TCAT of UAW Local 2300

TCAT Contract Approved

Workers Make Wage, Other Gains

Bus drivers, mechanics and fuelers at TCAT have a new three-year contract.

The bargaining team hammered out the contract during six weeks of negotiations, culminating in a 17-hour marathon session Sept 11, 2008.

The membership approved the contract Oct 5.

We were Determined

The bargaining team made it clear to management from day one the membership was determined to get a good contract and was ready and willing to act on that determination.

Bargaining team at work
Bargaining team (l to r): Mike Wendelowsky, Mike Allen, Glenn Sharshon, JohnBasile, Terry Sharpe. Not shown: Eric Evans. Management team (backs to camera): Susan Brock, Attorney; JoeTurcotte, Alice Eccleston, Hank Dullea.

Many members had also made their concerns clear to management. All this helped clear the path for contract resolution without the need for a strike or other job action.

The main issues

Going into talks, TCAT workers communicated three main issues to the bargaining team: Wages, attendance policy and split shifts. The bargaining team added health insurance. Gains were made in all these areas, though getting a better deal on health insurance will have to wait till we receive and consider new bids from insurers.

Wages

Wages will increase 4.25 percent in 2009, 4.25 percent in 2010, and 4.25 percent in 2011.

In 2011, a bus operator (hired after July 1, 1994) will be earning $18.46 per hour; a Level I mechanic $20.87 per hour and a fueler $17.02 per hour.

Drivers and fuelers will also receive an additional $1 per hour while training others, and there will be additional pay for working a split shift.

Attendance Policy

The attendance policy is significantly improved.

Pre-approved leaves will no longer count as chargeable absences; health emergencies either for yourself or a family will also not be chargeable. The general manager or human resources manager can excuse certain absences so they also won’t be considered for points.

Split Shifts

The goal to entirely eliminate splits and spreads was not achieved.

A joint committee, however, will look into reducing the number and length of existing split shifts and report back before the end of the year. In the meanwhile, the contract provides more pay for working splits — 75 percent of straight time pay for each hour over two.

Health Insurance

The bargaining team insisted health insurance is too expensive and the agent is not providing adequate service for all this expense.

Some members have lost over one-third of any wage increases in the last three years to higher premiums.

Management agreed to work with the Union to seek a new insurance carrier to provide lower premiums while maintaining quality coverage, and this effort is ongoing.

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