July 2016 - 689 Connector by atu689

The 689 Connector ATU Local 689 Newsletter July-October 2016 - Fall Edition

OFFICERS

Jackie L. Jeter President

Esker Bilger Financial Secretary-Treasurer

Brenda Thomas Recording Secretary

TIME TO FIGHT LIKE HELL From the Desk of President Jackie L. Jeter

Welcome to October Local 689. As the days get a bit cooler and the leaves change color, I ask that you get ready for a long road ahead. That’s right Local 689, if we are going to maintain our livelihood and protect the gains this union has fought for over the last 100 years, we must get ready for a long road and be prepared to FIGHT LIKE HELL. Our safety on the job, the viability of transit in DC, our wages, our pensions, our health care and our union itself are all under attack!

As I have said before: our dues are our power! Dues allow us to organize, litigate, negotiate our contract, interest arbitrate, affiliate with others like the AFL-CIO and other grassroots organizations, train and educate our membership, hold and attend conferences and seminars, have a union hall, pay our officers and the list goes on. When Justice Scalia died earlier this year it put the court in a 4-4 deadlock and we were able to dodge what could have been the death of the labor movement This fight was “Our dues are our power! Dues allow us to as we know it. started in March organize, litigate, negotiate our contract, interest when our top arbitrate, affiliate with others like the AFL-CIO and In response to grassroots organizations, train and educate officers got a taste other ATU our membership, hold and attend conferences and Friedrichs, of what the case seminars, have a union hall, pay our officers and the trained our local that was before list goes on.” elected officers to the Supreme conduct “listening Court known as sessions,” small Friedrichs could do to undermine our power group face-to-face meetings with Local and the power of the Labor Movement. We 689 members, through the spring and early had a victory in that battle when the court summer. Our shop stewards and executive deadlocked because of the death of Justice board members spent countless hours, at Antonin Scalia, but the fight continues. This all times of the day and night, in the field fight will take participation from each and with you to create a plan on ways we could every one of us. My questions to you is: are constructively improve our jobs and this you ready? system. If you recall from the April/May newsletter, we informed the membership that the Friedrichs case would have made it possible for people who work in union shops to break their unions by not paying dues but still receive the benefits of membership.

Carroll Thomas First Vice President

Raymond Jackson Second Vice President

In This Issue:

3 Nov Calendar 4 Rally for Respect & Dedicated Funding 6 Political Endorsements 7 Union Politics with David Stephen 8 June Union Meeting 9 Metro Retiree Reunion 2016 10 Drop-By Listening Sessions 10 2016 Women’s Caucus 11 In the Fight with Faye Lawson 12 APRI Education Conference

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

By the end of June we had talked with more than 1,400 members! And as of this newsletter, we are still having sessions and have now talked with close to 2,500 members! Continued on Next Page... Baseball Championship & Awards Cookout Union Business with Raymond Jackson July Union Meeting Membership Spotlights 2016 Fish Fry Solidarity Report with Carroll “Popeye” Thomas UMWA Capitol Hill Rally ELES Apprentice Class Graduation August Union Meeting

22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 30 31

News You Can Use Progressive Maryland Update Paratransit Talk with Debra Carter Rail Rundown with Marlene Flemmings-McCann In Memoriam New Hires Moving Metro Arbitration Resolutions Retirees September Union Meeting

Continued from Page 1...

a day off, and I know the sacrifices you are making to improve this system. It is this hard work and dedication With the information we compiled from all of the to this system that will, hopefully soon, get Metro back listening sessions, we developed our “Unified Agenda” to where it needs to be. of five major benchmarks that Metro needs to meet in Metro continues to be the safest form of transportation order to change the culture and improve service. in Greater Washington DC, but we all know that there Those five benchmarks were: are many areas where safety needs to be improved. 1. Secure dedicated funding for Metro that ensures long- There would be no better way to improve the safety term maintenance, upkeep, and expansion of system. issues of this system then by consulting with us, the 2. Make Metro safe for riders and workers. frontline employees, about best practices. When SOP’s 3. Change Metro’s culture to one that puts safety before are created, we are not consulted; when equipment is revenue, respects employees and promotes a positive purchased, we are not asked if it is something needed customer experience. to improve our growing system; and when it comes to 4. Stop the privatization of PUBLIC transit. training, we are not included in the discussion about Adequately invest in training Metro’s workforce. what the syllabus will be, or how to train our members. Our goal from conducting the listening sessions was to Yet, we are almost always the scapegoat when something get 500 members, riders, allies and elected officials to goes wrong. This is a challenge for Metro that must be a Rally for Respect and Dedicated Funding on July 30th overcome, but won’t be until we work together. This where we would introduce our agenda and put faces means we are going to have to continue to push the to some of the problems that members spoke about leaders at Metro to meet us halfway. during listening sessions. Words escape me when I try to describe how I felt on July 30 when we packed the Now, let’s reflect on some of the challenges we have had sanctuary at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation this summer. We’ve seen it all in the last few months: in Washington DC with more than 500 people, while derailments, arcing fires, mass firings and, of course, another 100 filled the overflow in the basement and Safetrack. Then we’ve had news article after article on the system has failed and why frontline workers still another 100 stood outside on what had to be one how are the cause of all of Metro’s problems. Politicians of the hottest days of the summer. It’s safe to say we like Congressman John Mica (FL-R), want to see made a positive impression on the public. But, more Metro privatized, and then there is Congresswoman than that, we came together as a Union and showed Barbara Comstock (VA-R) who represents some of that we want what everyone wants: to be respected for us from her district in Fairfax County. As I write this our contributions, treated like professionals and, most article, Comstock is out campaigning that she wants importantly, listened to. to outsource maintenance work to contractors and lower our wages. On top of all that, we still have to I know that I am preaching to the choir when I tell you come to work every day and give 100% to a company how much improvement the system would see if we whose management undermines us and keeps our had Metro leadership listening and engaging with us on morale low every time they think we are not looking. the challenges of the system. It seems that every time there is a crisis in this system we knew it would be All of our challenges are now having a direct impact coming and could have been avoided if our perspective on our future as transit workers and that is never had been solicited before the problem occurred. more clear than in our contract negotiation fights at DC Streetcar, with the paratransit contractors, and, It bothers me very much when someone like Joseph of course, with WMATA. Now that we are a union Leader, the new WMATA chief operating officer, tells of workers in various systems, it is important to see the WMATA board that Metro employees need to what we share in common for the future of DC transit. “start” caring for our customers and treating them like At WMATA, we set the tone that the rest of transit family. Words like that demonstrate how little WMATA workers will follow and up until now that has meant leaders like him know about us. Many of us have family positive middle-class gains for middle-class workers. members who ride the system everywhere every day. Well, now EVERYTHING is on the line. You name it, But it is not only the people we are related to by blood. WMATA wants to change it: our wages, our pension, Our neighbors, church family, friends and riders we’ve our health benefits, and so much more. That is why come to know over the months and years use this right now – at this very moment --- we, as a union, are system and they ARE our family. if he never engages in the FIGHT OF OUR LIVES. with us, he might never consider that. In so many ways that is the root of our problems. In this newsletter there is a lot of important information about all of the things that are ahead of us this fall and Despite these challenges, your persistence is admirable, winter. I challenge all of us, all 13,000 of us, to dedicate and I am so proud of the work every one of you is 1 HOUR a month to the union and finding a way to get doing day in and day out. I watch you work 12 hour involved and be heard. Every person makes a difference days, I see you working through heat waves with barely and the union needs you to step up! 2

FALL 2016

Keep in mind, it is up to you to decide what direction we go in next. We all know the myths that Local 689 is blamed for: we drive up costs with our salaries, union work rules are why the tracks are falling apart, unions make it so that no one can be disciplined, unions stand in the way of improving safety, union pensions have blown up Metro’s finances with unfunded liabilities, and the list goes on and on. What are we going to do about these myths? How will we prove them wrong, and what are we going to do about changing the culture at Metro? The responsibility is on us, gladiators. Whether you have worked in transit for one year or 40 years, your future is on the line. We are powerful, we are 13,000 strong, but most of all, we are ONE. Let’s stand together in this fight of our lives and WIN.

Get Involved With OUR Union Membership Action Team (MAT) Faye Lawson 301-669-8206 Katie Traber 301-669-8221 Political Advocacy David Stephen 301-669-8207 Benevolence Committee Vincent Miles (301) 356-8404

Jackie Jeter is the President/BA for Local 689. She can be contacted at (301) 669-8221 or jackiejeter@atu689.org.

Today’s Women’s Caucus Francine Bidgell 240-475-5703 Sports Alexis Bobo 240-620-9826

NOVEMBER

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Union Meeting 8PM

Wednesday

Union Meeting 10AM

Benevolence Committee Meeting 10 AM

8 Election Day

Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) founded

Nearly 4,500 D.C. Capital Transit workers go on a wildcat strike to demand higher wages (1945).

Happy Birthday Ernest “Ernie” Barber Jr.

Daylight Savings Time Ends

Happy Birthday Lawrence Cole

20 27

Food Basket Distribution

Happy Birthday Carroll “Popeye” Thomas

(1935)

Thursday

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Thanksgiving Day (Office Closed)

Friday

Saturday

Veterans Day

(Office Closed) Executive Board Meeting 9AM

ATU LOCAL 689

RALLY FOR RESPECT & DEDICATED FUNDING JULY 30, 2016

“Fix it! Fund It! Now!” was the rallying call of more than 700 ATU Local 689 members and their allies in the standing room only rally at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation on Saturday, July 30, 2016. The July 29th shut down of Metrorail’s Orange and Silver Lines in Virginia dramatically underlined the need for dedicated funding. The need for funding was among the primary issues discussed at the alreadyplanned rally.

“They talk about us in a bad light, and everyone I know in the track department feels that it’s not fair to us,” said Track and Structures Shop Steward Marlow Franklin who addressed the rally. “We would like for the politicians and WMATA to appreciate what we’re doing.” It was stories like Mr. Franklin’s that made the case for dedicated funding, a priority that Local 689 is calling on the region’s leaders to adopt in the union’s unified agenda.

The unified agenda is the culmination of months of engagement of more than 2,000 Local 689 members in face to face “listening sessions” to learn of ways to improve Metro from the membership. Coming out of those meetings, the union is now calling on Metro to meet five major benchmarks: 1) secure dedicated funding for the system, 2) put the safety of workers and riders before revenue, 3) invest in training Metro’s workforce, 4) protect worker pensions, and 5) stop to attempts to privatize services.

FALL 2016

“If buses are crowded, we make it work,” said President Jackie Jeter. “If we don’t have the right tools and the right parts, we make it work. If we don’t have enough manpower, we make it work.” There were more than two dozen elected officials and allied organizations present, including WMATA Board Chair Jack Evans.

Evans says he has been meeting with members of the region’s Congressional Delegation to try to get them on board for adequate funding, though getting congress to increase funding may be an uphill battle. Democratic nominee to Maryland’s Fourth Congressional District Anthony Brown was also present to lend his support. Local 689 and other advocates for dedicated funding are hopeful that regional policy makers will approve a tax plan to support the system, something that has never been done in the transit system’s 40 years of existence.

Earlier this year, leaders in the Virginia General Assembly, which is controlled by Republicans, said the idea of dedicated funding was a non-starter. However, Chairman Evans says the need for dedicated funding is urgent and getting the funding is finally feasible now that Metro is quite literally starting to fall apart.

Photos by Roland H. Jeter

ATU LOCAL 689

Election Day - November 8, 2016

Endorsed Candidates of Amalgamated Transit Union, Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO, Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO & Virginia AFL-CIO

President of the United States Hillary Clinton Maryland Endorsements U.S. Senate - Chris Van Hollen Congressional District 4 - Anthony Brown Congressional District 5 - Steny Hoyer Congressional District 8 - Jamie Raskin Washington D.C. Endorsements U.S. Congress- Eleanor Holmes Norton At-Large City Council Candidate - Robert White Ward 7 City Council Candidate - Vince Gray Ward 8 City Council Candidate - Trayon White Virginia Endorsements NO SUPPORT in Congressional District 10 NO TO BARBARA COMSTOCK NO on Proposal 1 Early Voting: October 27 - November 3 (7AM - 8PM) (Maryland) & October 29 - November 5 (7AM - 8 PM) (Washington DC & Virginia) For more info on upcoming election contact: David Stephen (301) 568-6899 or dstephen@atu689.org Complete list of all candidates endorsed available on atulocal689.org 6

FALL 2016

Union Politics with David Stephen

DON’T GET #COMSTUCK BARBARA COMSTOCK MUST GO!

The famous American poet Maya Angelou once said, consistent with the people “When someone shows you who they are, believe of her district, the Labor David Stephen them the first time.” Truer words could not be spoken Movement, or this region that when it comes to Virginia Congresswoman Barbara Metro serves. Comstock. She is a Republican in U.S. Congress who has made it clear that she is in no way interested in When the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) what is in the best interest of the Metro transit system released its July 29, 2016 report on the Metro Rail East or its workforce. For those reasons, Local 689 has a Falls Church derailment, Comstock took the opportunity responsibility to work as hard as it can to make sure to ignore the safety issues in the report and attack Local she is not re-elected. 689 with all-out lies saying, “Metro currently has costs that far exceed comparable systems in cities like New Comstock represents the 10th York, San Francisco, and Chicago, while Congressional district in Virginia which performance is well below average.” That includes parts of Fairfax and Loudon statement was completely false and Local counties. She was elected in 2014 where 689 had to issue a statement to correct she won by 56% of the vote. That means the record using facts and research; two that she is very beatable. things Comstock is no fan of. Comstock has called for WMATA to On Election Day (November 8, 2016) Local privatize maintenance work and has 689 members and the labor community publicly asked the general manager to have an opportunity to take out an enemy. hold contract negotiations with Local WE HAVE TO DO IT. Comstock represents 689 in public. Comstock is a lawyer by trade, so she a swing district where Pres. Obama beat John McCain should know that is not how contract negotiations are in 2008 and she can be beat! done; it is clear she does not care. Comstock’s agenda is to attack Local 689 and score points with the Donald Local 689 will be involved in canvassing and “Get Out Trump wing of the Republican party that she supports, The Vote” efforts in her district up to Election Day. We so she can be re-elected. implore all members to get involved and volunteer at least 1 HOUR between October and Election Day. Can When Comstock served in the Virginia legislature in we count on you? The future of Metro, this union and 2013, she voted TWICE against the most important, your livelihood may depend on it! bipartisan transit legislation for Northern Virginia which rejected $270 million from Richmond. Comstock loves If you are interested in volunteering any day between to pretend she is a transit advocate, but when it is time now and November 8, please call the union hall at to actually vote for pro-transit legislation she votes 301-568-6899 and ask for Judy Holton or against what is in the interest of her constituency. She David Stephen. is a fierce anti-labor Conservative whose views are not

David Stephen is the Communications Coordinator for Local 689. He can be reached at (310) 669-8207 or dstephen@atu689.org. ATU LOCAL 689

JUNE 2016 MEMBERSHIP MEETING Local 689 Membership Charter and continuation meetings were held Tuesday, June 7, & Wednesday, June 8, 2016.

Highlights of Meeting:

• Tickets were distributed for Annual Labor Night at Nationals Park, first come first served.

Financial Report:

• Motion to buy full page ad in ATU Local 1056 Annual Basketball Tournament ad book passed for $1,000.00. • Motion to participate in Maryland State AFL-CIO Leadership dinner for $3,500.00 passed. • A motion to donate $5,000.00 to the campaign of LuAnn Bennett from the COPE fund was passed.

Highlights of President’s Report:

• President announced arbitration decisions to membership: The AFC Pick, Steven Duffy, Curtis Yates, Carletta Douglas and Traci Johnson were all losses. • President gave an overview of the Safe Track plan and explained how buses and rail operations would be working together.

• President announced that the background check grievance would be going to arbitration. • President updated membership on contract negotiations with DC Streetcar, Diamond Transportation and WMATA. • President updated membership on “listening sessions” (one-on-one meetings with members). The union had committed to speaking to 1500 members by June 15, 2016 and at the time of the meeting had spoken with about 1200. • President also announced that a rally would be set for July 30, 2016.

Grievances:

• Settled: 56 (1 reinstatement) • Voted to Arbitration: 6 • Voted to Drop: 16

FALL 2016

Metro Retirees of North Carolina 2016 Reunion The Metro Retirees of North Carolina 2016 Reunion was held July 14-16, 2016 at the Sheraton Hotel at Four Seasons Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina and was attended by more than 350 retirees and their families. During the weekend, deceased committee member Charles “Junebug” Parker was honored. As in years past, all profits from the weekend will go to benefit the union’s benevolence, scholarship and women’s committees. The committee would like to thank everyone that attended and looks forward to an even greater turn out in 2017.

Photos by Shelton & Associates Photography http://sheltonandassociatesphotography.com

Local 689 Joins DC labor family for Save Howard University Hospital Rally with AFSCME 1199 DC September 24, 2016

ATU LOCAL 689

Drop-by Listening Session June 14, 2016

Photos by Katie Traber

2016 ATU International Women’s Caucus July 7-10, 2016 - New Orleans, Louisiana

Photos by Roland H. Jeter

FALL 2016

Faye Lawson

In the Fight with Faye Lawson: The RWP Program is VERY SERIOUS

Safety is every employee’s responsibility, especially every member of Local 689. That is why Metro has aggressively committed to implementing the Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) program to make sure that maintenance workers stay safe. Roadway worker protection is a means of providing safe work zones while minimizing the dangers and hazards of working on the roadway. All related employees have to be RWP certified. RWP exists to create a safer working environment by reducing accidents and fatalities. As a union, we must embrace and understand how critical the RWP Program is to the safety of the most valuable asset at WMATA: us. That is why it is critical that every employee requiring RWP training maintains their certification. We have had problems in the past months with our members failing Level Four within the RWP program, so our union is committed to making sure everyone is prepared. Employees who fail any written assessment (Cardinal Rules Test or General Knowledge Test) are permitted to retest on the failed assessment after a waiting period of two (2) workdays. This means that to get it right you must study! This is the breakdown of what happens if you do not pass: • First failure: Employee will be removed from work status and will be permitted to use vacation until the next available test after the two-workday waiting period.

removed from work status and will not be permitted to test until after additional twoworkday waiting period. •

Third successive failure: Employee is deemed not qualified to meet the job requirements and will not be permitted to retest for a period of 24 months. The disqualified employee will be permitted to bid into a vacant position for which he or she is qualified that does not require RWP certification.

As you can see from the breakdown, this certification is serious. We at the union hall are aware of the stress that the test has caused our members and that is why the union is committed to helping you be prepared. You must study! And the only way to do that is with the RWP manual. If you do not have one, contact your supervisor and get it right away. Always remember that “you” are the union! We tell our members, the riding public and media that we are committed to a culture of safety. And we are. This means taking things like the RWP certification seriously. The certification is not just a task designed to make life more stressful for us, it is for your safety and well being as well as the riders we serve. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your shop steward or call me at the union hall. We want everyone to be successful and will do whatever it takes to get there. Always remember:

• Second successive failure: employee remains safety first, safety always!

Faye Lawson is an Assistant Business Agent for Maintenance and Construction. She can be reached at flawson@atu689.org or (301) 669-8206.

ATU LOCAL 689

A. PHILLIP RANDOLPH INSTITUTE EDUCATION CONFERENCE DETROIT, MICHIGAN Seeking solutions to end what it calls a “parasitic divisiveness” among working people, Local 689 members of the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) joined more than 500 labor and civil rights activists to discuss how to reach solutions through the labor movement at the APRI education conference held August 24-28, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. More than a dozen members of the Greater Washington DC APRI chapter under the leadership of President Larry Greenhill, including Local 689 Communications Coordinator David Stephen and members Yvette Carter and Jeff Williams, came together with a wide range of labor union members, community leaders, politicians, business executives and celebrities for its annual education conference themed “The Power of Unity…All Workers Matter.” During the conference there were discussions and workshops held throughout the week on labor creating change on the ballot, how black labor union members can impact the political landscape, the power of the women’s vote, the power of the legislative agenda, as well as workshops on the environment, health and financial health. APRI is a 50-year-old labor and social justice organization founded by Bayard Rustin and A. Philip Randolph, which has spent its existence advocating on the behalf of African American working men and women across the nation. “This conference was to inform and train delegates on important issues directly impacting the Black community,” said APRI President Clayola Brown. “We plan to explore the current 2016 Elections and its potential impact on communities as well as to address health, economic and social justice issues,” she added. Several prominent labor leaders including Dr. Loretta Johnson, SecretaryTreasurer of the American Federation of Teachers, United Mineworkers President Cecil Roberts, and AFGE President J. David Cox all gave addresses at the conference. A highlight of the conference included President Roberts giving a fiery speech where he expressed to attendees that labor is under fire and it is starting in the urban community. Congressman John Conyers led a discussion that included several other members of Congress including Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD). Other speakers included civil rights activist Barbara Arnwine, Sirius XM Radio Host Joe Madison, American Urban Radio Networks White House Correspondent April Ryan, and actress Erika Alexander of the sitcom “Living Single.” The Greater Washington DC APRI chapter meets the second Saturday of every month at IBEW Local Union 26 at 4371 Parliament Pl in Lanham, MD 20706 at 9:30 am. In the last year, the chapter has hosted symposiums on the Voting Rights Act of 1965, held get out the vote efforts and voting registration drives. Local 689 members are encouraged to get involved. If you have questions contact David Stephen at 301-568-6899. Photos by David Stephen and APRI

FALL 2016

Protect Virginia Constitution, Vote NO on Proposal 1 November 8! A Constitutional Amendment to elevate pieces of Virginia’s right to work law passed both chambers of the General Assembly this session and will head to the ballot in November for voters’ to decide. We oppose this measure for any number of reasons, but most importantly, that it does nothing to address the real needs of Virginia’s working families. Virginia’s Constitution is a sacred document and does not need to be changed. This amendment is simply the latest move in the partisan political trend to attack working families. Virginia’s Constitution was designed to protect the rights of the citizens of the Commonwealth. This amendment, however, is an attempt to enshrine an existing law designed to infringe upon the rights of workers and stifle collective voices.

There are many laws included in the Code of Virginia, including a right to work law that was enacted nearly 70 years ago. We have to wonder: why is it suddenly necessary to add just one of those laws to the Constitution? Virginia state legislators should focus on policies that strengthen communities, fund schools, fix the crumbling infrastructure, raise wages, and create good jobs for hard working Virginians. This amendment is a distraction from the real issues and an enormous waste of legislators’ time and taxpayers’ money. The ballot measure alone is expected to cost more than $131,000 of taxpayer funds – funds that, among other things, could have bought books for school children or filled the potholes in roads. Virginia’s working families deserve better!

ATU LOCAL 689

Local 689 Baseball Championship & Awards Cookout August 14, 2016

Congratulations to 2016 Season Champions NORTHERN BOMBERS & Runners-Up FOURMILE SWINGERS

Photos by Roland H. Jeter

FALL 2016

Union Business with Raymond Jackson Raymond Jackson

Metro Workers are the Solution Not the Problem

On September 1, 2016, I read a column on ARLnow.com written by Peter Rousselot where he joins a chorus of media columnist, anti-union politicians and people on twitter who believe the workers of Metro are the source of all of Metro’s problems. He, like all the others, is wrong. Whenever I come across someone who tries to blame Local 689 for all of Metro’s problems, I have to remind them that for years we have been calling for an effective safety culture and dedicated funding for our region’s transit system so that the system can get the much needed maintenance and upgrades it needs to be a world-class system. David Alpert wrote in a Greater Greater Washington (ggwash. com) column in August that the problems at Metro are not just a few people or a department; it is a culture. He is right! And we all know that to change that culture it must begin at the top. On July 30, 2016, we hosted the “Rally for Respect and Dedicated Funding” which was attended by more than 700 of our members, along with allied organizations and the riding public. At the rally, we stood united and called on Metro to meet five major benchmarks that include 1) securing dedicated funding for the system, 2) putting the safety of workers and riders before revenue, 3) investment in training Metro’s workforce, 4) protection of worker pensions, and 5) a stop to attempted privatization of services. These were benchmarks that we came together to make after having close to 2,500 faceto-face meetings with members throughout the system and are real solutions to Metro’s problems. In no uncertain terms, we want Metro to be a safe, affordable and reliable transit system. So blaming the frontline workers and calling for our elimination may feel good to the public at a particular moment of frustration, but it fails to accomplish anything. Metro needs to work with its workforce, riders and the community to make our system work. We at Local 689 are committed to doing just that. People in the media like Mr. Rousselot don’t have any real solutions that solve problems. To the contrary, people like Rousselot, anti-union politicians and these crazy accounts on twitter only want to see the problems of Metro get worse. Raymond Jackson is the Second Vice-President and Assistant Business Agent for Maintenance and Construction. He can be reached at rjackson@atu689.org or (301) 669-8215.

ATU LOCAL 689

JULY 2016 MEMBERSHIP MEETING Local 689 Membership Charter and continuation meetings were held on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 and Wednesday, July 6, 2016.

Highlights of Union Meeting: • Member Niya Banks read two by-law proposals that were then submitted. • Nominations were held for the six delegates and three alternates to the ATU International convention. • A motion was passed to withdraw the grievance of Thaddeus Lucas because of its similarity the Angela Brock case which was lost. Motion passed.

Financial Report: • Motion to donate $5,000.00 to CWA Local 2108’s strike fund was passed. • Motion to send two foursomes and purchase a full page ad totalling $1,250.00 to CWA’s Annual Golf tournament passed. • Motion to donate $10,000.00 to Community Services Agency (CSA) passed. • Motion to send two foursomes and purchase a full page ad at a cost of $2,675.00 passed. • Labor Bureau bill for March 2016 was $68,790.23. Motion to pay passed. • Labor Bureau bill for April 2016 was $74,791.66. Motion to pay passed. • Motion to purchase $1,000.00 platinum sponsorship for Joanna Benson fundraiser passed. • Motion to donate $250.00 for five tickets to the CLUWGloria Johnson luncheon passed. • Motion to donate $500.00 to Jimmy Tarlau campaign passed.

planned for July 30, 2016. • President announced that there is a plan for a contract committee meeting forthcoming. • A video of Virginia Congresswoman Barbara Comstock was shown and president explained why her positions are so dangerous to the future and viability of the union and its members. • President discussed that she had a meeting with the WMATA General manager on June 23, 2016 regarding the 500 announced layoffs. Those positions will be eliminated through retirement, vacancy and redundant positions. • President discussed the issue of banking vacation and explained that any vacation over 30 days for 15 years or less and 45 days for over 15 years need to be taken.

Grievances: • Settled: 56 (1 reinstatement) • Voted to Arbitration: 6 • Voted to Drop: 10

New Business • A motion to allow First Vice President Carroll Thomas to be third signer on union checking account passed as a result of Recording Secretary Larry Lockley’s resignation.

Highlights of President’s Report: • President addressed the controversy over the 2015 LM-2 for Local 689 being posted on Facebook and what the consequences of that were. She also explained that on the LM-2 the job descriptions of two retired members was coded incorrectly and would be adjusted. • President thanked everyone who participated in the June 15, 2016 listening sessions and announced a rally

FALL 2016

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS Shepherd Parkway Bus Operators and Plant Maintenance Mechanics

The #TransitLivesMatter book bag giveaway was held Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the Barry Farms Basketball Court in Southeast DC and coordinated by members of ATU Local 689. Among those who participated were First Vice President Carroll Thomas, Shepherd Parkway bus operators and plant maintenance mechanics. 2,000 book bags were made available to students in the Barry Farms area as they returned to school for the 2016-2017 school year. Thank you for inspiring our students for a great school year!

Photo Courtesy of Dedria Desilva

Laverne Niles

At the July 28 WMATA Board meeting, Metro Center Station Manager Laverne Niles was recognized for her work by the General Manager Paul Weidefeld and the Board of Directors. On July 7, 2016, Ms. Niles was on duty when a customer had a medical emergency. She called 911, made sure the customer was comfortable, kept a close eye on his condition, and monitored the arrival of first responders. As the emergency medical workers transported the customer out of the station, Ms. Niles accompanied him to the ambulance. The customer later wrote, “Hers was one of the last faces I saw, offering me her best wishes, before I was placed in the ambulance.” We thank Ms. Niles for taking the customer’s call for help seriously and for showing compassion for his well-being.

Photo Courtesy of WMATA

If you know of a Local 689 member that should be featured in the member spotlight, contact Communications Coordinator David Stephen at (310) 669-8207 or dstephen@atu689.org and let him know who it is.

ATU LOCAL 689

2016 Local 689 FISH FRY August 20, 2016

Photos by Roland H. Jeter and David Stephen

FALL 2016

SOLIDARITY REPORT WITH CARROLL THOMAS WHEN SUPERVISORS ARE WRONG WRITE IT DOWN! Week in and week out, our members file grievances in which managers have asked members to write statements about what they have observed in during the Carroll “Popeye” Thomas incident. Supervisors almost never ask for statements unless it is to make a case against one of us. Too often I see members who are happy to accommodate their supervisors with those statements. Understand clearly: you do not have to do that! When we became members of this union, we took an oath that says, “I will not engage in activity evidencing gross disloyalty nor in conduct otherwise unbecoming a member, and will not knowingly wrong a member or see one wronged if in my power to prevent it.” We need to take this oath seriously. At the last union meeting in September, we heard a member ask us to take their grievance to arbitration because her behavior --- even though it was inappropriate --- was nothing compared to things that she has seen supervisors do. That’s my issue right there… We see Local 689 members write statements incriminating other members all the time. But when it comes to making statements or reporting behavior by supervisors that is wrong, we can’t find anyone to say anything until they are in trouble themselves. Our power as a union is that we can fight retaliation when people do the right thing and are punished for it. If a manager is telling you not to follow SOPs, creating a hostile work environment, or violating our contract, we HAVE to speak up and report it. And always remember that no supervisor can compel you to write a statement against your union brother or sister if you choose not to. Solidarity means we stand together. When we are doing what is right and speaking out against what is wrong this union will back you up EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Carroll “Popeye” Thomas is the First Vice-President of Local 689. He can be contacted at 301-669-8219 or cfthomas@atu689.org

Congratulations to

Stan Abney

Winner of 2016 Fish Fry Custom Car Show *Best in Show*

ATU LOCAL 689

LOCAL 689 STANDING WITH UNITED MINE WORKERS OF AMERICA (UMWA)

September 8, 2016 - Union Square - Washington, DC

Photos by Roland H. Jeter and David Stephen

Local 689 joined with the UMWA and unions from around the country in front of the U.S. Capitol to call on Congress to keep America’s promise to thousands of retiree coal miners, as well as their spouses and dependents. Coal miners were promised lifetime retirement benefits by U.S. President Harry Truman in 1946 and they must act now to keep these benefits alive and pass S. 1714 and H.R. 2403. The measure has near-unanimous backing from Democrats, but has divided coal-state Republicans. Several endangered Republican incumbents support the bill, but GOP leaders — including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky — have yet to express their support for these bills.

FALL 2016

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ELES APPRENTICE CLASS 1201 ON THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROGRAM Esker “Butch” Bilger

This year marks the 16th anniversary of the Elevator/Escalator Maintenance (ELES) Apprentice Program, a program that was formed in partnership with ATU Local 689 and WMATA through the leadership of former Local 689 President Jimmy Allen. Since its inception, the program proudly maintains an 89% graduation rate—evidence of the quality and rigor of the program structure, as well as the apprentice’s focused commitment to best-in-class craftsmanship that serves the region. Since 2001, the program has released over 300 qualified students. The Apprenticeship Program is an 8,000 hour training program consisting of classroom instruction and OnThe-Job Training (OTJ). Apprentices earn their Journeyman qualification and are recognized as highly skilled specialists in the industry by successfully completing all facets of the program and passing comprehensive written and practical exams required by the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities (NAESA). Safety is a top priority of the Apprenticeship Program and clearly modeled by this class who experienced zero infractions.

Photo by Brenda Thomas

These graduates now join our team of professionals in the department of ELES as Journeyman responsible for the maintenance of over 900 pieces of equipment. Our union is proud that many have continued their career growth with WMATA through promotions to other positions including Master Technicians, Supervisors and Instructors. Congratulations to this year’s graduates from Class 1201: Andy Cardwell, Ebisu Dinqu, Sherman Jones, Howard Mitnz, and Bryan Moats. Esker Bilger is the Financial Secretary-Treasurer for Local 689. He can be contacted at 301-669-8210 or eskerbilger@atu689.org.

ATU LOCAL 689

AUGUST 2016 MEMBERSHIP MEETING Local 689 Membership Charter and continuation meetings were held on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 and Wednesday, August 3, 2016.

Highlights of Membership Meeting:

• The elected delegates and alternates to the ATU International convention representing Local 689 were introduced.

Financial Report:

• Motion to pay Labor Bureau bill of $55,073.35 for month of May passed. • Motion to pay $2,500.00 for Baseball League award banquet passed. • Motion to pay $5,320.00 for “#TransitLivesMatters” bookbag giveaway to purchase 2,000 bookbags passed. • Financial-Secretary gave an explanation of the edits to the LM2 report (see July meeting summary). • Motion passed to donate $2,500.00 to Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington DC for hosting the Rally for Respect and Dedicated Funding.

Highlights of President’s Report:

• President recognized everyone who participated in the July 30, 2016 Rally for Respect and

Dedicated Funding. • President announced an effort to canvass on behalf of Democratic Congressional candidate LuAnn Bennett on August 13, 2016. • President announced that the Greater Washington Bowling Senate fundraiser would be November 12, 2016. • President announced that three Local 689 members would be attending the A. Phillip Randolph Institute (APRI) Education Conference in Detroit, Michigan later that month. • President announced the Fish Fry to occur on August 20, 2016 and encouraged members to volunteer. • President explained that there are several operator infractions that will no longer be “paper suspensions” including speeding, red light violations and moving without speed commands.

Grievances:

• Settled: 48 (2 reinstatement) • Voted to Arbitration: 4 • Voted to Drop: 14

News You Can Use

WMATA BOARD HELD SPECIAL MEETING ON SAFETY --- On August 25, WMATA Board Chair Jack Evans called a special board meeting in response to the July 29 train derailment at East Falls Church. The meeting was “meant to be an all-around accounting for the streak of mishaps and embarrassments that have befallen Metro this summer,” According to the Washington Post. “I don’t know what, if any, crime was committed,” Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said at the meeting. “But we’re going to get to the root of these issues,” he continued. Safety Officer Patrick Lavin testified at the meeting that the derailment was caused by the tracks spreading because the cut spikes and ties had deteriorated. These spikes and ties are supposed to be inspected twice a week and he did not believe that it was happening. CONGRESS MAY EXPAND GOVERNMENT WORKER TRANSIT BENEFIT TO UBER AND LYFT --- On July 6, 2016, Reps. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., and Mark Meadows, R-N.C., introduced the Transit Benefits Modernization Act, a bill that would let government personnel use transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft under their agency's transportation "fringe" benefits while WMATA conducts "safety surge" track work. The bill, if enacted, would extend through the end of calendar year 2018 although SafeTrack surge is scheduled to conclude in March 2017. Federal employees constitute about 40 percent of WMATA's peak-hour ridership. 22

FALL 2016

In the November 8, 2016 election, there will be a proposal on the ballot for Prince George’s County residents to expand the county council from nine seats to eleven. The reason behind the expansion is said to give the county better representation. Progressive Maryland, after thoroughly researching the issue is encouraging a “NO” vote on this proposal because it will dilute the representation of the poorer districts in Prince George’s County to add two seats that can be more easily influenced by pro-business interest around the county and beyond. Around the state PM is/has participated in several efforts this summer including: • Charles County: rejection of the proposed new Walmart in their county. • PG County: opposition to the expansion of the Walmart in Clinton which is sponsored by Councilman Mel Franklin. Expansion was defeated. • Montgomery County: supporting the initiative for $15/hr minimum wage. • Howard County: supporting the November ballot initiative to amend the county charter to allow for greater disclosure of public financing. During the next Maryland legislative session, PM and affiliates will be supporting the following efforts: • Universal voter registration • Paid sick leave • Earned Income Tax credit • Bail reform for jail inmates • Worker protection against workers who make wage theft claims Progressive Maryland is a nonprofit, multi-issue advocacy organization building power in the communities it serves by promoting social, economic, and racial justice through grassroots organzing, policy advocacy and leadership training. ATU Local 689 is an affiliated organization of Progressive Maryland and President Jackie Jeter serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

ATU LOCAL 689

Paratransit Talk with Debra Carter PARATRANSIT WORKERS CAN WIN THE FIGHT FOR FAIR COMPENSATION WITH POWER Frederick Douglas once said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never has and it never will.” Those words are especially true for the paratransit members of Local 689 as we negotiate with private companies that do not want to fairly compensate us for the work we do. That is why we, the members of Local 689, must demand it of those in power!

accountable for our livelihoods until we just decide it is not worth the hassle. We are not going to do that! WMATA sets the wage rate for us and they also determine what the standard practices are for all the contractors. In other words: WMATA runs the show. WMATA has set up this design to keep us confused and stop us from earning a living wage.

The simple truth is this: we work for both WMATA Companies like MV Transportation, Diamond and the paratransit subcontractors. That means Transportation, Transdev and First Transit continue we should be compensated with the same level of to pretend that their employees are actually getting respect as our WMATA counterparts. We will never properly compensated, but we know better and so get there with private subcontractors and this is do they. a huge reason why privatization does not work! It doesn’t work for our riders and it doesn’t work for Both Metro and MetroAccess are funded (in part) by us. the federal government. But even with the federal funding, it is very difficult for us to negotiate with Metro Access workers and Metro workers, alike, these companies and hold them to the same standard must get fair treatment and fair wages. Just like at as WMATA because the Authority subcontracts out Metro, when we put those vests on and get in the paratransit work to private companies that we work seat of our bus, we are putting our lives and the lives for. of our passengers on the line. WMATA needs to stop hiding behind these private contractors and step up WMATA loves to tell us, “We do not have any and give paratransit workers the compensation we say in the provider’s decisions.” Meanwhile, the deserve so that we, too, can take care of ourselves subcontractors love to tell us, “I’m waiting for a and our families. These subcontractors are not going decision from WMATA,” or “We can’t bring them to do it voluntarily, and that is why we as a union must back because WMATA says ‘no.’” All this confusion stand united and compel these transit companies to begs the same question: Who do the employees do right by us whether we are on paratransit, the work for and who is looking out for our best interest? Streetcar or at Metro. WMATA would love for the paratransit employees to go back and forth in confusion over who to hold Debra Carter is the Assistant Business Agent for paratransit services for Local 689. She can be reached at (310) 669-8222 or dcarter@atu689.org.

FALL 2016

RAIL RUNDOWN with Marlene Flemmings-McCann

Marlene Flemmings-McCann

There is No Need to Speed!

Back in August I shared with everyone in our Facebook group (ATU Local 689 – Official Group) that ROCC (“Central”) has new technology that gives them the ability to detect when an operator is moving above the regulated speed. Since then, rail operators have had to sign a memo stating that they understood that the new technology would start being used on September 6, 2016. The ROCC detection tool sets off an alarm when a train is operating too fast. The tool will then give ID, location and speed of the operator. That information is then passed on to Safety and violations are being given out. At the time of this printing, four operators have been written up for going beyond the railroad’s regulated speed. I know you want your lunch on time, your break on time, and to get off on time, but speeding is not worth it. You will get terminated! So, please slow down, follow your SOPs, and put in for your overtime. We have to follow these regulations. It is the only way to guarantee your JOB. Be safe out there! Marlene Flemmings-McCann is the Assistant Business Agent for Rail Operations and Station Managers. She can be contacted at (301) 669-8205 or mflemmings@atu689.org.

WUSA9’s “Mission: Metro Town Hall”

On June 30, 2016 , Pres. Jackie L. Jeter joined WMATA General Manager Paul Wiedefeld, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Rep. Gerry Connolly (Va-D), WMATA Board Chair Jack Evans and other community stakeholders for a televised hour-long town hall to discuss Metro, SafeTrack, safety and funding. Visit ATULocal689.org to see the discussion.

Congratulations to the New ATU Local 689 Recording Secretary

Brenda Thomas Elected September 21, 2016

ATU LOCAL 689

In Memor y of Our Deceased Local 689 Brothers and Sisters May 2016

June 2016

July 2016

August 2016

Edward B. Bundy Jr. John Campbell Reginald Fleming Joseph P. Gum James R. Johnson Reginald C. Nappier

John B. Combs Edward G. Payne Ferdinand A. Tiziani Richard R. Wingfield

Herbert S. Graves Robert L. Hebron Willard C. Moclain Tyson C. Pajotte Emilie M. Williams Theodore R. Wright Jr.

Robert C. Beales Gardner L. Bishop Devom Faison Walter L. Thrasher Garth F. Todd Curtis Reed Jesse L. Young

Ted Parrish

Theodore “Ted” Parrish (1935-2016), was a former Recording Secretary of ATU Local 689 and labor union activist for many years who passed on Wednesday, September 7, 2016. Parrish started his transit career working for the DC Transit Company in 1967. After joining Local 689, he was elected Shop Steward where he worked for fairness, a safe work environment and equal rights for his co-workers. He was elected Recording Secretary and held the position until retiring in 1996.

The Benevolent Committee exists to give Local 689 members the opportunity to extend empathy and love to the families of deceased members. To get involved, call Chairman Vincent Miles at (301) 356-8404.

Local 689 Wins Again! ATU Local 689 Team #2 (Raythior Fields, David McNair, Trent Walker, Nelson Bonds) won this year’s Community Services Agency’s Golf Tournament, shooting an impressive 13 under, as nearly 100 golfers turned out at the Enterprise Golf Course Monday to golf, socialize and raise funds for CSA’s Emergency Assistance Fund.

NEW METRO HIRES May 2016 Operations: 8 Maintenance: 23

June 2016

July 2016

Operations: 54 Maintenance: 23

Operations: N/A

Maintenance: 12

FALL 2016

Act with Breast Awareness Breast cancer is the most common cancer that 1 in 8 women will experience in their lifetime. Like most cancers, the risk of becoming diagnosed increases with age – most cases are found in women over 50 years of age. Here is what you can do to act against breast cancer today!

Tips for reducing risk  Limit alcohol consumption. The more alcohol that a woman consumes, the greater their risk of developing breast cancer throughout their lifetime. It is recommended to limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink per day, since even small amounts of alcohol are known to increase risk.  Don’t Smoke. Smoking does not benefit our bodies in any way. It also contributes to lung cancer which is the #1 cancer killer of women today. Premenopausal women who smoke have a higher chance of becoming diagnosed with breast cancer than women who do not smoke.  Weight Control. The American Cancer Society has concluded that being overweight or obese contributes to increased risk of breast cancer. The risk is increased further if obesity develops after menopause. Make sure to consume lean meats and vegetables, and be aware of appropriate portion sizes for your meals.  Become Physically Active. Physical activity has been a prominent deterrent for many diseases and conditions, breast cancer being no different. Engaging in regular physical activity has been proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer. The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity to experience health benefits.  Breast Feed. Breastfeeding has been known to reduce the likelihood of becoming diagnosed with breast cancer in premenopausal women. Studies show that women who breastfeed for a year or longer (combination of all children) experience benefits that reduce their risk compared to women who do not. Be sure to breastfeed your children for as long as you can!  Get Screened Regularly. Early detection screening can save lives. Women who get screened regularly and are diagnosed with breast cancer have an 89.8% chance of surviving after 5 years. Take the time to schedule your next breast care screening – the earlier you start, the better your chances of beating it! Sources: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/breast-cancer-prevention/art-20044676

ATU LOCAL 689

Arbitration Resolutions June-August 2016

Jarel Cotton – Loss

Cotton was a rail car mechanic-electrical who was protesting the fact that he was not promoted to rail car mechanic-electrical grade “C” from his position of Grade “D” due to failing the practical examination that he took in October of 2013. He sought his promotion retroactively with back pay. Local 689 contended that he should prevail because the employer failed to provide the grievant with adequate notice about the practical exam portion and did not make available to him written material necessary to prepare for it. Authority argued that the grievant failed the practical exam because he committed a safety violation of not setting the parking break before beginning the daily safety test (DST). Therefore, because the grievant acknowledged that setting the parking brake is required by the DST protocol, the lack of notice of the practical exam nor the lack of a study guide for that particular test constituted a reason for failing the test. The arbitration board ruled in favor of Authority and denied grievance.

Laci Elliott - Loss

stops signs after receiving her ticket. Local 689 argued that going through her entire run was unrelated to ticket incident. The Board found that her multiple infractions raised the seriousness of her misconduct and, based on that consideration, she was rightfully terminated.

Bryson Jordan - Loss

Bus Operator Jordan was approached by a motorist who walked up to his bus and alleged he struck his car about a block beyond where his bus was located. After calling Bus Operations Control Center (BOCC), Service Operation Manager Lewis Waters arrived and Jordan alleges that the climate escalated from there. At one point, Jordan took off his safety vest, stepped off his bus and raised his fist to the motorists while Waters and a woman who was with the motorist tried to stop the two from engaging in a fight. On several instances, Waters instructed Jordan to stay on the bus and he would not. The Board found that in consideration of Jordan’s relatively brief duration of employment, his prior disciplinary action and inability to control his temper, that there was sufficient cause for discharge.

Operator Laci Elliott was taken out of service and placed on sick leave after an episode where a passenger made her uneasy and she told her George Parsons - Partial Win supervisor she could not continue to work that day. Parsons Photos posted to the ATU Local 689 Official Facebook group byprotested Local 689 memebers the disciplinary action taken against Elliott was offered the employee assistance plan him in the form of a written warning for violating (EAP) and would have to meet with a counselor. It proper protocol and a subsequent 10-day suspension was also decided that due to Elliot’s high level of for failure to comply with supervisory instruction anxiety, she would be required to be evaluated by a and displaying angry, belligerent and disrespectful psychiatrist before being allowed to return to duty. behavior toward supervision. The Authority alleged Local 689 argued that the Authority improperly that he took too much time while performing his DST forced Elliott to go out sick when all she wanted was and failed to address the discrepancies he had found a simple accommodation to avoid contact with a while performing the tests. After being issued a passenger who made her feel unsafe. The Authority verbal warning for his failure to address discrepancies, countered saying there was no violation in holding he was suspended for 10-days for engaging in a her out sick while her worker’s compensation claim heated argument where management attempted to was being processed; something she agreed to. The intervene. The Board found that the Authority had Board concluded the Authority had sufficient cause failed to show that it had sufficient cause to issue a to remove Elliott from service and Local 689 did not written warning for the alleged activity during the establish a contract violation. DST and sustained Parson’s grievance. However, the Board did believe that the Authority had sufficient cause to issue the ten-day suspension following the India Henderson - Loss Bus Operator Henderson was discharged after being altercation Mr. Parson’s was engaged in. cited by a Maryland Police Department officer and proceeding to leave the bus and confront the officer in a profanity-laced tirade. Video evidence also supported that during her bus run that day she had gone through at least five other stop signs before being issued the ticket and went through four more 28

FALL 2016

Arbitration Resolutions (Continued) Michael Shuler - Loss

Shuler was disqualified from his position as a Structural Repairer B because a medical officer concluded that three medical problems of Shuler’s were not under control: sleep apnea, diabetes and high blood pressure. WMATA argued that management has an unfettered right to set medical standards for its job classifications and can determine whether an employee meets those standards. Local 689 countered arguing that the Contract does not provide for the dismissal of employees on the basis of medical inability to perform their positions. The Board found that WMATA did properly deny his safety sensitive position because of his health and Shuler should apply for a non-safety sensitive position while he is on the 124 list.

David Thomas - Partial Win

Operator Thomas, while preparing to return to Montgomery garage, decided to patronize a street cart in Silver Spring. While at the street cart he got into a heated argument with the two owners over the price of a fruit cup where it was alleged he used racially insensitive language and used his hand to push one of the owners away from him when she grabbed his shirt to get a better look at his name tag. Metrobus supervision concluded that Thomas had made an unauthorized stop and had behaved unprofessionally toward the street cart owners. The Board found Thomas’s use of racially charged language unacceptable, but given his ten years of service with no discipline, they found that 3 days suspended was excessive and reduced it to one and one-half days. The Board also upheld warning that further behavior will lead to more severe discipline.

ATTENTION TRAIN OPERATORS

The following violations will NO LONGER be paper suspensions. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Red Signal, Red Lights and Stop Sign violations Speeding Door Violations (off platform/opposite side) Failure to report a Door Violation Moving with zero speed commands without permission RWP violations (failure to slow down, failure to acknowledge or obey hand signals) Collisions/Accidents (with another train or bus, other vehicles, equipment or fixed object) Failure to make required safety stops Improper coupling (damaged pins, broken sear bolts) Over running an Absolute/Permissive Block Moving a train with ATP cut-put without obtaining an Absolute/Permissive Block Failure to obtain permission from Terminal Supervisor before departing Terminal Station Leaving or entering a shop without permission/proper flag person Other egregious violations as determined by the RTRA or BTRA Director Questions? Call Rail Operations Shop Steward Donna Stinson 202-536-8903

WORK TO THE STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) Effective immediately, any bus operator observed committing the following violations will be immediately removed from service by WMATA management:

• Running a Red Light signal • Failure to stop at Stop Sign • Sleeping or Dosing while operating a bus • Failure to stop at Railroad Crossing • Excessive Speeding • Making a right turn on red • Reckless Driving

SAFETY FIRST SAFETY ALWAYS If You Have Questions Call First Vice President Carroll “Popeye” Thomas at (301) 669-8224

ATU LOCAL 689

Congratulations!!!

May - August 2016 Retirees

May 2016

June 2016

July 2016

August 2016

Geoffrey L. Bancroft Ronald M. Blount Nathaniel R. Bolden Kevin 0. Brantley Ronald L. Brown Edward R. Buchheit Vien Bui Franklin P. Burge Robert P. Craven Jr. Duranta F. Davis Reginald Dunlap Ronald A. Eaton Trevieta H. Haley Vincent Hoang Stephen E. Giese Lillian P. Gwaltirney Richard B. Huber James Mccray Aaron S. Medlock Stanley C. Morris Elie Nelson Kheng D. Nguyen William J. Nolan Faye L. Parker Hughey Payne Calvin Powell Dawn Queen Willie Randolph Kenneth A. Ray Richard A. Redmon Jr. Ernest M. Spriggs Gary L. Stewart Michael G. Taylor Clement N. Thornton Enoch W. Walker Ronald D. Warren Nathaniel J. Woods Laveme Wright

Angela L. Brown Mildred H. Burrell Ruby J. Conway Timothy D. Craddock Jack S. Crutchfield Douglas A. Dutch Francis J. Fitzgerald Gennial Floyd Beleta H. Gleaton Desmond 0. Grant Charles G. Jones Thomas E. Jones Cuong K. Luang Darryl A. Mdntyre David A. Makle Carlos W. Moseley Anh Nguyen Jose G. Paredes Jerrold M. Pope Oscar T. Punzalan Frank Regalbuto David A. Reier Yahya W. Shabazz Rudolph Tate Steven C. Thompson Thanh V. Tran Steven R. Spence Kevin P. Word

Bruce B. Blackwood Ruby C. Bush James S. Chesley Jimmie L. Colelough Chester E. Eddington Ill James Edge Julius F. Glover William W. Jones Paul 0. Harley James A. Harris Nathan T. Hall Larry H. Jordan Vincent J. Kerley Gail L. Loman Charmaine A. Lowe Joseph L. Marshall Barbara B. Mcclain Anthony Monroe James H. Moore Allen L. Prince Jr Troy W. Proffitt Oscar I. Ravarra James H. Rayner Andres Rodriguez Clyde S. Shaw William B. Sol Royal A. Stewart Sheila V. Taylor James C. Tillman Wayne N. Tunstall Michael J. Wallace Herbert R. Williams

Freddie Bryant Connie L. Byrams Mary S. Canady Catherine E. Childs Elmer W. Crisco John E. Davis Jr Reynaldo Erique David Gonzalez Michael L. Green Lloyd B. Hill Allen M. Johnson Theodore T. Mobley Margaret L. Mooring Zack C. Morse Brian L. Olidge Eugene H. Pinkney Glenard R. Shepherd James C. Viands Donte M. Waters Maynard R. Wilkinson

FALL 2016

SEPTEMBER 2016 MEMBERSHIP MEETING Local 689 Membership Charter and continuation meetings were held on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 and Wednesday, Septmeber 7, 2016.

Highlights of Union Meeting:

• A motion was made to move the October membership meeting to October 11 & 12, 2016 passed.

• •

Financial Report:

• Motion to donate $250 to Employment Justice Center was passed. • Motion to purchase ten tickets at $25 each for the Angela Alsobrook for Prince George’s County State’s Attorney fundraiser passed. • Motion to pay $500 for a full page ad for the ATU Local 113 MS Golf Tournament passed. • Motion to purchase three tickets at $250 for the Virginia House Democrats ball passed. • Motion to pay June Labor Bureau bill of $64,531.32 passed.

Highlights of President’s Report:

• President announced Today’s Women Caucus will be hosting their annual Halloween party on October 29, 2016. • Arbitration outcomes for the following were announced. All were loses with one exception: Lacy Elliott, Bryson Jordan, and Michael Shuler.

•

George Parsons was a partial win. President updated membership on DC Streetcar contract negotiations saying they were going relatively smooth. President updated on WMATA negotiations saying that there would be no contract negotiation meetings in September but the subcommittees would be meeting. Further, President stressed that everything in this round of negotiations is on the line for the union including pension, healthcare, the accident review board, and defined benefits for retirees. President announced that former Pres. Toussaint from TWU Local 100 in New York would be coming to the Union Hall on September 22 to discuss how their union overcame their struggles when the NY transit system was in peril. President encouraged members to participate in the NoVa Labor walks which are occurring every Saturday.

Grievances:

• Settled: 25 (3 reinstatements) • Voted to Arbitration: 8 • Voted to Drop: 15

Results of the Local 689 September 21, 2016 Special Election Recording Secretary, Assistant Business Agent & Executive Board Member & Delegate to the International Convention - Brenda Thomas Southern Avenue Division Executive Board Member & Shop Steward & Delegate to the International Convention - Leland N. Johnson Jr. Bus Maintenance Shop Steward South - Four Mile, West Ox, Alexandria Car Shop DeWayne M. Reddick ATU LOCAL 689

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 2701 Whitney Place Forestville, MD 20747 (301) 568-6899 www.atulocal689.org David Stephen, Editor Executive Officers

Jackie L. Jeter, President & Business Agent Esker Bilger, Financial Secretary-Treasurer Brenda Thomas, Recording Secretary Carroll Thomas, First Vice President Raymond Jackson, Second Vice President

Executive Board Members David Allen Dion Baker Ernest Barber Jr. Anthony Barnes Alexis Bobo Greg Bowen Jr. Herman Brown Romoan Bruce Debra Carter Lawrence Cole P.L. Dates, Jr. Marlene Flemmings-McCann John Gaines Derrick Gray Diron Jackson Leland Johnson Quincey Jones Faye Lawson Derrick Mallard Linda Mercer Sheila Quarles-Alston Tracy Smith Anthony Stevens

Shop Stewards

Leah Anderson Ozzie Andrews Alisha Barnett Michael Batchelder Derrick Bey Diane Boyd Sherard Brown Stancil Brown Damion Cannon Marlow Franklin Leveson Gasque Fowzia Hassen Bill Hinders Brian A. Johnson Roland Lamar Kevin Laws Wilbur Lucas Glenn Miller Linda Penny Mike Phelps Sheila Pickett Gavin Pitt Brenda Quarles-Cummings DeWayne M. Reddick Antonio Ross Ronald Shelton Anthony Staten II Donna Stinson Donna Thomas Joyce Timmons Sylvian Underwood Rick Walley Alfred “AJ” Williams Maurice Womack Ryan Walters

Election Day November 8, 2016

Early Voting: October 27 - November 3 (7AM - 8PM) Maryland & October 29 - November 5 (7AM - 8 PM) Washington DC & Virginia

FALL 2016