JULY/AUGUST 2009

PRESIDENT/BUSINESS AGENT                            MIKE MAHAR

As previously reported the original dismissal was not warranted and the discipline had been reduced to a five-day suspension.   We felt there were no grounds for any level of discipline and chose to continue to arbitration on the suspension.   Based on the facts presented by both sides, our legal counsel agreed.

Prior to the arbitration hearing the City contacted us to discuss a reasonable settlement that would have our Steward return to the workplace with full back pay or if he preferred, with back pay and a severance award.
Our Steward chose to return to the workplace and was scheduled to go back to his same shift and same location at Anderson Garage around mid July.   Just prior to his return he decided that if the severance package was more in line with how he felt he had been damaged he would accept the back pay and severance.   His reasoning was that at this stage in his life he just didn’t need the grief of returning to Anderson Garage under the supervision of the same Garage Supervisor that had wrongfully dismissed him. 

 
If going to arbitration the City had agreed to pay all his back wages from December 2008 to July 2009 with the exception of 5 days, which would have been deemed as a suspension.   The grievor would return to work and we would proceed to arbitration on the five-day suspension.   The other option was to pay all his wages up to July and include a severance.   The City agreed to an appropriate severance and our Steward accepted the offer.

I can tell you that after working closely with him on this matter it was as equally important to our Steward that he expose the wrong doings at Anderson Garage as it was to be re-instated.   He had filed a complaint under the Whistle Blower program and he fully intends to complete that now that the grievance is resolved.

From a Union perspective, we have the Collective Agreement to outline the procedure for resolving grievances and we have a venue to deal with matters of disagreement.   However, the playing field between the employer and the employee is not level in many respects and some exempt staff will take advantage of that.   One of the few tools we do have when dealing with gross mismanagement is education and communication amongst our members.   In the case there was an aggressive attack against a Union Steward and the memberships knowledge of that attack brought a lot of support and information forward that allowed us to deal with the abuse effectively.  This is a critical tool that we will continue to use as a last resort when needed.

We have exposed the wrong doings at Anderson Garage and hopefully that will put an end to future abuse.   The Supervisor involved has requested we remove any reference to him on this matter.   It was never intended to be punitive and because the matter has been resolved to our satisfaction we have edited our previous newsletters on this matter.

However, this is one of the few tools we have at our disposal to inform our members of workplace threats and abuses.   We do not use it lightly and will not dismiss the possibility of having to use it in the future.

EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT- OPERATIONS                DOUG JOHANNES

Charleswood Dr. is restricted to bus use from 20:00 until 8:00 seven days a week, this is due to a number of community complaints.   Management has been diligent in checking this roadway during the off time.   So please use alternate route, we don’t want to see anyone disciplined.

In the last few weeks we have had a number of members use Gate Remotes and/or their Calgary Transit washroom keys while driving their own cars.   In one case the police stopped a person and confiscated the remote.   The Operator had forgotten to return it, and as he told me, was on his way to dispatch to do just that when he was stopped. The police did not give him a ticket but did return the remote to Transit.   After an investigation and differing reports he was terminated, or as Management likes to say, “not successful in his probationary period”.   Another employee did the same thing, he was questioned by a Supervisor about having a remote and was forthright and honest about his using the gates.   He was also deemed unsuccessful during his probation period.   After a significant amount of time he was returned to work on a without precedence or prejudice basis.   He did not get any back pay.  Please ensure that you return the remotes to Dispatch after your shift.

Now a little more about the remotes.   Can you believe that in this day and age all the gates have a different code?   On some routes an Operator has to carry as many as three different remotes.   What a pain as they all look alike, so I guess we have to stop and try them all until the gate opens.   That is of course if the gate opens.   After all when the new station at Crowfoot opened earlier this spring they had nothing but trouble with the gates.  In fact they had to be locked in the open position.   This must have made the residence of the community happy.

Now lets talk about the new station and the bus loop.   If you have had the displeasure of operating a bus in that location you know just what I am going to talk about, the construction of the loop itself.   If a bus is stopped in the loop another bus is not able to get passed without jumping the curb.   One would think that the people who are responsible for the design of these stations would be able to think about these things.   Or here is a thought, get a group of Operators together, let them tell the designers what their needs are.

We have a number of people complaining about the schedules that we have to follow and that there is not time to take breaks or to use the washroom.   There is nothing more important than ensuring that you are comfortable while you are operating your bus.   If you need to use a washroom stop your bus and use it.   Management at Calgary Transit does not schedule recovery time into the runs.    I guess they think you will simply hold it until your shift is over.   This is unacceptable, you are entitled to use whatever facilities you may require.

When you are running late let Management know that you are late.   Do not try to make up your time by taking short cuts or exceeding the speed limit.   If you are speeding and get caught no one will say “oh you were trying to keep your bus on time, we understand”.   No they will say you got a ticket, pay it and we will keep track of how may you get and then we will call you in to talk to you about it.   If you are a probationary employee you will be deemed to be unsuccessful in your probationary period.   What that means is you will be fired.   So again, take the most responsible approach you can.   Do not speed, do not take short cuts.   If you get late inform Radio Control and make it Managements’ problem, not yours.   You will not get in trouble if you’re late due to not enough time on the run.   In fact passengers will start to complain and then, and only then, will Calgary Transit address the scheduling concerns.

Now on to other concerns that have come to this office all to often.   The use of the radio.    Many Operators feel compelled to offer their opinion or comments when they hear conversations on the radio.   Please let Management handle these calls and do their jobs.   It is not our place to offer our little tidbits.   This only leads to problems between Operators, and we only have ourselves out there.   Not only is it not necessary the public hears these as well, it not only undermines the Operator that is being talked about but also makes the person doing the talking look foolish.   We are professionals, we understand what each other is going through.   As we do it ourselves all day long.   When we work together the job runs smoother and the work gets done more professionally.

If you see a bus with his signal light on, let it out in front of you.   That Operator will return the favour next time.   If the bus in front of you is full help out, pick up some of his passengers or ask control if you can do his pick ups.   Again this will come back to you in spades.   It was the norm here for many years and now the norm seems to be look after yourself and who cares about your fellow worker.   This can change, all it takes is you to start it.

In closing I would like to thank Rick Ratcliff for all the work he did to insure we had a great Picnic.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY-TREASURER            RICK RATCLIFF   

I hope the 400+ members and guests that attended the ATU 583 Family Picnic had a great time!   There were lots of snacks and beverages to be eaten, boat rides to be taken, races to be run and scrambles to be sorted out.   This year we chose to award prizes for all competition participants so if a participant entered all their age category challenges a total of $4.00 in Dairy Queen gift cards were won.   These gift cards can be redeemed at any location despite the encouragement on the cards to use the suppliers location.  There is a large amount of work that goes into running this event and those involved deserve to be thanked, so Thank You:

Amy Shandley              David Shandley
Wanda Heater               Pat Parker
Geraldine Strickler        Cliff Strickler
John Scott                    Gloria Scott
John Harwood               Neil McKinnon
Jody Trotman                Raj Jessel
Shelley Stewart            Bill Johnson
Neil Armitage               Mike Mahar
Doug Johannes            Walter Moodie
Dave Collins                 George Dorn   

This picnic was made possible by your participation in it.   Unionism is all about Participation.

Fare disputes are an ongoing issue in the workplace.   It seems no matter how much ATU 583 encourages members not to get into this type of dispute, they continually happen.   Well I have just learned of a situation at the City of Calgary that I feel reflects how to relate to non-payment of fares.   At city swimming pools the staff are advised to let “street type” people into the facility to shower and use work out equipment, even if they don’t have the funds to enter the “fare” area.   If this mindset is being used corporately, I’m sure there are freebies available all over the city that are being exploited by those that know about them.   Some people are just maximizing the loopholes available to them in this expensive city.    So, rest assured you are not the only city employee out there that is providing a city service for less than the posted cost.

Just a reminder to all members, if you are or know of a new member that isn’t signed up, please contact the ATU office.   One of the advantages of signing up is an inexpensive insurance policy available to members employed for less than 30 days without proof of medical.   This policy is available to all signed up members at any time, but an evidence of insurability form will be required if you have been working here for more than 30 days.   The cost of the basic program is $3.27 per payday for $30,000.00 worth of coverage.

Have a great summer and remember the sun tan lotion.      

RECORDING SECRETARY-MAINTENANCE /OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE        WALTER MOODIE

Finally summer has arrived and I want to wish everyone that is having summer vacation please have a safe, enjoyable and relaxing vacation.

As Mike has stated we are in negotiations and don’t meet again until late August.   There are some very key issues that need to be addressed and have language in the Collective Agreement that will benefit all employees.   Maintenance and Office work areas again are being attacked with lateral moves over the word efficiency in clauses 401.02 and 501.02.   This was removed from negotiations last round by the City, and ATU 583 also had a grievance upheld over this very issue.

ATU 583 has a number of Union Counselors that have taken specialized courses.   Members can utilize these representatives to help them when they need support, direction and as a sounding board.   You can contact the union office for a Union Counselor for your work area and a Union Counselor will contact you.

The 40th World Skills Competition is coming to Calgary from September 1-7 at Stampede Park.   This is the pinnacle of global skills, trades and technology competition.   The opening and closing ceremonies are ticketed events but from September 2-5 it is FREE admission.    Please attend if you and your family can and see this once in a lifetime event and see the youth of today get a greater awareness of the vast choices they have regarding future career choices.

ATU 583 is requesting that we support the UFCW 401 strike that is currently ongoing since March 29, 2009 when members were locked out by their employer Old Dutch Foods.   Please refrain from purchasing Old Dutch Food products.   Your support hopefully will get Old Dutch back to the bargaining table.

ATU 583 has a member very involved in a pilot project in North East Calgary called Community Gardens.   This project allows citizens to grow organic fruits and vegetables and can been seen at 5212 Montalban Ave N.W.   This sounds like a very good worthwhile endeavor that more communities should look into.

On September 7, 2009 the Calgary and District Labour Council will be holding a Labour Day BBQ at Olympic Plaza. Watch for the bulletins and also on the web page for this event.   Come and enjoy yourself from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and have a free hamburger and hot dog and enjoy the entertainment to celebrate Labour Day.   Have a Great Summer.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION…..

The Annual Fall Banquet is coming up on October 3, 2009.  Regular members are invited at a cost of $35.00 per couple, which is about ½ the price of dinner.  Come on out and celebrate the veteran retirees and newbies too!   Please watch for the bulletin that will be posted in all the garages for further information.


THANK YOU CARDS RECEIVED FOR FLOWERS/FRUIT BASKETS

Family of Jeff Ferguson       Karin Venables
John Osborne                      Shayne Given
Lorne Cox                             Ken Frey

Congratulations to Gunter and Lorayne Bruckner for celebrating their 54th Wedding Anniversary - WOW!!

 Family Picnic Held July 18/09

Our annual picnic was a success, the happy winners of the bike scramble and all other prizes are listed below.

As usual, the canoes and paddleboats were a hit and we would like to acknowledge the volunteers who look after this venue for their time and effort.
It takes a large number of people to volunteer, to make this event as successful as it is and we thank all of you for that.

Under One (wagon) –  Robert Belanger – Hayden

 Bikes:

Girl    1-3          – Paul Roach                   - Laurel
Boy   1-3           -  Nayzghi Araya             - Kalab
Girl    4-6          –  Lorrie MacPhearson     - Samatha
Boy   4-6          –  Dwayne Dumonceaux  – Ethan
Girl    7-10        –  Tom McKinstry            -  Katie
Boy   7-10        -   Arjen Dekuyper            - Brandon
Girl    11-14      -   Brian Simpson             - Emily
Boy   11-14      -   Arjen Dekuyper            - Taylor

A silver baby cup was awarded to the member with the youngest baby in attendance, the winner was Milo Dittman (Cory Dittman) and the winner of the cake for the most senior retiree in attendance was Reuben Martin at the ripe age of 88.  

Congratulations to all of our winners!

RETIREES CORNER

Just a Reminder:  The next meeting will be September 14, 2009 Spring Garden’s Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m. The next luncheon will be September 15, 2009 at Elk’s Golf Club – 2502 – 6 St. NE @ 1:00 p.m.  The following luncheon will be October 20th at Swiss Chalet – 8900 MacLeod Trail SE @ 1:00 p.m.

CONGRATULATIONS On Their Retirement

Richard Barauskas     -  Operator           August, 2009
Guy Deschatelets      -   Operator           June, 2009
Donald Haffner           -   Operator           June, 2009
Murray Kohn             -    Maintenance    August, 2009
Margaret MacKintosh -   Operator           July, 2009
Brian Nixon               -   Operator           July, 2009
Alfred Taylor              -   Operator          June, 2009
Glen Warnke             -   Maintenance    July, 2009
Steven Wong             -   Operator          July, 2009

/sw
COPE #379