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Our Sincerest Apology It has come to our attention that some bus riders were offended by the “Bus Groupies” article in the last issue. We should not have printed this article without first reviewing the article with the riders involved. We would like to extend our sincere apologies. Please be assured that we understand that happy transit riders are the key to success in our careers, and we will strive to communicate with riders in a way that is inoffensive, and mutually beneficial. We will also not use bus riders' names in the future unless the union office has confirmed the approval.
Uniforms Unlimited Promotion Because of the rush of Metro Transit drivers coming in at the end of the year to obtain uniform items (just before their vouchers expire), Uniforms Unlimited tried a new promotion in 2011. Any driver coming in before November 30 would have a choice of free socks, free fingerless driving gloves or a free fluorescent traffic vest. An employee of Uniforms Unlimited confirmed that this was a great success, and that almost 90% of those shopping early chose the socks. Correction to November's Issue Regarding the column for the Commuter Rail, Brianne Waterhouse name was spelled incorrectly. We had Brianna not Brianne. It was also incorrectly reported that she transferred from TCC not TIC. We apologized for the error..
Some Highlights from the ATU International News Service Bush tax cuts widened the wealth gap CRS report shows The Congressional Research Service released numbers last week confirming that investment income was the biggest contributor to income inequality from 1996 through 2006. This message has been repeatedly delivered by the ATU and Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett who explains that he pays taxes at a lower rate than his secretary does, because most of his money comes from investments that are taxed at only 15%, while tax rates for income can be as high as 35%.
12,000 - and counting - sending letters to Congress to save U.S. transit! Our campaign to get language providing transit systems with local control of their federal transit funds into the soon-to-be-introduced federal surface transportation bill is gathering steam. The provision will allow transit systems to preserve critical service and hold down fares during tough economic times to ensure quality, affordable public transportation. Join the campaign!
Obama NLRB appointments win ATU praise International President Hanley praised President Barack Obama for filling three vacancies with recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board. "The president's actions are a strong step toward restoring the balance needed to ensure fairness in labor-management relations…," Hanley said. "We applaud the president for standing up to the Congressional Republicans who have threatened to circumvent the labor laws of our country…"
WIN an iPad2! The International has upped the ante and is holding a new lottery drawing for an Apple iPad 2. All you have to do is go to the ATU website and send us your email! Be sure to tell your fellow members to do the same to get a chance to win. More importantly, sending us your email will allow you to get the latest news and developments about ATU, politics, and the transit industry. And don't worry, if you've already sent in your email for the first lottery, you will be automatically included in the lottery for the iPad 2. Source: ATU Dispatch email dated January 18, 2012