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 (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.
|
