Contract Update Synopsis

Article 1                Rates of Pay

Section 2: Effective Dates, Basic Rates and Starting Rates Strait Time Rates of Pay

(a) Bus and Train Operators – Full Time

1) Full Time Operators will be subject to the following rate and progression effective 10/1/2014:

Less than 5 years of Full Time Service      Refer to section 2 (b) 2)

After 5 years of Full Time Service              $23.49

After 6 Years of Full Time Service             $24.49

After 10 Years of Full Time Service            $25.49

After 11 Years of Full Time Service             $26.49

After 17 Years of Full Time Service            $27.90

Part-Time Operators with less than five (5) years of service who promote to Full-Time will promote laterally in pay and will follow the wage progression shown in Section(b) 2.

Bus and Train Operators – Part Time

1)  Part-Time Operators hired prior to 7/1/97 will be subject to the following base rate:

Effective 10/1/2014                                     $27.90

2) Part-Time Operators hired on or after 7/1/97 will be subject to the following base rate and progression

First Six Months of Service                        $14.91

Next Twelve Months of Service                $16.06

Next Twelve Months of Service                $17.21

Next Twelve Months of Service                $18.35

Eighth Six Months of Service                     $20.65

Thereafter                                                    $22.94

(c) Trainees

Effective

10/1/2014                                            $11.60

7/1/2015                                              $11.80

7/1/2016                                              $12.00

(d) Schedule Checkers

Less than 5 years of Full Time Service      Refer to section 2 (b) 2)

After 5 years of Full Time Service              $23.49

After 6 Years of Full Time Service             $24.49

After 10 Years of Full Time Service            $25.49

After 11 Years of Full Time Service             $26.49

After 17 Years of Full Time Service            $27.90

(e) Schedule Makers

1)  Schedule Maker II

Effective             Step       B             C             D             E              F

10/1/2014                       $27.67   $28.77   $29.93    $31.91    $32.47

7/1/2015                         $28.50   $29.63   $30.83   $32.12   $33.44

7/1/2016                         $29.35   $30.52   $31.75   $33.09   $34.44

2)  Schedule Maker I

Effective              Step       B             C             D             E              F

10/1/2014                         $25.61   $26.58   $27.62   $28.75   $29.88

7/1/2015                           $26.37   $27.38   $28.45   $29.61   $30.78

7/1/2016                           $27.17   $28.20   $29.31    $30.50   $31.70

Article 5                Travel Time – Dead Head            

Added Sec 13: Train Operators are permitted to Dead Head in a non-controlled cab.

Article 7                Manning Revenue Equipment

Sec 2:  Contract Service vehicles cannot be stored on Division Yards except in an emergency.

Article 13             Method of Handling Extra Operators’ Lists

Sec 8: Need for additional Operators on Extra List

(h)The following procedure will be used in calling the VCB Operators on their second day, who have signified that they would not check for assignments on their second or third day as outlined in this section

(2) When a TOS calls an operator at home, the TOS must leave a message if there is no answer.

Article 19             Student Operators / Trainee Schedulers

Sec 1, 2, & 3:       Pay for instruction increased from “plus $2.00 per hour” to “plus $3.00 per hour”.

Article 21             Schedule Makers Articles / Addendums of Contract Applicable

Added Article 58: Worker’s Compensation

Article 22             Rail Service

Sec 4: Train operators who fail evaluations have the option to go back to bus operations.

Added Sec 8: Fatalities on the rail will be investigated by outside law enforcement officials.

Article 26             Filing of Claims – Procedure – Limitations

Sec 3: Hearing Officers will make independent decision at second level appeals.

Article 27             Discipline Rule

Sec 2: Major Rule Violations

-Major Rule Violations are defined and the merit / demerit system is removed.

(a)(1) Gross Misconduct: “The parties understand that actions such as theft, sabotage, bullying, violence, sexual harassment, serious breaches of safety rules and arson constitute gross misconduct.”

Sec 3: Progressive System for Minor Infractions

-Minor infractions are defined and a progressive system of discipline is created.  No longer can managers make up the rules or the discipline process.

-The system allows for up to 6 different minor infractions in a floating 6 month period before discharge is an option.

-If multiple violations occur in a single incident “(write-up or line ride)”, all of the violations are counted as a single violation.

Sec 4: Audio / Video

Bus        

-For alleged minor infractions, the video review process will be limited to 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after the time of the alleged incident.

-For alleged major infractions, the video review process will be limited to 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the time of the alleged incident.

-For alleged assaults, the LACMTA retains the right to an open investigation.

Rail        

LACMTA will use a technology-based testing program to randomly monitor employee performance and ensure compliance with federal and state rail safety laws and regulations as well as Metro rules, including rules and policies governing the use of electronic devices

Sec 8: Service Inspection Reports / Violations

(c) Service inspectors and witnesses other than Mystery Riders must testify in person at first and second level appeals.

Sec 8: Merit System of Discipline

REMOVED COMPLETELY

Sec 17: Accidents and Incidents

-“The following steps will be followed for a three (3) avoidable accidents within a floating eighteen (18) month period:”

- Accidents dates older than 18 months will not be considered in discipline or discharge cases.

-Incidents are enumerated and are evaluated separately from other accidents. They will not be considered in the review of the operator’s record.

-Fatalities or accidents that have major injury or damage will be evaluated by an outside law enforcement agency.

Article 36             Checking Earnings

Implementation language is removed.

Article 45             Group Life Insurance

Sec 5: “On retirement the employee will be allowed to continue insurance in the amount of One Hundred percent of the amount carried prior to retirement.”

Article 46             Health Plan

 The monthly amount to be paid by the authority to employees for the term of this agreement is as follows, except as specified in Section 2

                                          7/2013                  7/2014                  7/2015                  7/2016

FT Active & Inactive        $1047                    $1125                    $1209                    $1300

FT Retired                        $577                      $620                     $666                     $716

Part Time                         $502                       $539                    $580                      $623

-Included in the numbers are the contributions from 2013 to show the increase that union members will gain over the life of this new contract.

-SMART Transportation Division credited back $0 from the Trust to the MTA ensuring the health of the Trust. ATU credited back $3.4 million from their Medical Trust and TCU credited back $1.2 million from their Trust to the MTA in order to pay for their QWA. 

Article 47             Sick Leave

Sec 5: Once a year, employees may choose to cash out all sick hours over 2208 into a 401 or 457 at 100% of its value.

Article 50             Part-Time Employees

 (r) Promotion procedure as previously announced.

(u) Part-Timer Operators will bid in regular June and December Shakes-Ups and bi-weekly open assignments.  Part-Timers will bid PTO at the June Shake-Up.

Article 57             Effective Date – Duration – Termination

3 year contract effective July 1st 2014 – June 30th 2017.

New Tentative Agreement Reached with the MTA: Two Tier System Eliminated

We are proud to announce that a new Tentative Agreement has been reached with the MTA and is ready for your approval.  The new agreement includes a complete overhaul of Article 1 having to do with pay and an elimination of the Two Tier System. 

After ratification, the new contract will go into effect starting October 1, 2014 and will end June 30, 2017.  In this contract the Two Tier System will be eliminated for good and will be replaced by a Seniority Based Step Progression Schedule.  Pay Rate Step Increases will occur on an operator’s 5, 6, 10, 11 and 17 year Full Time anniversary date.  If you put in the time and do the job, any operator can reach the top of the pay scale.  All operators will be placed in their appropriate progression steps and all operators with 17+ years of Full Time service will be placed in the Top Pay Rate effective October 1, 2014.  During the life of the contract all operators will see at least one significant pay increase with the Top Rate receiving a 4.5% pay increase.  Trainees, Schedule Checkers and Makers, and some Part Time Operators will also receive rate increases as well.

On top of the complete overhaul of Article 1, your General Committee was able to maintain the rest of the gains that were obtained in the previous Tentative Agreement.  The General Committee is extremely proud of the work that was put into crafting the new work rules in Article 27.  Other transportation unions have gone on strike to get a fraction of what your General Committee accomplished in terms of work rules.  Those rules, once ratified, will serve as a model for other bargaining units in the future.  Other gains including the increased contribution to the Health and Welfare Trust, which secures your medical coverage for the life of this contract.

The ratification vote will occur in the divisions on September 18.  The votes will be counted that same evening at the SMART Transportation Division offices in Irwindale and will be overseen and certified by the California State Mediation Service which conducted the last vote.  The vote timing and procedure is being performed in accordance to all Union constitutions and by laws.

Your General Committee overwhelmingly approves and endorse this Tentative Agreement and recommends your YES vote.  In Solidarity we find Strength.  In Strength we find Courage.  In Courage we find Victory.  In Victory we find Solidarity.  United as one in Solidarity there is nothing we cannot achieve.

Bulletin: New Tentative Agreement Reached with MTA

A new Tentative Agreement has been reached between the LACMTA and SMART Transportation Division.  The new agreement focuses on a complete overhaul of Article 1.  The gains made in the other Articles from the previous Tentative Agreement were maintained and are unchanged.  The General Committee will be mailing and posting a synopsis later this week for the members to review.  Along with the synopsis will be an explanation of the ratification procedure to include dates and times.

Bulletin: Contract Negotiations Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Since the rejection of the tentative agreement we have received many concerned calls and emails from members worried about what will happen next.  Some were fears of an imminent strike while others were disappointed they did not see increases in their past few pay checks.  Let me assure you that we are working hard on the issue.

The first step was to get a day to day contract extension which we got.  This will ensure the current rules, pay levels, and benefits contributions from the previous contract will remain while we continue the negotiations process.  This was an important first step because without it, operators would be at the mercy of the MTA managers without any contract terms to protect them.

When the tentative agreement was rejected, all the articles went back on the table.  With a low voter turnout, it gives the MTA the impression that our members don’t care and that we have no solidarity which I whole heartedly disagree with.  Whether true or not, it left your negotiating team with a very weak bargaining position.

Since then I have spent a great deal of time and effort working with your Local Chairs to ensure that we don’t lose any of the gains we made in the last tentative agreement.  I am extremely proud of the work we did in crafting the new work rules in Article 27 and I would hate to lose any of those gains in the next agreement.  Other transportation unions have gone on strike to get a fraction of what we accomplished in terms of work rules and those rules will serve as a model for other bargaining units in the future.

We are also working hard to ensure we don’t lose anything on the financial side of the tentative agreement as well.  I know we got every dollar we could from the MTA.  $85 Million is more than 4 times what we got in our last contract and it represents a lot in pay and medical benefits security for members and their families.  We have met this week with the MTA and will meet again next week to discuss options in the area of pay and benefits structure so that we meet the goals given to us by the members.

To ensure we are able to reach every member with the next tentative agreement, please make sure that your union has an updated address and contact information.  You can contact us through our website GCA875SMART.org or by calling the union offices direct at 626-962-9980.

In Solidarity,

James A Williams

TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: GP NIGRO, GST SELLERS, GEC RE-ELECTED

http://smart-union.org/news/transparency-and-accountability-gp-nigo-gst-sellers-gec-re-elected/

Delegates to the First SMART Convention at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas have returned General President Joseph J. Nigro and General Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Sellers, Jr. to five-year terms in office by acclamation. Sheet Metal delegates also returned by acclamation all 11 current General Vice Presidents to the General Executive Council. In keeping with provisions of the SMART Constitution, each officer was nominated and seconded, and voting delegates were given the opportunity to propose other candidates. All 1,007 certified voting delegates, representing a variety of crafts from SMART’s new, diverse membership, were eligible to vote for the offices of General President and General Secretary-Treasurer. Only Sheet Metal delegates were eligible to participate in yesterday’s elections for the Sheet Metal General Vice Presidents. First General Vice President Bruce Word took over the convention chair to conduct the electoral process, beginning with the nominations to elect Nigro and Sellers and followed by the nominations and elections of the 11 General Vice Presidents. After the voting was concluded, the oath of office was administered to all 20 international officers, including the Transportation General Vice Presidents, who were elected at the Transportation Division Convention earlier this summer.

ALL ABOARD! GENERAL PRESIDENT NIGRO PRESENTS VISION FOR SMART FUTURE

http://smart-union.org/news/all-aboard-general-president-nigro-presents-vision-for-smart-future/

SMART General President Joseph Nigro opened the proceedings of the First SMART General Convention August 6 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas with a message stressing education, strength and unity.

Following the presentation of the Colors by the Palo Verde High School Junior ROTC and the singing of the Canadian and U.S. national anthems by former Sheet Metal Local 67 former bookkeeper Melina Narezo, Nigro advised delegates and guests that union leadership at all levels need to make sure they know their jobs and responsibilities.

“Let’s make sure you represent the people to the best of our ability—whether it’s planes, trains, buses or sheet metal, our leaders have to be educated; they can’t just shoot from the hip.”

After affirming that a merger between the former Sheet Metal Workers International Association and United Transportation Union was formally consolidated, Nigro acknowledged that some differences of opinion among the membership remain and encouraged discussion and debate.

“We’re going to fight some. We’re going to bleed some. But we’ll all bleed the same blood,” he said. “I’m tired of saying ‘we’ and ‘them.’ I want to feel comfortable saying ‘us.’ So, get all your animosity out.”

“We need to close the convention on Friday with one mission—that we are one union. That we are not divided, and we won’t let anything divide us. A house divided will fall. We will not go that way.”

Nigro spoke directly to all levels of union leadership—business managers, business agents, general chairpersons, and local chairpersons—when he said that service to the membership must come first.

“We will not tolerate anyone who won’t represent their members,” he said.

“You don’t have to like Joe Nigro, but you do have to like and work for your membership. Our mission is to make SMART the strongest union in North America.”

Noting the strength that can be found through SMART’s united membership, Nigro referenced a labor dispute between members of Transportation Division General Committee of Adjustment GO 505 and management of the Long Island Rail Road. GO 505 General Chairperson Anthony Simon led eight coalition unions in the dispute.

After asking for members of the delegation of GO 505 to rise, Nigro said his attendance at a labor rally there this summer was one of the most fulfilling moments of his union career.

“It was outstanding. Seeing sheet metal workers and transportation people, getting together and fighting together for the same cause—the SMART union! When I walked into that parking lot with over 3,000 people, I was so proud. Anthony, you and your boys, we’re proud as hell of you!”

Nearing the end of his address, Nigro offered his vision for the organization’s future.

“Transparency, transparency, transparency. And accountability. Our books are open to our members. We’re going to show them how we’ve spent their money. We also need to be accountable as officers for our actions and our decisions,” he said.

“Our deliberations over the next five days will give us the opportunity to move forward renewed, stronger, and united. This is our time to forge a new future with the dignity, with the integrity and the honor that built this great union. It’s all about our union . . . our members . . . our strength. Together, we are all SMART.”

In closing, Nigro advised it was time to move forward with the union’s business at hand.

“As a famous conductor once said: ALL ABOARD!”

FIRST SMART GENERAL CONVENTION FORGES A UNITED TOMORROW

http://smart-union.org/news/first-smart-general-convention-forges-a-united-tomorrow/

In their First General Convention, held August 11 – 15, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers brought together delegates from across North America to determine the course of their union through the next five years and beyond.

Over the course of the convention, delegates and committee members will meet and vote to ratify and finalize a new SMART Constitution, to elect a slate of officers, and to discuss reports on topics relevant to the industries and professions represented by SMART.

Guest speakers at the convention are set to include AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, President Sean McGarvey of North America’s Building Trades Unions, Nevada AFL-CIO Executive Secretary-Treasurer Danny Thompson, Southern Nevada AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Council Secretary-Treasurer Darren Enns, and Fred Myers of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance.  SMART General President Joe Nigro and Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association President Randy Novak are also slated to address the delegates.

The First SMART General Convention is also notable for its use of electronic voting and the use of e-readers to distribute convention daily news to all delegates. This green approach to convention communication falls directly in line with SMART members’ participation in green technologies on the job—through innovative HVAC practices and energy efficiency along with daily work in transportation systems (like rail and mass transit) that reduce greenhouse emissions and our dependence on foreign oil.

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, is one of North America’s most dynamic and diverse unions with 216,000 members. SMART’s members produce and provide the vital services that move products to market, passengers to their destinations and ensure the quality of the air we breathe. We are sheet metal workers, service technicians, bus operators, engineers, conductors, sign workers, welders, production employees and more. With members in scores of different occupations, we advocate for fairness in the workplace, excellence at work and opportunity for all working families.

For more information, visit the SMART website at www.smart-union.org.

SMART General President Nigro Addresses the SMART TD Convention

Uploaded by SMARTUnion on 2014-07-24.

Union Granted Day to Day Extension

After a minority of union members narrowly rejected a tentative agreement with the LACMTA, the SMART Transportation Division has been granted a day to day contract extension following the MTA General Board Meeting held on Thursday July 24th.  This is standard operating procedure and a common negotiating tool employed in the event that contract negotiations go beyond the previous contract terms.  The previous contract expired on June 30th.  Contrary to popular belief, the MTA is not legally required to abide by the previous contract terms once it has expired. 

The day to day extension will ensure the current pay rates, benefits contributions by the MTA, and current work rules will remain in effect while the two sides continue the negotiations process.  This is important because it gives the Local Chairpersons a framework to fight cases and arbitrations currently in the process with the MTA.  Without this extension the employees would be at the mercy of MTA Management without any contract provisions to protect them.

The General Committee wants the members to be aware that none of the employee protections, pay or benefit increases, to include retroactive pay, that were contained in the rejected tentative agreement will occur and they are currently off the table.  Union members will be advised as the negotiations process continues.

Day-to-Day Contract Extension

July 25, 2014

Mr. James A. Williams

General Chairman

SMART/UTU

15999 Cypress Avenue

Irwindale, CA 91706

Dear Mr. Williams:

 As we discussed, the MTA and SMART/UTU mutually agree to extend the labor contract between SMART/UTU and the LACMTA, which expired on June 30, 2014, on a day-to-day basis. If either party wishes to cancel this agreement, a 72 hour notice of cancellation must be given to the other party.

Please indicate your concurrence with this agreement by signing on the signature line below.

Union Members Narrowly Reject Tentative Agreement

After almost a year of preparation and six months of negotiations, the SMART Transportation Division Union members have narrowly rejected the tentative agreement with the MTA.  With 1713 ballots counted, or roughly 35% turnout, the contract was rejected by 61 votes.  The final tally was 826 for and 887 against. The vote was certified by the California State Mediation Service on July 18.  The General Committee spent the rest of the day in meetings and the membership will be advised as to the next steps in the process.

Contract Ballots Being Counted Today

Today is the vote count for the contract tentative agreement.  Over the last two weeks ballots have been rolling into the California State Mediation Service in preparation for today’s tabulation.  The California State Mediation Service is an independent state run organization that will keep the ballot process free and fair.  As soon as there is a result a bulletin will be published, posted in the divisions and online for members to read.

Final Day to Get Contract Ballot in the Mail

This is a final reminder that today is the last day to get your contract ballot in the mail if it is to have a chance to be counted.  Ballots must be received no later than tomorrow at 5pm by the California State Mediation Service.  The ballots will be tabulated on July 18th at the SMART Transportation Division General Committee of Adjustment 875 Union offices at 15999 Cypress Ave, Irwindale CA 91706.  A bulletin will be published as soon as the vote count is completed.

This week at GCA 875

Over the last weekend delegates from the GCA 875 have been at the SMART International Convention in Las Vegas, NV.  Your delegates are hard at work ensuring the bus and rail operators have a strong voice in your union.  Your union locals were also well represented in this video that went to the convention.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bYazsjLeQ8

Any major news will be reported as it comes out of the convention.

Also this week members are still voting on the contract that was mailed out almost 2 weeks ago.  If you did not receive a ballot in the mail please call the union offices as soon as possible at (626) 962-9980.  Ballots must be received by the California State Mediation Service no later than 5pm on July 17th in order to be tabulated for the ratification process.  The ballots will be tabulated on July 18th at the SMART Transportation Division General Committee of Adjustment 875 Union offices at 15999 Cypress Ave, Irwindale CA 91706.

We Are SMART!!!

Doctors Visit Co-Pay to be Reduced

The protection of your Health and Welfare Trust was an important piece of these contract negotiations.  Between this contract and last, implementation the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obama Care, put significant burdens and increased costs on our Health and Welfare Trust Fund.  The impacts of the Obama Care could not be anticipated due to the ever changing debate in Washington and unfortunately some of those costs had to be passed on to the members until a new agreement could be reached with the MTA.

During this contract, the impacts of Obama Care and the systematic phase in of the employer mandate are much clearer and your General Committee was able to take that into account when negotiating this contract.  There were two priorities we had when it came to Health and Welfare.  First was to ensure that there would not be any premium increases to our members during this contract.  Second was that we wanted do something to reduce the costs of our doctor visit co-pays.  With those two priorities in mind we consulted with health insurance experts to determine how much more money we needed from the MTA to accomplish these tasks. 

If you look at your contract packets you will notice the MTA will be contributing an additional 7.47% annually to your Health and Welfare Trust.  What the MTA contributes to your Health and Welfare Trust is the only thing that can be negotiated in the contract.  After you ratify this contract, those increased contributions that were negotiated by your General Committee, will allow us to negotiate new deals with the health insurance companies that will keep premiums the same and reduce doctor visit co-pays from $35 down to $20.  You will see these changes during your next open enrollment in October 2014 where you will be able to select a plan that is best for you and your family.  Those new plans and decreased costs will take effect January 1, 2015.

It is our pledge and our promise to you that we will make this happen.  We have already started the process of negotiating these deals in anticipation of ratification and we have no hesitation in affixing our signatures as proof of our pledge. United we stand.

This Week @ GCA 875

The General Committee hopes that everyone is rejuvenated after a safe and enjoyable 4th of July weekend.   Now it’s back to work.

This week we have the informational meetings to explain the changes to the contract that members are currently voting on.  The first meeting is tonight and the General Committee is excited to meet with the members.  Once again these are informational meetings only and no ballots will be accepted.  These meetings are designed to help members understand the articles that received changes so that they may make an informed decision when they vote.

The meeting schedule is below:

Monday July 7th from 7 – 10pm

Double Tree by Hilton Los Angeles

888 Montebello Blvd

Rosemead, CA 91770

(323) 722-8800

Tuesday July 8th from 7 - 10 pm

Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel

12825 Ventura Blvd

Studio City, CA 91604

(818) 769-4700  

Thursday July 10th from 7 – 10 pm

Double Tree by Hilton, Carson

2 Civic Plaza Dr.

Carson, CA 90745

(310) 513-7505

We have already heard from members who have received their ballot packets in the mail.  Members who do not receive a ballot by July 9th must contact the union office as soon as possible so that a duplicate ballot can be mailed out.  Members who need a duplicate ballot should call (626) 962-9980.  Ballots must be received by the California State Mediation Service no later than 5pm on July 17th in order to be tabulated for the ratification process.  

Willie Rosales Elected Alternate VP West

Willie Rosales Elected Alternate VP West

Guillermo “Willie” Rosales has been elected as Alternate Vice President West during the UTU Convention this week in San Diego, CA.   Willie, a 30 year veteran operating out of Division 3, has been a strong union supporter and officer for Local 1607.  Willie’s election is well deserved and is proof of Willie’s hard work, commitment and solidarity to his union brothers and sisters.

“We are so proud of Willie and proud to have one of our own representing our Union in the SMART International”, said 1607 Local Chairwoman Lisa Arredando-Smith.

The Alternate Vice President’s job is to assist General and Local Chairpersons, at the request of SMART Transportation Division President John Previsch, in handling of Union matters from grievance to contract negotiations.   Mr. Rosales’ election is a testament to the status and strength of the GCA 875’s Local Unions, and to the quality of the Union’s mentoring and training programs.  

National Union Retiree Organization Responds to Anti-Union Supreme Court Decision

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-supreme-court-public-employee-unions-20140611-story.html

 For Immediate Release
June 30, 2014
Contact: Laura Markwardt – 202-637-5178

Harris v. Quinn Decision Harms Millions of Low-Wage Workers

The following statement was issued today by Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans in response to the Harris v. Quinn Supreme Court decision:

“Today’s decision hurts millions of low-wage workers and the people they serve, often the most frail and vulnerable in America.

“All workers deserve a voice. Home health care workers’ right to a voice on the job took a wrong-headed hit today, and that harms the home health care that seniors and people with disabilities receive.

“Corporations, the Koch brothers and their extremist allies continue to pursue anti-retiree, anti-worker legislation in the states and in the courts. Instead of using the courts to take away the rights of working Americans like caregivers, we need to reduce income and wealth inequality and to enhance Americans’ economic security in both working years and in retirement.

“Fortunately, the Court upheld the right of other public employees to have a voice at work. That means they can continue to serve their communities and retire with dignity.”

###
The Alliance for Retired Americans is a national organization that advocates for the rights and well being of over 4 million retirees and their families.
www.retiredamericans.org

This Week @ GCA 875

It’s the last day of June and before the 4th of July holiday, the General Committee is getting the word out on the tentative agreement reach with the MTA on the new contract.  There is a lot of information to be shared including pay raises, part time promotion procedures and contributions to the Health and Welfare Trust.  One of the biggest changes has to do with the complete overhaul of Article 27 and the enhancements to progressive discipline and job security.  Packets will be mailed out by July 2 with the ballot, the synopsis and copies of the articles that received changes.  Please review the ballot instructions and the informational material carefully before mailing back your ballot.

In order to help answer questions about the changes in the contract, the General Committee has scheduled three meetings for next week.  These are informational meetings only and designed to help answer member’s questions about the changes to the contract.  No ballots will be collected at these meetings. Meeting times and locations are listed below:

Monday July 7th from 7 – 10 pm

Double Tree by Hilton Los Angeles

888 Montebello Blvd

Rosemead, CA 91770

(323) 722-8800

Tuesday July 8th from 7 - 10 pm

Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel

12825 Ventura Blvd

Studio City, CA 91604

(818) 769-4700  

Thursday July 10th from 7 – 10 pm

Double Tree by Hilton, Carson

2 Civic Plaza Dr.

Carson, CA 90745

(310) 513-7505

Also going on this week is the UTU Convention in San Diego, CA that started over the weekend.  Delegated from your local unions are meeting and discussing the future of the union before the big SMART Convention later in July.  Check back here for news and information coming out of the conventions.