The Only Stupid Question Is The One You Don't Ask
Tags: 79x, Benefits, Bid, Contract Negotiations, EMX, furlough, Lay-offs, NW Labor Press, Retirement Incentive Packages, The District, Union Meetings, You - The Membership, YOUR ContractIn last months report I'm sure many of you remember that I stated that it looked as though we were in the clear for summer, citing that this was based on current information, and that from the time I wrote the article, to the time you received it, was a difference of 3 weeks. (for those of you who forget the Labor Press is written & printed in advance...DOAH!)
Well it all changed overnight unfortunately and where as the bulk of the Districts layoffs were to occur in the fall, they have now been moved up to summer. This change by the Districts own admission was due to the fact that the planning department made a counting error regarding EmX drivers. So while I prefaced my statement (knowing how fast things change), the Union was as surprised as you were, and now have a shorter timeline and more numbers to work with the District in the effort to offset layoffs.
Upon delivery of the news to the Union of the District's error, it was agreed that due to the increase in layoffs, that the number of retirement incentive packages that were initially offered would be nearly tripled and for summer bid the District would now offer 5 voluntary furlough packages. This is the current action being taken. Whatever else may be brought forth to avert layoffs is not in play but your union is working as hard to do what we can to preserve jobs.
I know this is a stressful time. I know because I can see it on many of your faces. I know because I don't sleep well if at all myself lately. (and no that's not just because I drive the 79x). Some of you have expressed discontent that at the last Union meeting there was a lack of information regarding layoffs. I am not sure what else I can say.
No More Speculating
Learning from my last report: even speculating , even when it all seems in the bag - is a mistake. Optimism is all most of us really have. Still, I think Chris Rock the comedian once said: "They always told us, there was a light at the end of the tunnel...They never told us...It was a train!" I don't want my message to be that, but I ask you all that are in the Layoff effected range, to hope for the best, and plan for the worst.
Understand that it is a day to day thing when it comes to the numbers and that for me to tell you anything I don't know as fact during a union meeting would be unfair and irresponsible of me. But remember, you are the Union...If you got to a Union meeting and don't get the information you want - ask. If you don't like the answer- tell us. But don't leave the meeting and spread the message that the union isn't giving the answers, when you passed on the opportunity to ask the question.
We have begun early talks regarding the pension plan and the Health Plan in an effort to lay the ground-work for negotiations. Many of you have expressed your concerns of the timeliness of the process and while this is only the first time I have been involved with a contract negotiation directly, I have played a part in another contract ratification in another union. The process is slow at times and fast at others.
This is not by design but is more a byproduct of collective bargaining. But hurry up and wait is outweighed by the end result of collective bargaining. Many of you who have been here a short time need to realize that your pay and benefits are a result of battles of old fought by the people you work beside day to day. I ask that during this time you stay focused in your solidarity and continue to ban together. Your union officers, local and universal, are dedicated to the cause and will keep you in the know as soon as they are in the know on issues surrounding the membership.
In Solidarity,
Brian Pasquali
ATU 757 Executive Board Officer
Lane Transit
Well it all changed overnight unfortunately and where as the bulk of the Districts layoffs were to occur in the fall, they have now been moved up to summer. This change by the Districts own admission was due to the fact that the planning department made a counting error regarding EmX drivers. So while I prefaced my statement (knowing how fast things change), the Union was as surprised as you were, and now have a shorter timeline and more numbers to work with the District in the effort to offset layoffs.
Upon delivery of the news to the Union of the District's error, it was agreed that due to the increase in layoffs, that the number of retirement incentive packages that were initially offered would be nearly tripled and for summer bid the District would now offer 5 voluntary furlough packages. This is the current action being taken. Whatever else may be brought forth to avert layoffs is not in play but your union is working as hard to do what we can to preserve jobs.
I know this is a stressful time. I know because I can see it on many of your faces. I know because I don't sleep well if at all myself lately. (and no that's not just because I drive the 79x). Some of you have expressed discontent that at the last Union meeting there was a lack of information regarding layoffs. I am not sure what else I can say.
No More Speculating
Learning from my last report: even speculating , even when it all seems in the bag - is a mistake. Optimism is all most of us really have. Still, I think Chris Rock the comedian once said: "They always told us, there was a light at the end of the tunnel...They never told us...It was a train!" I don't want my message to be that, but I ask you all that are in the Layoff effected range, to hope for the best, and plan for the worst.
Understand that it is a day to day thing when it comes to the numbers and that for me to tell you anything I don't know as fact during a union meeting would be unfair and irresponsible of me. But remember, you are the Union...If you got to a Union meeting and don't get the information you want - ask. If you don't like the answer- tell us. But don't leave the meeting and spread the message that the union isn't giving the answers, when you passed on the opportunity to ask the question.
We have begun early talks regarding the pension plan and the Health Plan in an effort to lay the ground-work for negotiations. Many of you have expressed your concerns of the timeliness of the process and while this is only the first time I have been involved with a contract negotiation directly, I have played a part in another contract ratification in another union. The process is slow at times and fast at others.
"Hurry up and wait."
In Solidarity,
Brian Pasquali
ATU 757 Executive Board Officer
Lane Transit
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