Marvin Taylor and seconded by Brother Anton Koeppl. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Sincerely, John Campanella Secretary-Treasurer
Note: The next general membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. Hope to see you there. |