PRESIDENT/BUSINESS AGENT               MIKE MAHAR

A core group of members of our Assault Prevention and System Security Committee (not the official name) has met twice to set the terms of reference and mandate for this newly formed committee. The ultimate goal will be to reduce the number and severity of incidence of attacks against our members and to make the system less likely to be the target of an act of terrorism.

We have identified a number of things internally that we as a Union can do better and we have already started to implement these changes.  An equally important component is to convince lawmakers, the courts and other parties of influence that this is a serious problem.  To do this we are going to need statistics to support our claims.  Local 583 have had assault report forms for a number of years now to assist in collecting these statistics.  A number of members were very helpful in filling these out for us in the past and we still have these on file.  We want to be more diligent in this area so our Stewards will be carrying these forms once again.

            Also, to assist in gathering this information on a more global scale, the ATU Canadian Council has set up an Incident Report form on their web site.  Please support this important initiative by checking out their assault survey.  You can go to www.atucanada.ca then continue to the home page and hit survey or go directly to www.atucanada.ca/content_Survey/survey.html.  For further information please check for postings on the Union boards in your work area.

          There has been a great interest shown by members willing to sit on this committee.  Thank  you  to  all  those  people  that have put their names forward.  We will be contacting you over the next week or so to inform you of future meetings.  If you do not hear from us please contact the office in case we have missed anyone in error. Many members that have been assaulted in the past have stated they would be willing to meet with the committee at some point to provide feedback on their experiences.  If you have ever been assaulted, regardless of how long ago or how severe, we would like to hear from you, either through our Local report or through the Canadian Council.  If you are comfortable sharing your experience directly with the committee please contact Chair Bruce McGloan through the office at 258-1258.

            On a different note, I’m quick to point out when Management is doing something wrong, so on the flip side, I want to thank Radio Controller Ralph Williams for his strong support when handling on road assaults.  There are others that are good too, but we consistently receive positive feedback from the Operators that report a code blue to him.

            The assault on March 27th where the Operator was spit on is a good example of this.  EMS and the Police were called immediately.  This resulted in the Operator being treated and the perpetrator being apprehended at the scene and charged by the City Police.

            We will be assisting this Operator through the courts in every way we can.

 EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT- OPERATIONS                                         DOUG JOHANNES

Please note this article was written before the Conservative Government defeated their own Health Care changes.  Although Doug submitted this prior to leaving on a much deserved vacation, we felt the information was still important.             

                                                    Third Way Medicare

                I know this issue is very important to everybody in Alberta.

            Our Provincial Government is determined to destroy the Health Care system that we currently have.  The two-tier system is bad enough where a “private for profit” hospital provides care for those who carry separate health care insurance.  WCB and insurance companies pay to have workers accessed earlier.  In some cases this could be good especially if it could mean loss of wages.  However, now other people are being put into the same position because they happen to have more money.  They are able to jump in front of other people.

          Elective surgery in my opinion should be done through the private health care, having a face-lift or other non-essential procedures.  But having a “for profit” company hospital performing knee and hip replacements and having the province pay them is just not acceptable.  Having to wait for months for an MRI when there are machines available, in some cases the Doctor’s that run these machines for the Medicare systems are the same ones that have private ones that you can pay to use.  Of course they are only available for the Provincial machines in a limited capacity.

            Why should someone have to suffer because they don’t make as much money?  Now our Premier wants to add another tier and call it the third way.  This will increase costs to the people that live in this Province and will do nothing but increase waiting lines.  It will also increase costs to employers and encourage businesses to either not relocate here or to move.  Once they have established their new system employees will be looking for improved benefits and the employer will have to pick up some of the increased costs.  In a statement from the Friends of Medicare it states that, “there is clear evidence that Canada’s Health Care system offers competitive advantage for industry and investors”.  In fact, Toronto Stock Exchange officials strongly support public health care over non-profit alternatives despite increasing numbers of health care industries listing with them.

                Now that our Premier has announced his retirement (in my opinion it is coming 13 years too late) there are many people vying for his position.  Mr. Jim Dinning, the front-runner, is also the Chairman of the Western Financial Group’s Board of Directors.  This organization is very involved in the private health care racket.  I see this as a conflict of interest myself. 

            Alberta is the richest Province in Canada.  We are one of the only Provinces that have to pay for health care premiums and regular health care and now our politicians want us to pay more out of our pockets for what other Canadians receive for free.  The Premier gives us back $400.00 of our money and people say, “what a great leader”.  That was our money in the first place.  Give us back our free health care and then talk about the Alberta advantage.

            It is time to stand up to this Government and say enough is enough!

FINANCIAL SECRETARY-TREASURER                                                       BILL LACROIX

It was noticed that schedule handouts have reappeared.  We understand that Calgary Transit would prefer that customers go to the internet site to get this information, unfortunately, not every person has access to this service.  Demographics, being such that the people who really need the service do not readily have access to a computer, let alone the internet.

The Social Committee is preparing for the annual summer picnic.  Please note the time and date change.  We are starting a little earlier, the park is rented for ½ day periods.  We rented the early part of the day and need to finish at 14:45.  There will be canoe and paddle boats available at the lagoon.  Please use these and allow time for others to enjoy.  The usual assortment of races, various age groups and men and women 40 and up with a tug-o-war, will surely provide a wide and entertaining number of events.  We look forward to seeing you there on Sunday, July 30^th.  There is free ice cream, hot dogs and soft drinks.  There will be a bike scramble, only for the children of members up to age 14.

Back to my favorite subject.  Having the time to go the bathroom and actually taking the opportunity.  It is for your own good.  I see the health and wellness people are taking blood tests, heart tests etc.  I wonder if they have any interest in urinary tract problems.  I do not get much feedback from many Operators, but several retirees have talked to me about prostate problems.  If you work in an office and there is a bathroom nearby you would not think twice about going when the need arises.  

It is an extremely busy place with Doug on holidays, negotiations with the Civic Cafeteria and the beginning of negotiations with the City of Calgary, Transit.  There is not much time to spare.  We certainly appreciate the efforts of the Stewards to look after the members at this time. 

            RECORDING SECRETARY MAINTENANCE/OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE                                                 WALTER MOODIE

            In the last newsletter I wrote about the concerns with the Third Way Health Care that was being proposed by the Klein Government in Alberta and the difficulties it would impose on Albertans.  The Third Way now has all but been put to the back burner of the Governments agenda.  A Health Care system that is good for all and also accessible to all is what should be strived for.  The outcry by lobby groups and every day working class Albertans has made this change and I want to applaud all our members that also took the stand to oppose this Government and the attacks they wanted to implement on our Health Care system.

            Air Quality testing is going on in our garages and work areas and the results from the Anderson garage storage area show that they are within the Alberta OH&S guidelines.  Changes have been started to lessen the exposure of diesel exhaust to our members and we do have ongoing meetings regarding this big issue.  More testing will be done in our other work areas shortly.  We must keep up on these concerns that are raised as Air Quality can and does affect us all.  Input from you the members has been a big help for us and please keep forwarding your concerns.

            ATU 583’s Violence and Security Committee and Women’s Committee are now active and we still have openings for members to become involved in both these committees.  Security against violence in the Transportation Systems is a Global concern for everyone and the ATU Canadian Council and the ATU International are working towards implementing policies and procedures that will hopefully help all members and the public against this rising problem. I also encourage members to get involved and collectively we can combat this huge concern.  Your input is valuable and we really want to hear from you. 

            Negotiations for the Cafeteria workers are underway and we hope to be able to bring back a recommendation of settlement to them soon.

            Negotiations with the City of Calgary will be starting shortly and your Negotiating Committee has been meeting and is close to finalizing all our proposals.  Thanks for your involvement to every one who attended the meetings and also made the extra effort to call us with concerns that they felt should be addressed.  Remember it is your contract and your working conditions we are negotiating for.

            In a growing City and a labour shortage of workers, the City of Calgary is trying to hire personnel in all our areas.  I have been advised that Calgary Transit will not lower the standards of qualifications or screening processes for new employees.  I trust that this will prevail and I hope Calgary Transit looks to broaden the apprenticeship programs for our trades.  I have had numerous members inquire about apprenticeships and I hope to see an expanded apprenticeship program after negotiations.

            Spring is here and road safety needs to be in the forefront when we are driving and enjoying the beautiful weather.  Stop, Look and Listen before moving is good sound advice.  Enjoy and have a safe spring.

          For Your Information…    

ATU Group Auto and Home Insurance

            We recently re-negotiated a group insurance rate with Westland Insurance (formerly Quigley and Hunt) through ING Novex Insurance.  Novex is a branch of ING that deals with group plans.  The feedback on the quotes we have received so far have been very favorable.  The anticipated savings are in the 15% range.  As a further incentive, if you make monthly payments there are no interest charges.

            As always, the choice is yours and you should compare their rates to your current rates.

            To receive a no obligation, no pressure quote, please contact Cam Clay or one of his associates at:

                Westland Insurance

                Suite 101 – 7015 MacLeod Trail SW                Calgary, AB

                 Phone – 263-8008   Fax – 264-8007                Toll Free @ 1-866-664-8015

            Be sure to let them know you belong to ATU Local 583.  Please provide us with any feedback you wish to share regarding rates and service.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Mike Mahar 

                

Thank You From The ATU International Office

            2005 was a challenging year for many of our Sisters and Brothers in the United States.  From the devastation in New Orleans left by Hurricane Katrina to the hard fought strike at Local 1395 Pensacola.

            We recently received a couple of very nice letters of appreciation from International President Warren George for our Locals financial assistance offered to these members.

            Our members received incredible support, both moral and financial, from the entire family of the Amalgamated Transit Union when we were on strike in 2001.

            As a Local, it has been a privilege to be in a position to be able to give something back when other members are in need.

                                                                                                                           Mike Mahar

           Did You Know….. 

REMINDER

The ATU Local 583 Annual Picnic will be held on July 30, 2006 at Bowness Park.

Watch the Bulletin Boards for upcoming information. Volunteers are always welcome.

 

Information Needed

Due to a change in our computer system we require birth dates for all children 12 years of age and younger.

If you wish your children included for gifts at the Christmas Party, please complete this form and return it to our office through internal mail at mail code #129. 

***Please Print**** 

Members Name:

Payroll #:

Childs Name:    Date of Birth:             M/F

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

Thank you for your cooperation.

Congratulations to Adam and Rose Dorey

for celebrating their 61^st Wedding Anniversary. 

CONGRATULATIONS

On Their Retirement

Timmy Lee - Operator - May 2006

Leslie Buffett - Operator - May 2006

Al Torn - Maintenance - May 2006

UNION

MEETINGS          

A.T.U. LOCAL 583

CHARTER MEETING

TUESDAY, JUNE  13/06

10:00 A.M. & 7:30 P.M.

AGENDA-  Regular Business

HANDI-BUS LOCAL 583

THURSDAY, JUNE 15/06

9:45 A.M. & 7:30 P.M.

CAFETERIA LOCAL 583

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21/06

5:00 P.M.                                                                   

A.T.U. 583 UNION OFFICE               5325 – 1A STREET S.W.
ONLY SIGNED UP MEMBERS
OF LOCAL 583 MAY ATTEND

UPCOMING  MEETINGS:  

May 17/06  -  Health & Safety              -   7:30 p.m.

May 23/06  -  Women’s Committee   -   7:30 p.m.

May 30/06  -  Social Committee         -   7:30 p.m.

May 31/06  -  Stewards                       -   7:30 p.m.  

RETIREES CORNER

Just a Reminder:  The next meeting will be June 5, 2006 at Spring Garden’s Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.  The next luncheon will be May 16, 2006 at the Austrian Canadian Club – 3112 – 11 St. NE, this one is “bring a guest” and the time will be 5:00 p.m., dinner at 6:00 p.m. The following luncheon will be June 20, 2006 at the Shamrock Hotel – 21 Ave. & 11 St. SE.

/sw

COPE #379