NOVEMBER 2008
PRESIDENT/BUSINESS AGENT MIKE MAHAR
Tribute to Brother Fitzroy Boyd
Local 583 shared the following tribute at Fitzroy’s Memorial Service
Thank you for the privilege of being able to reflect on one small part of the intertwining web of the life of the very busy and very accomplished Brother Fitzroy Boyd.
It’s pretty hard to imagine Local 583 without Fitzroy around. He joined the Union back in 1975 when he started with Calgary Transit and became a staple around the hall during the 1990’s as he assumed ever-increasing roles to match his ever-increasing comfort level.
Fitzroy’s first elected position in the Local was as a Steward of Operations. He moved from there to the #1 position, Executive Board Member Operations and added the duties of Chair of the Social Committee and Canadian Representative of the Latino Caucus a short time later. He filled all these positions with pride and honor, but I can tell you without hesitation that it was the Social Committee and the Latino Caucus that became his passion. He served in both these roles literally until the final days of his life.
He was extremely dedicated to our Local and if he was taking on a task, you knew it was going to get done.
As a Steward he took great pride in getting out into the work place and making our Local visible to the members. If they had a question that he didn’t have an answer for, he would either get the answer or put the person in the right direction to get it.
As the Chair of the Social Committee he would check and double check every detail for each and every event and that was just before he double-checked it for a second or third time. But once it had been done right one time, he relaxed and trusted whomever got it right the first time to get it right the next time. When you earned his trust, he trusted without reservation.
Fitzroy held a special place in his heart for the members of the ATU Latino Caucus. There was a kindred relationship there that would be difficult to understand if you’ve never been part of a fraternity. Whenever he came back from the Latino Caucus he was rejuvenated and ready to get on with business. It was truly one of Fitzroy’s treasured communities and he took great pride in linking the Caucus to Canada through his annual Conference fundraising efforts. Not surprisingly, their President is in attendance today to honor Fitzroy on behalf of the Caucus.
One thing that especially impressed me about Fitzroy was his vast array of interests and his ability to link them all together. Gardening, the Caribbean Community, square dancing, political activities and the list goes on.
I’m of Irish decent and I can tell you, I’ve been in more Jamaican Clubs across Canada than I have Irish/ Canadian.
There are probably very few people here today that haven’t been benefactors’ of Fitzroy’s love for gardening, including our Union Office where Fitzroy breathed life back into the front landscape of our building for the last four or five years. I’m still eating this year’s crop of zucchini.
He educated the entire ATU Northwest Conference on how to square dance before a pancake breakfast during the Calgary Stampede. His energy took many of us too many places we would have otherwise missed.
Fitzroy would be the first to admit that he didn’t enjoy confrontation but as an Executive Board member, if he believed in something that he knew would be controversial, he would walk right into the lion’s den and at the end of the day, support the decisions of the Board regardless of whether it was in line with his position or not.
He was not always serious though. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to absorb the funny parts of human nature. Union Executive Board meetings can be stressful, and compared to how dry they can be at times, the stressful parts can almost be a welcome emotion. But as you know, most bus drivers don’t live normal hours and so by early afternoon an Executive Board meeting can feel like Midnight. Most Operations Representatives can be caught fighting off the urge to close their eyes and Fitzroy was not immune, but without exception all you had to do was throw out a one liner and he would be sitting straight up. He wouldn’t respond, he wouldn’t comment, he would just laugh in shock or smile and shake his head, but he would be wide awake and always comment afterwards about how those moments helped to keep our Board effective.
On a personal level, each one of us is richer as a result of our experiences with Fitzroy and globally; each one of our communities is poorer as a result of his passing. Fitzroy embraced us as friends and made our lives richer as a result of that friendship. He was a social animal and somewhere out there, the final touches are probably being put together for a snooty little affair to honor ATU 583 members that have expired over the last 93 years. (The year Local 583 was Chartered.)
God speed Brother Boyd. Update On Relocation ArbitrationWe have received the decision on the Relocation Arbitration held on June 25, 2008. This grievance was filed as a result of Calgary Transit paying employees from out of Province $1500.00 to relocate to Calgary and then requiring them to pay all or part of it back if they stayed less than two years. If the City was able to retain the employee for more than two years the employee got to keep all the money.
Just before the hearing the Employer informed us that they had changed their recruitment policy and wanted to know if we would drop the arbitration. Apparently they felt this new policy would survive a test in law. What? They drag us through months of grievances and deny us what we know is right then want us to drop the arbitration because they are now willing to comply with the same laws every other Employer is compelled to follow. When is someone in the Human Resources Department going to make these HR Advisors accountable? What a waste of taxpayer’s money!
It was probably no surprise to either party when the Arbitrator ruled in our favor. He ruled that the Employer can negotiate a relocation payment to prospective employees pre-employment but the deal must be agreed to before an employee is hired and it must not conflict with anything that is in the Collective Agreement or would typically be included in the agreement as a condition of continued employment or benefits. There are also some Revenue Canada rules around relocation fees that need to be taken into account. The City’s policy violated all these points.
The Arbitrator has instructed them to negotiate a settlement with the Union. We meet on November 25, 2008 to do that. If we can’t come to an agreement the Arbitrator will decide on something fair for us. We will keep you posted.
EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT/ OPERATIONS DOUG JOHANNESHave you ever noticed in the running board slots a board states, “see Supervisor”? This is placed in the slot and you then have to go in and see the Supervisor. If your shift has finished and you are no longer being paid, you are entitled to be paid for the time you spend in the office. When the meeting is finished, ask the Dispatcher for an overtime slip, inform them that you were instructed to meet with the Supervisor and you would like to be paid accordingly.
When you go to see the Supervisor and if you have other commitments, inform the Supervisor of this fact and ask to be called in later. During the time spent with the Supervisor, if the questions look like they may lead to discipline, then you have the right to ask to have the meeting or discussion rescheduled and that you want a Union Representative present at that meeting. If you are denied this, call us at the office as soon as possible so that we may address the issue.
Winter is approaching and soon it will be cold out there. With all the buses stored outside you need to be certain that you warm up the unit before you leave the garage to go into service. I would suggest that you start the bus, move it to a place where it can sit, then go back inside where you can remain warm until the bus is ready to go. You are not a piece of the equipment and your workstation needs to be as warm as possible prior to going into service to help maintain your focus as a professional driver. Your health is also important to us, as it is I am certain, to your Employer. If you leave the garage late, call Control and advise them how late you are.
When an employee is called in to see Management they usually have a list of questions that are asked of the employee. Present in the room is Human Resources, the Inspector or (Performance Partner) and the Co-ordinator of the garage. As well as your Union Representative, (when called in you have to notify us by calling the Union office at 403-258-1258). During the question period everyone will be given a copy of the questions except you. You will be asked to explain what happened in your own words. Management already has the other person’s story and they want to confirm that story. It is important to tell the story as precisely and truthfully as you can remember it. During the question period you will be asked about a number of rules from the Calgary Transit Bus Operating Rule Book. This is the little book you were issued when you first started working here.
A number of years ago I referenced a number of these rules in my articles. I think it would be prudent to start that again:
Rule 120 - Cause For Dismissal – Theft, incompetency, dishonesty, reporting for work or working under the influence of alcohol or drugs, misrepresentation or falsification of acts in any verbal or written report shall be cause for dismissal.
This rule leaves nothing to the imagination or interpretation. If you are not forthright and honest, Management will show NO leniency. However, if you have made a mistake and come forward and admit to it they can be sympathetic in some cases. From my experience, this Management team will discipline fast and hard if they feel you are not telling the truth.
In closing, it is important to know that you are entitled to Union representation anytime that there will be discipline levied. Our Steward’s are very good in knowing what to say and how to handle situations that arise during call ins. Please go into these meetings with a Steward. There are no negative connotations for this and when you have a Union representative we will ensure your rights are being respected. FINANCIAL SECRETARY-TREASURER RICK RATCLIFF Thanks to the Social Committee for putting on the Retiree’s banquet in great fashion. It was a fun night which included; great camaraderie with memories of yesterday, a tasty buffet, many door prizes, short speeches and a hopping dance. All members are welcome to attend this annual function. The member tickets are only $25.00 per couple and there is a limited number of them so watch for the posting next September. Hope to see you there next year.
In the near future is the annual ATU Children’s Christmas party. All signed up members (those who have filled out a membership application) and their families are welcome to join in on a day of fun and festivity. This year’s event includes; a story teller, Christmas mascots, a clown show, crafts, balloon creations, a visit by Santa Claus and gifts for all children aged 12 and under. The venue has been changed to the Red and White Club this year. Please note this change and the date of December 14th then prepare for a fun day.
There have been many calls through the ATU 583 office about the M710 radios currently in use on the buses. The calls have all been complaints about the handset and the external volume control. First, I talked to training about getting more information out to the users, suggesting the dispatch counter for distribution of updated brochures on radio operation. Hopefully this is underway. Secondly, I talked with Communication Engineering on the specific use issues. I was informed that a “new easier to use” handset was being installed, as well as a knob on the external speaker for easier control. It seemed many complaints went to communications before they made it to our office. The biggest problem facing the communications people is that there are no other models available for our type of use. Maybe all the Transit jurisdictions across Canada could get together and develop an Operator friendly transit radio. I’m sure our members could offer many ideas on how to develop a “user friendly” radio. We have asked to have member involvement on the next radio selection.
As a bottom line, if you are having trouble operating your radio in a non-emergency situation, pull your bus over to safety to attempt radio use. If your radio is not cooperating in an emergency situation ask a customer to call 911 on their cell for you.
While on complaints, it seems buses parked at V.P. on the tarmac are a source of frustration. Please try to park your buses straight and even so the morning Operator’s can get into their units without breaking mirrors or getting their uniforms filthy. There is an apparent lack of lighting as well, so the Operator’s leaving V.P. are having trouble walking around their buses and checking for damage. If you can’t see or get around your bus to check it, move it to a safe location, a spot with good visibility and footing, one of the 30 lanes for example. Now if a witness is needed and not available call Control to report the damage.
Did you know ATU 583 now has a casket drape available to be used at a member’s funeral? It is a large black drape with our logo in the middle and is a fitting tribute supplied by ATU 583. It received its inaugural use at late Brother Fitzroy Boyd’s service. He would have been proud! Please contact the office if you would care to borrow it.
RECORDING SECRETARY – MAINTENANCE/OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE WALTER MOODIEWith hiring and retention a big problem in the City of Calgary I have to wonder where some of our elected officials are coming from. When leadership comes from the top as in this organization, why an elected official would make a statement that all civic employees should take no wage increases. I have not heard yet from an elected official that they will show fiscal restraint and lead the way with no wage increase for themselves.
This is my opinion and not the Union’s, I think taxpayers should be raising the alarm with Council that the proposed tax increases are way out of line. Cost cutting of services along with higher user fees will make it that the average Calgarian cannot survive, live and prosper in Calgary. As a concerned citizen I will be contacting my representative on Council and voice my opinion on their proposed decisions.
Your elected Union officials took a tour of the new clothing and supply building in Manchester just off of 26th Ave. SE the other day. The Logistic Center building as it is called is an environmentally built building. The heating, cooling and the running of the building are state of the art being controlled for the comfort of the employee and also cost savings to the citizens. All Unions including ATU will see new and innovative ways we will be able to get our clothing allotment in the near future. From years of working in older buildings and small areas this new building is a refreshing change for the Supply Management group.
The Oliver Bowen building in the North East will soon open for the LRT with storage of trains this fall or early winter anticipated. Hopefully the current trains being stored outside will be housed in this new facility. We have held special meetings for LRV personnel to listen to their concerns and how movement of personnel to this new facility would be accomplished. Seniority is a concern for all members and will be safe guarded by ATU Local 583. Please stay informed as this is your opportunity to exercise your seniority rights as outlined in the Collective Agreement.
Attacks to our Collective Agreement are constant with grievances on the rise. This is a trend I have seen over the years especially around negotiations time. Some of the other larger Civic Unions are at the bargaining tables right now and ATU Local 583 will soon follow. The Calgary Civic Coalition is still meeting and giving updates on how bargaining is going with the other Civic Unions. How the other Civic Unions bargain usually affect our bargaining if a Memorandum of Agreement is reached. All ATU members should keep an eye and ear open on how other Unions are bargaining.
Your AF of L, WCB Coalition representative Richard Roulston would like to mention that anyone working over the age of 65 and wish to work longer they should write a note to their employer and Union that they intend to work past age 65. This notice can help you down the road in a WCB claim if you are injured and can no longer be employed. This notice of intention to work can be utilized for a WCB adjudication claim.
Numerous members have contacted the office regarding Great West Life claims and ECM claims. These are seemingly on the rise with an ageing work force. Your Officer’s are constantly busy helping resolve disputes or appeals that are so important to our members. If you are experiencing difficulties in either one of these areas please do not hesitate to call us.
I would also like to remind all ATU members bidding for a position at Fleet Services that they must fill out the long P201 (Internal Employment Application) form. If you do not, your application will not be accepted and you would miss out on a position you could possibly have been entitled to.
As you can see, ATU Local 583 has been very busy looking after the daily business along with all the other business that comes to the office. Yes, September and October were busy months but your full-time Officers are constantly working for you the members. Please stand proud, wear your ATU pins and show that you are in support of ATU, Your Union.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION…..
ATU LOCAL 583
ANNUAL CHULDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY
Open to all signed up members of Local 583 in good standing. Members’ children up to and including the age of 12 years are eligible to receive a gift.
When: Sunday, December 14, 2008
Where: NEW LOCATION
Red and White Club
1817 – Crowchild Trail NW
(North end of McMahon Stadium)
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Santa will be there from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Ongoing Entertainment
Christmas Crafts
Clown Show and Balloon Creations
Story Time
Christmas Mascots
Coffee and Hot Chocolate will be available
The Red and White Club will be providing a food kiosk for those that wish to purchase a light lunch.
THANK YOU CARDS RECEIVED
Ralph Dunphy Debbie Kowalevsky Diane Graham
Family of Randy Oswald
Donna Henderson Todd/Sham Warnick Dennis Kaiser
CONGRATULATIONS On Their Retirement
Jaswant Seroya – Operator - November 2008
Bernard Sloan – Maintenance – November 2008
Charles Winget – Operator – December 2008
Congratulations to Frank and Marie Bouchard for celebrating 45 years of marriage on November 16, 2008
RETIREES CORNER
Just a Reminder: The next meeting will be December 1, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. The next luncheon will be December 6, 2008 @ 12:00 noon at the Austrian Canadian Club, doors open 11:00 a.m. The following luncheon will be January 20, 2009 @ Amber’s Restaurant – 802 – 16 Ave. NE.
/sw COPE #379
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