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The 1005 LineThe news and information
publication of
ATU Local 1005 Prepared and
distributed by the Education
Committee
For The People Who Know Where They Are Going
May / June 2012
What’s Inside...
Officer’s Corner
page 2
Union Meeting Highlights
page 3
May Day
page 8
Executive Paywatch Website
page 10
Duluth Rally
page 11
State of the Fleet - part three
page 14
Life on the Streets
page 18
Transit Safety Security
Committee
page 20
Editorials
page 26
Primary Delegate Elections
"A union's role (and a
union offi cer's role) is not to
move paper and move griev-
ances, it's to move people...
It's one of inspiring people
to do things they would not
otherwise do."
- Larry Hanley, ATU
International President,
speaking at the Labor Notes
Conference May 5, 2012
On May 9th, ATU 1005 members cast their ballots for delegates to the
upcoming ATU International Convention in 2013, the Minnesota State AFL-
CIO Convention September 16-18 at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester,
Minnesota and the Regional Labor Federations of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
In all positions where there were multiple candidates, the candidate who
won 50% + 1 of the vote won the election. For the six remaining positions,
there will be a runoff election on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. Where there is
one name listed under a position, that person won the election. The results
were as follows:
ATU International Convention
Founded in 1892, the ATU today is comprised of over 190,000 members,
including: metropolitan, interstate, and school bus drivers; paratransit, light
rail, subway, streetcar, and ferry boat operators; mechanics and other main-
tenance workers; clerks, baggage handlers, municipal employees, and oth-
ers. ATU can be found in 44 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, and
nine Canadian provinces.
Position One - Marlin J. Jensen, Greg Stowe
Position Five - Bob Benson, Russell Dixion Sr.
Position Six - Stephen Babcock
Position Eight - David J. Walker
Minnesota AFL-CIO State Convention
The Minnesota AFL-CIO is the state federation of labor representing
over 300,000 members of over 1,000 local unions throughout Minnesota.
Position Five - Marlin J. Jensen, Gwendolyn Lee
Position Six - Doug Barton, Teresa D. Qualy
Position Seven - Sam Adams, Lisa Callahan
Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation
The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation is the umbrella organiza-
tion of Minneapolis area local unions and includes 121 affiliated unions.
Affiliated with the AFL-CIO, the Minneapolis RLF’s mission is to organize
in the community for social and economic justice for all working people.
Position One - Deborah Sievers
Position Three - Timmy Webber
Continued on page 18
Del Schafer and
John Koch cast their
votes at the Hey-
wood Transportation
area before ballot
clerks Rich Neseth
and Mark Gross.
OFFICER’S
CORNER
Page 2
Michelle SommersPresident/Business Agent
LOCAL 1005
OFFICERS
President/Business Agent
Michelle Sommers
Vice-President
Dorothy Maki
Recording Secretary/
Ass’t. Business Agent
Mark Lawson
Financial Secretary/
Treasurer
Tommy Bellfield
ATU Local 1005
Union Office
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
(Closed 12:00 - 1:00)
312 Central Ave.
Suite 345
Mpls., MN 55414
612-379-2914
email:
website:
www.atu1005.com
Calendar
Education Committee
Meetings - 11:30 a.m.
on the third Tuesday
June 19th July 17th
Membership Meetings
on the fourth Tuesday
June 26th - Mpls
July 24th - St. Paul
10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Both our Rochester and Metro
Transit contracts expire in July. We
start meeting on both contracts the
end of May.
As we get ready to go into con-
tract negotiations, I wanted to make sure members understand the process
and some history.
We ask the membership for proposals and we read the proposals at a
membership meeting. Then the whole executive board meets as many
times as it takes to go through the proposals until we have a package we
think is good. After the packages are put together, we go back to the
memberships. Rochester members vote on their proposals/offers and
Metro Transit members vote on their proposals/offers.
In the past, there were a few contracts that the union asked the mem-
bership to vote on that limited the number of proposals. This was done in
order to focus on the issues that the membership felt most strongly about.
We no longer do this, in part because some smaller departments expressed
concern that their proposals were always voted out of the package.
Once the package is complete, union and management exchange pack-
ages. We then read the company's package to the membership. The pack-
age at Metro Transit will include proposals that deal with pay equity, shift
differential for all departments, health care costs, tool allowance, mainte-
nance seniority, base wage increases, vacation equity, driving overtime
equity and more. If you have any questions about the proposals the union
gives to the company, please ask your board member.
When we start the negotiations, we have an executive board represen-
tative for each department in negotiations with the officers when the pro-
posals from their departments are discussed. This is in the local by-laws
and has been done for years so that we make sure each department’s con-
cerns are addressed properly. The company also has representatives from
different departments for the same reasons.
One of the hardest things to deal with is the impression that the union
officers go into negotiations and throw out proposals that do not deal with
drivers. This is not true. It would be nice if we got everything in the con-
tract that all departments wanted, but this is simply not possible. The
company will never agree to all the proposals the union puts in.
While meeting with the company, we talk about both sides’ proposals.
There are always some that we can agree on fairly quickly, and there are
others that we will never agree on. While an issue may seem simple to
one side, that does not mean the other side will feel the same way; and
Continued on page 15
Page 3
Education
Committee
Advisor
Dorothy Maki
Chair
Melanie Benson
South
Stacey Taylor
Heywood Office
Ilona LaDouceur
Rec. Secretary
Sam Adams
Nicollet
Alec Johnson
Ryan Timlin
Ruter
Anastasia Bloodsaw
Jackie Williams
Dan Abramowicz
East Metro
Philip Jarosz
Doug Barton
Heywood Garage
Faye Brown
Vice-Chair
Debbi Sievers
LRT
Carl Rice
Lisa Callahan
725 Bldg.
Stephen Babcock
Layout
Scott Lindquist
Editorial Board
Ken Dolney
Gary Bier
(To be appointed)
Continued on page 4
Union Meeting Highlights
March 2012 Executive Board Recommendations
The ATU International Women’s Caucus Conference will be held June
21-24, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada. A motion was m/s/c to pay
registration, airfare, hotel, and $60 per diem to send one Executive Board
member, one female member, and one member selected at large. The
President will approve lost time.
A motion was m/s/c to pay airfare, hotel, and per-diem for President
Michelle Sommers to attend the TWU Local 100 Safety Forum May 9-11
in New York.
Arbitration request
A Northstar cleaner requested arbitration for a record of warning for
sleeping on the job. After a brief explanation, a secret ballot was cast.
This case will not go to arbitration.
Financial Secretary/Treasurer’s Report
The following member passed away since last month’s meeting:
• Edwin “Mick” Griffith - Retiree
Members stood for a moment of silence.
President’s Report
Michelle Sommers reported:
An arbitration case was won that involved a bus hitting an open rear
panel of another bus at FTH.
A case involving some controversy was settled. The settlement
guarantees that all operators will receive a Loudermill Hearing before a
suspension of any length.
An arbitration case was settled, with the suspension reduced by 18
days. Two more arbitration cases were settled.
There are ongoing discussions with Metro Transit to set up an
Arbitration Panel. This will streamline the process and cut down on
arbitration costs. There are also discussions about reviewing arbitration
cases after the union meeting to discuss possibly settling them.
President Michelle Sommers and F.S. Tommy Bellfield attended some
healthcare training recently in San Diego. This was timely, as healthcare
discussions with the company are approaching. The company is
considering going self-funded. There is a rumor that the company will go
after Open Access. This may happen during negotiations. Non-
represented Metro Transit employees received a 2% raise, while Open
Access went away as a plan option. Retiree healthcare will continue to be
considered as the union looks at different health plan options.
CDL changes: Every CDL holder will now have to fill out a Self-
Certification Form regarding their medical card. Metro Transit employees
who do not drive CMVs elsewhere may check box 2 or 4.
Brother Mike Qualy has been named Political Outreach Coordinator.
He will be helping us as we interface with political and community
groups on transit and union issues.
All of us need to be paying attention to bills at the capitol. There are
bills attacking unions, immigrants, women, etc. Many politicians want to
do away with prevailing wage, take seniority from teachers, and put
Light Rail
Carl Rice #6223
Lisa Callahan #6716
The two newest operators had
to go back to the bus side until
there are openings for them back
at rail.
The pick is done for the
17-week station pick. The second
half of the vacation pick is also
done.
The new storage barn is com-
ing right along! The first new light
rail car should be here in August.
More new operators’ seats are
being installed, so soon all the
LRT trains will have them.
Light Rail service was shut
down from Target Field Station to
the Franklin Ave. Station on Friday
evening May 4, beginning at 6:30
p.m. until Monday morning, May
7, at 3:30 a.m. All light rail
scheduled revenue service between
Target Field and Franklin Ave. sta-
tions was replaced by a bus
bridge. This is the first of many
shutdowns for the Central LRT.
Page 4
Union Meeting
Highlights
April 2012
Adam Robinson from the
Minneapolis Labor Federation
addressed the membership
regarding efforts to thwart Right
to Work legislation at the
capitol.
“Right to Work” on the ballot. The 99% are going backward, and
politicians are advancing the 1%.
Listen to your wives, daughters, and mothers—we are not going back
to the 19th century without a fight!
Take two minutes out of your week and call your legislators.
April 4th is the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s assassination.
Consider attending an event and remember what we’re fighting for.
President Sommers attended the ATU International Legislative
Conference. The ATU endorsed Barak Obama for President. Another
topic was motor coach safety, and getting laws changed to make the
industry safer.
The upcoming Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 Safety
Forum is a kick-off event to work on assault legislation nationally.
Governor Dayton and the Democrats will not support the assault bill at
the state capitol. Stiffer penalties mean more money for prosecution and
jail time, and they are afraid to bring anything up with a price tag on it.
Vice-President's Report
Dorothy Maki reported that there should be Right to Work
informational sessions taking place around the metro - see her if
interested in going.
Assistant Business Agent's Report
Mark Lawson reported on SF 2078, and HF 1974. These are anti-
union bills which are flying under the radar with Right to Work the hottest
issue. Take a little time to go see your Representative or Senator - look
them in the face - and let them know that you disagree with these bills.
New Business
Brother Ryan Timlin spoke about Occupy Homes. He further made a
motion:
It was m/s to invite John Vingie, SEIU member, to come and speak to
the membership on the foreclosure issue at the April membership
meeting. Motion passed.
Nominations were taken for delegates to the ATU International
Convention, the State Federation of Labor Convention, the Minneapolis
Regional Labor Federation, the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation, the
St. Croix Valley Labor Federation and the Southeast Area Labor Council.
Heywood
Ilona LaDouceur #66048
Faye Brown #6331
Debbi Sievers #64222
Sam Adams #3634
SAFETY
Summer is slowly on its way,
again the WARNING to watch out
for pedestrians. Be extra watchful
and careful around the areas of
Nicollet Mall and Target Field.
These are high-traffic areas and
pedestrians are busier looking up
and talking than looking out.
DISPATCH
Another pick has come, and we
will be in this one for 17 weeks.
Have fun.
GENERAL
Congratulations to Aisha
Dancy, #64638 who this week
graduated from MCTC with a
degree in Business Management.
She plans on attending Metro State
in the fall to get her Bachelors
Degree in Marketing. Aisha
worked in TIC for about 6 ½ years
and has currently been at the St.
Paul Metro Transit Store as a
cashier for over a year. Go Aisha!
Page 5
Mike Qualy, newly-
appointed Political
Outreach Coordinator,
addresses the
membership regarding
our strategy to elect
labor-friendly
candidates, asking for
volunteers and COPE
contributions.
Executive Board Recommendations
ATU 1005 will sponsor the ATU Hardship Fund Motorcycle Ride on
June 9 or 10, 2012. ATU 1005 will provide picnic lunch up to $300.00,
up to $200.00 in door prizes, and will purchase event insurance.
The 23rd Annual ATU Latino Caucus will be held September 13-16,
2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. ATU 1005 will pay registration, hotel,
and airfare for one Executive Board member, one Latino member, and
one member at large to attend.
ATU 1005 will sponsor the Metro Transit Team at the Tour De Cure
bicycle ride on June 2, 2012 and will contribute $5000.00.
There will be a volunteer reward program for ATU 1005 members.
REWARDS: Rewards for volunteer hours
10 hours hat - on hand
25 hours jacket - on hand
50 hours laptop briefcase - canvas
Leather jacket
Logo could be: ATU 1005
VOLUNTEER
A record of volunteer hours should be kept with a hard copy in or
scanned to files. Keep a running total of hours by employee number and
name.
All meetings are two hour minimum - covers travel time and meeting.
If meeting is longer than two hours, credit actual time in volunteer hours
total.
Financial-Secretary/Treasurer’s Report
The following member passed away since last month’s meeting:
• Richard “Dick” Ryan - Retired former Recording Secretary of
ATU 1005
Members stood for a moment of silence.
President’s Report
President Sommers yielded the floor to Brother Mike Dalbec to make
some comments on the sponsorship of the Metro Transit Team at the Tour
De Cure bicycle ride on June 2, 2012. (See page 15)
Michelle Sommers reported:
A cell phone arbitration case was lost.
Cross your fingers - It looks like Right to Work will not go through
Continued on page 6
Talent Corner by Deborah Sievers
If you or someone you know
has some special talent and
would like to share it with your
co-workers, please contact Deb
Sievers at Heywood Garage or
leave a message at 612-695-
0238. I would love to write
about the talented people at
Metro Transit!
Commuter Rail
Big Lake
Although we have had such
mild weather for a couple months,
the official first day of spring was
March 20th. Spring brings chang-
es in weather as well as Twins
Trains. Beginning April 9th,
Northstar Commuter Rail is proud
to provide service to more than 80
Twins home games this year.
Ryan Stellmach started with
Northstar Commuter Rail March
19, 2012 as a mechanic. Ryan
comes from MJR as a bus
mechanic.
Michael LaCasse started with
Northstar on March 16, 2012 as a
mechanic. Michael comes to us
with many years of experience
working as a mechanic on con-
struction equipment,
farm equipment, and trucks,
and he has Bachelors and Masters
degrees in Engineering.
We are happy to have Ryan and
Michael join the Northstar “fami-
ly.”
Ridership Grows
February ridership was up
5.2%, to 46,505, above February
2011 ridership numbers.
NCDAA reported that the
number of passengers taking the
Northstar Link from St. Cloud to
Big Lake (and back again) are up.
How much? 30%. Way to go,
Northstar!
Anniversaries
Dave Butts, April 28, 15 years
(MT)
Will Fetterly, April 22, 12 years
(MT)
Page 6
this legislative session. Some other anti-worker bills were passed,
including prevailing wage changes.
The Vikings Stadium and bonding bill are still to be decided. Call
your legislators and tell them to pass the bonding bill with SW LRT
funding!
Federal funding looks okay at the moment.
We need to be more active and make our voices heard! Legislators
need to hear from the people who vote for them.
President Sommers will attend a public forum on May 10, covering
the operator assaults and bathroom issues. We are trying to build a
national campaign on these issues, and this will be a high profile event.
Our assault bill was stopped this year in the legislature by Democrats.
Even they were afraid to support something which has additional cost.
The company just gave us negotiating dates, ranging from the end of
May through November. It looks like the company is not planning to
finish on time. The Contract Committee is working on the package, and it
will be brought to next month’s Union meeting for approval. Some
groups of the Executive Board and management have begun working on
specific issues to get things rolling now.
Delegate Reports
Brother Tim Dixon thanked the members for the opportunity to attend
the ATU Midwest Conference the previous weekend. He said he learned
that we are facing similar problems all over the country with managers,
passengers, and equipment.
New Business
John Vinge SEIU member spoke about OccupyHomes MN. It is a
group working to stop home foreclosures in Minnesota.
April Rochester Membership Meeting
Note: First Transit is replacing Rochester City Lines.
REPORT OF ROCHESTER - Dave Gosha reported:
Vacation Balances will not be carried forward to First Transit. Vacation
that you do not use will be paid out by RCL.
There are some rumors of a sick out or taking vacation the last two
weeks of June. Please don’t do this and jeopardize our reputation.
Sick Leave balances will be transferring to First Transit.
Buses and Signs will be rebranded “Rochester Public Transit.” The
new colors are blue and green stripes.
Negotiations will begin May 29. Please turn in your negotiations “wish
list” by May 11. A contract committee will be formed to review the wish
lists and make recommendations to the negotiating committee.
If you are interested in serving on the negotiating committee, let me
know. We will have a poll to choose for the open spot.
Phil Danielson retired effective last Friday. I am planning some sort of
party in his honor - more info later.
First Transit will require wearing of safety vests in the yard and garage
areas at all times.
April Membership meeting continued from p.5
Page 7
MJR
Jackie Williams #66180
Anastasia Bloodsaw #2297
Recently, MJ Ruter Garage cel-
ebrated Black History Month.. The
program and the food were excel-
lent. The wonderful crew included
Lillie Loving #6828, Margaret
Stephens #9066, Alemu Faluke
#63113, Lorene Love #838 and
Diane Banks #70026. (Lillie, we
apologize for misspelling your
name, and failing to acknowledge
your wonderful crew.)
After reading the article in our
previous issue, Ms. Lillie, in her
commendable humility, insisted on
sharing the praises. The camarade-
rie you all share is heartfelt.
We wish to give our thanks and
kudos to all of you once again for a
job well done.
Congrats to all the Safe Drivers:
Ann Williams 2049, Tim Daniels
9478, Joseph Oladipo 66152,
Roberta Butler, John Czyson 619,
Marlin Herbst 9087, Peter
Malcolm, Denice Newton 2071,
David Lunderborg 507, Clarence
Sanders 5910, Jon Bendix 66206,
Milton Jones 68177, Maria Hennes-
Staples 2479, Clyde Kelleher
68032, Gerhard Rothen 70328,
Daniels Hayes 9194, Delroy Wendt
2309, Rochelle Lee 68061, Charles
Dufoe 2097, Steve Harrington
70046
Rochester City Linesby Deborah Sievers
ATU 1005’s Organizing Committee was formed in 2007. It consisted of
chair, Marlin Jensen and several of us members.
Being a new group, we were sent to organizing training put on by the
AFL-CIO. It was good, informative training. We were able to put our
new-found skills to work in Rochester MN.
Marlin and I were in Rochester every Wednesday from early morning
until midnight, when we drove back to Minneapolis. Although we were
sometimes very tired after the long day, we were always energized by the
excitement the workers felt for becoming our future union brothers and
sisters. Marlin and I were known as the “homeless” organizers, because
we did not stand out as “union” right away.
After several trips to Rochester and getting cards signed, it was time to
bring the cards to the NLRB to fi le for the petition to hold an election to
become part of ATU 1005! The vote was held and the ballots were count-
ed.
They had done it! They became part of the ATU 1005 in 2009!
One thing that stood out is that some of the older guys were very pro
union, not for themselves, but to make it better for the newer guys coming
in. Their wages and benefi ts are a lot better now, and they are moving into
a new garage facility soon.
They recently were acquired by First Transit.
Their union representative is Dave Gosha.
Above: New Rochester facility, Below: Attendees at a Job Fair held for
First Transit, Lower right: New bus bays under construction
Nicollet
Melanie Benson #854
Alec Johnson #66034
Ryan Timlin #66279
We’ve been hit early and often
with detours so far at Nicollet
Garage. Our pull-in lane is
closed, Nicollet Avenue is com-
pletely torn up, and every week-
end there’s another festival on
Lake Street! Print your paddle-
boards daily and be prepared.
We’ve already seen detour after
detour, and even detour of a
detour of a detour (have you driv-
en the 2 lately?), and the season is
just getting started.
Print your paddleboards daily
and be prepared. Maps and pad-
dles go hand in hand! There’s
info that’s on your map but not on
your paddleboard and vice versa.
Remember, we’re getting paid
to deal with the traffic so that oth-
ers don’t have to. Stay calm, stay
safe and stay positive. Exercise
caution and good judgment.
During the reconstruction of
Nicollet Avenue, please make sure
to have your parking permit dis-
played on the dashboard of your
vehicle when parked in either of
our lots, or your car will be
towed!
The Nicollet Garage Rummage
Sale is coming up, probably in
July. Get your donated items in as
soon as you can to the donation
bins near the door to the drivers’
room out in the bays. The money
raised from this event goes to the
Nicollet Club to pay for things
like cable TV and driver apprecia-
tion events. Contact Joel Terrell
with any questions.
Craig Weber is new on bay ser-
vice from 4:00 a.m. to noon. Ya!
Page 8
May 1st is International Workers’ Day!The Original Labor Day
Alec Johnson, Nicollet Operator 66034
May 1st, or May Day, is officially celebrated in dozens of countries
around the world as International Workers’ Day. The day is commonly
marked by marches and demonstrations, led by trade unions and working-
class political parties, honoring those workers who struggled in the past
and who continue the fight around the issues that face workers today.
The holiday/celebration is scarcely acknowledged in the U.S. and
Canada, both of whom share their own day for workers on the first
Monday of September, known as Labor Day. Labor Day, however, is
commonly associated with travel, relaxation and the end of summer,
rather than a day for unions and workers to celebrate the achievements
and power of working people.
It’s ironic that May Day is not recognized in the U.S., because it
actually has its roots in the U.S. workers’ movement. It began in the
1890’s as a commemoration of Chicago’s “Haymarket Massacre” of 1886,
when police opened fire on a demonstration of striking workers
demanding an 8-hour workday. This movement, hard to even imagine
now, had brought hundreds of thousands of workers out into the streets
throughout the country to strike against the exploitation of the working
class. The Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions (the
precursor to the AFL-CIO) had called for a general strike demanding a
formula of 8-8-8: eight hours work, eight hours recreation, eight hours
rest.
The martyrs of the Haymarket Massacre were forever memorialized
by May 1st, as the day became increasingly more significant to workers’
movements around the world, spreading international worker solidarity
and inspiring future struggles. Later, it became officially recognized in
several countries in Western Europe and became a national holiday in the
Soviet Union, China and Cuba, as well as the other states of Eastern
Europe.
The U.S. government from the beginning had steered away from
commemorating International Workers’ Day for fear (as is speculated) of
repercussions from increased worker solidarity, and instead opted for a
different day, in September. As the observance of May Day as a highly
touted holiday in the Communist countries increased, U.S. President
Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 attempted to dissociate May 1st from its
working class origins altogether. He declared May 1st Loyalty Day in the
U.S., as well as Law Day. In 1984, Ronald Reagan reiterated May Day’s
designation as Law Day.
Recently, however, the Immigrant Rights Movement in the United
States called for a general strike of immigrant labor on May 1st, 2006, in
protest of draconian legislation being proposed in the House of
Representatives. This legislation would have criminalized millions of
undocumented workers and militarized American cities in a hunt for these
Page 9
South
Stacey Taylor #70055
Route picks changed Saturday
May 12, 2012 and South Garage
finished strong.
South had great placement for
April commendations found in the
May 11, 2012 edition of Metro
Transit Insights. 18 South drivers
racked up 22 commendations,
including new driver Xauvier
Knazze #71222, who had three
commendations. Congrats to all at
South for the great service!
Adding to the April total was
May retiree Michael Jawish,
Driver #433. Congratulations for
37 years of service! Jawish will
take his place in the Hall of Fame
Retirees.
Also, congratulations to both
Felix Juarez, South revenue equip-
ment maintainer (fare box), and
Steven Panser, South vault puller
for their 20 years of service.
On June 25, 2012 South will
hold an election for a new repre-
sentative to the Transit Safety and
Security Committee (TSSC). The
individual will serve a term from
August 2012- July 2014,
replacing former TSSC representa-
tive Lisa Benson who won the
union board member position last
November. More information will
be posted around the garage.
South Garage congratulates all
for the super-low accident rate of
2.78 accidents per 100,000 miles
from April. Not only should opera-
tors take pride in the figure, but
maintenance and administration
should also be proud.
“illegal” workers to be rounded up and deported. This would have left
families torn apart, communities devastated and workplaces in crisis. This
strike was consciously planned to coincide with International Workers’
Day in an effort to revive the traditions of the U.S. working class,
including immigrants, who also played an extremely significant role in
the efforts to win the 8-hour workday in the 1880’s.
The effort continues today, especially since the rise of the Occupy
Movement and the recent labor battles in Wisconsin and elsewhere.
Working people are striving to come together and regain that sense of
solidarity that made the movements of the past so strong. We are seeing
groups calling for actions on May Day this year as a way to combine
some of the traditions of immigrant workers (who often grew up in a
country where International Workers’ Day was officially recognized) with
the rebirth of a fighting labor movement domestically. The message is
clear: Global crisis calls for global solidarity among workers.
May Day has meant many things to many different people, from its
pagan traditions of spring and fertility to its working-class traditions of
union solidarity and workers’ power (and don’t forget “Law Day”!).
Maybe it will always be a somewhat ad-hoc holiday. But to fail to
recognize the significance of International Workers’ Day - whether it’s the
martyrs of the Haymarket Massacre or the heroic struggles of working
people since then - would be a disgrace to those who risked their
livelihoods and their lives so that the next generation of workers could
have a weekend, an 8-hour workday, paid vacations, and all the other
things that we now enjoy.
It’s also important to recognize the traditions of the workers from the
past, such as general strikes with strong demands, mass demonstrations
and pickets, etc. and the successes they had. The best way, of course, to
honor those workers who struggled in the past is to continue the fight for
workers’ rights, democracy and justice into the future.
CRYPTOEach letter stands for another. If you think B=E, for example, it would
equal E throughout the puzzle. Clue: B=E (Answer on page 16 )
Submitted by Pat Kelehan, Facilities Tech. #5470
A Z B Y C Z B X D W - V F G T X G Y J W D W
W D T A D K
B T B M C B X K Z L N K C B A D P X Z G K
W L C C L
V B M D W B: "J P G B Q B G C C L V B D Q B
P."
Page 10
725 Bldg.
Scott Lindquist #6401
Stephen Babcock #3128
All maintenance and supporting
departments have new uniforms
to help identify them.
Mechanics’ uniforms are still
dark blue. Material Management
has a dark green/grey combination.
The farebox department has blue/
white striped shirts with dark
blue pants.
The idea is that, hopefully,
employees will not be mistaking
other employees’ departments -
for example, when an operator
is looking for a mechanic when
trying to make pull-out, and time
is of the essence.
New bus deliveries start at the
end of this month.
Training
Instructors Jean Hammonds,
John Marroqin, and Gil Nevils
have returned to the Instruction
Center.
Cheryl Kienietz-Hall and
Denny Johnson are newly-certified
third-party testers for the State of
Minnesota.
The training department has a
busy and active summer coming
with part-time classes coming
every other week and some other
full-time classes scheduled.
The 1005 Line
Remember, you can always
access past and present issues
online at www.atu1005.com on
the Education page.
You can also see the results
of arbitration votes and other
meeting results.
Executive Paywatch Website -
Check It Outby Ilona LaDouceur #66048
As a delegate and a COPE member of the AFL-CIO, I receive many
interesting and informative emails. One of them I received recently from
the AFL-CIO organization is a website - www.PayWatch.org. The email
informed me that at on PayWatch.org, I could search their updated data-
base on CEO pay, compare my pay with CEO's in my state and across the
country and share the shocking results with my friends and family. So this
I did and now I am!
On the home page of the website, you can search the database by
individual corporation, 100-highest paid CEO's, Industry or by State. I
decided to look by state and chose, of course, Minnesota. It listed the Top
50 companies with the city of origin, CEO name, year and compensation
amount. According to the website, the average pay for CEO is $5,081,
983. There were three CEO's that made over 20 million last year. They
are Travelers Companies from St. Paul - Jay S. Fishman $20,000,000;
Target Corporation of Minneapolis - Gregg W. Steinhafel $23,000,000 and
3M Corp of St. Paul - George W. Buckley $25,000,000. No real surprises
there but interesting nonetheless.
Some other interesting things I learned is that from 2007 to 2011,
Verizon's cash holdings and short-term investments grew to $14 billion, a
more than 300percent increase since before the fi nancial crisis at the end
of 2007. Meanwhile, Verizon thinned its employee roll by 17.5%
More shocking facts at the national level:
• The average CEO now makes an astonishing 380 times what the aver-
age workers makes. This ratio was 42 times in 1980.
• The average CEO of an S&P 500 company got a nearly 14% increase
last year. They now make an average of almost $13 million - while mil-
lions of jobless workers spend countless hours searching for work. Many
jobs were shipped overseas, and people fortunate enough to keep a job
were lucky to get basic cost-of-living increase.
• S&P 500 companies last year had more the $1 TRILLION amassed in
cash. To put that in perspective, that is enough money to create a living-
wage job for a year, for every single American is unemployed, underem-
ployed or has stopped looking for work
Runaway CEO pay isn't just bad for our economy, it's bad for the mo-
rale of the working families too. All workers, from top to bottom, contrib-
ute to making a company successful. But many, if not most, corporations
by into the myth that the success of a corporation is the result of the CEO
alone.
There is also a "take action" button that brings you to a petition to
complete and forward urging the SEC to force CEO to Worker pay ratio
disclosure. It is specifi c to Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Act. If you
are looking to get involved, take a look at it.
I recommend this website to you, my union brothers and sisters, as well
as any non-union friends and family. I found it interesting and scary at the
same time.
East Metro
Philip Jarosz, Dr. #65015
Doug Barton, Dr. #68273
The “stairway to heaven” will
be renovated early this late spring/
summer. Be sure to adjust plug-in
time for the VICTORY walk along
the west driveway. Safety concerns
will not allow drivers to enter the
building from the maintenance
area. This construction should take
about 30 days and will be posted.
On a different platform, East
Metro honored drivers receiving
awards: Five drivers had 25 years
of Safe Driving: Douglas Sandvos
#823,Clement Schwintek #1661,
Dave Dehmer #387, Helga Javor
#540 and James Underwood
#2574. Two had Superior Masters:
Ambe Funwi #909, Michael Engen
#413. One had Prestige: Abraham
Oluma #9928.
The patio is open and tables set
for the grilling season. Planting
will be Barb's niche initially. Any
green thumbs welcome.
Page 11
Duluth RallySam Adams #3634
On March 3, 2012, activists from the Twin Cities and Duluth, includ-
ing rank and fi le members of several area labor unions, confronted a group
of white supremacists at Duluth City Hall. A spokesman for the Supreme
White Alliance said they planned to rally in protest of Duluth's Un-Fair
Campaign, which was created to address racial inequality in the Duluth
area. The City of Duluth, the YWCA and several other organizations
including the Clayton-Jackson-McGhie Memorial, the NAACP and the
Duluth Central Labor Body are partners in this campaign, which aroused
some controversy with its billboards displaying the slogan, “It's Hard To
See Racism When You're White.”
When the white supremacists announced their rally, several community
organizations planned a counter-rally across town at the Lift Bridge. Their
goal was to draw attention away from City Hall and deny the racists an
audience. While the Duluth mayor's offi ce and many of the Un-Fair Cam-
paign partners endorsed this counter-rally, not everyone agreed that non-
confrontation was the right approach. Some people felt that this allowed
the white supremacists to present their views unchallenged, and decided to
plan another rally to meet them head-on.
I was part of the latter group. I believe it's unacceptable to allow hate
groups to organize openly in Minnesota without confronting them. The
Supreme White Alliance, the group which put out the call for a “white
pride rally”, has links to violent hate crimes in other states. Two of its
members were arrested in 2008 for plotting to assassinate President
Obama. I believe in the First Amendment, but nothing in the First Amend-
ment says that the community has to sit down and shut up when Nazis
come to town. They have the right to speak - and we have the right to
speak too, at the same place and the same time.
Most labor unions and other or-
ganizations didn't offi cially endorse
the counter-protest, but local mem-
bers of AFSCME, Education Minne-
sota, Minnesota Nurses Association,
Industrial Workers of the World, the
building trades and the American
Indian Movement were present.
Many of us present felt that as union
members, part of the most integrated
social movement in America, we
have a special obligation to stand
up against organized bigotry. White
supremacist groups have histori-
cally been violently opposed to labor
unions because we believe in the equality of all people who work for a
living.
It was a peaceful and very snowy March morning when we assembled
at City Hall. An Anishinaabe drum group sang, sage and tobacco burned
and Native American elders offered prayers while other people stood
watch at the street corners. Finally, a group of eight white supremacists*
Clyde Bellecourt of the American
Indian Movement confronts white
supremacists.
Page 12
hurried in from behind the building and were quickly
surrounded by about 200 counter-demonstrators. They
were allowed up to the steps of City Hall, where their
leader made a short speech which no one was able to
hear over the chants of “Go Home” and “Nazis Out”.
A few people took advantage of the weather and began
throwing snowballs, some of which unfortunately hit
the line of police standing between the Supreme White
Alliance and the doors. There was a little shoving and
jostling from both sides, and the police decided to ar-
rest a few of the counter-demonstrators. Half an hour
after they arrived, the little group fl ed inside City Hall
and was gone.
There wasn't much left to do but enjoy the thick but
fast-melting snow (“I guess they meant it was a white
POWDER rally”, some of us joked), which quickly
turned into a peaceful sunny day. We had brunch, wait-
ed at the jail for our friends, and refl ected on the day's
events. I can't help but observe that it's easy enough
to run a few Nazis out of town, but it's much harder
to confront racism and white supremacy when they're
deeply ingrained in our society and our attitudes.
Like a lot of people in Minnesota, I grew up in a
community that was about 95% white. I grew up learn-
ing about the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil
War, how Minnesota was called the Volunteer State
because we sent so many soldiers to put down the re-
bellion and end slavery. I didn't learn much about how
our soldiers drove the Dakota people out of the state at
about the same time. I learned about the Civil Rights
Movement and looked up to Martin Luther King and
Rosa Parks as heroes, but didn't have much opportunity
to associate with anyone who didn't have straight hair
and pale skin. Thus I didn't have any way to challenge
the stereotypes about “them” that can creep into our
heads, even if we have the best intentions. As Minne-
sota becomes a more and more diverse, a lot of people
are facing this challenge now. To form a more perfect
union, I hope we all can rise to it.
*We learned later that these eight people actually be-
longed to three different “white power” groups. They're
small and disorganized: let's keep it that way.
Epilogue: From the Albert Lea Tribune, 4/29/2012:
“Two Minnesota men... with suspected ties to white
supremacist groups amassed several weapons and
hundreds of rounds of ammunition as part of a plan to
attack the government, minorities and others, according
to a federal affi davit unsealed this week.”
Please read more:
White Pride rally fl ops in Duluth:
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/
columns/statewide/archive/2012/03/white-suprema-
cists-out-numbered-heavily-by-counter-protesters-in-
duluth.shtml
The Un-Fair Campaign:
http://unfaircampaign.org/
Austin Neo-Nazi faces federal charges:
http://www.albertleatribune.com/2012/04/29/austin-
neo-nazi-faces-federal-charges/
The St. Paul Labor Federation’s Second Annual Labor Bowl was held on May 3rd. ATU 1005 sponsored two
teams. A great time was had by all, and Dee Thomas and husband Ken rocked the alley! Dee was one pin away
from top score for the night.
Carl Rice, Dorothy Maki, Jessica Blodgett, Michelle Sommers,
Ilona LaDouceur, Lisa Callahan, Mark Lawson
Rick Steffels, Dee Thomas, Marlin Jenson,
Ilona LaDouceur, Ken Thomas
On April 12, Metro Transit honored 58 of its fi n-
est bus drivers and light rail operators with a celebra-
tion and awards for safe driving and outstanding
customer service at the Ramada in Minneapolis.
This celebration takes place every year, but it
takes years to reach the level of commitment these
drivers/operators show.
Congratulations to all on a job well done!
Page 13
Crypto Answer
WHEN THE DAM-BUILDING MAMMAL WAS ELECTED SHOP STEWARD
HIS MOTTO BECAME: "GRIEVE IT TO BEAVER."
Jerome Kaczmarek's Retirement
Jerome Kaczmarek
#1408 retired on May 3,
2012 as a Light Rail Op-
erator He had almost 40
years with Metro Transit
and is looking forward
to doing small projects
around the house.
With grandson Antho-
ny, son Dan, wife Marcia
and daughter Deanna
East Metro Driver Appreciation
From left: Elite Master Operators Steven Lischalk and
Richard Maurer, Prestige Master Operator Lynnette Olson,
and 25-Year Safe Operator Ann Marie Deneen
Operator Recognition 2012
Each garage also has its own appreciation days.
State of the Bus Fleet
Part 3
Bus Design and Customer Service
Melanie Benson #854
This series on the bus fleet has covered the composition of the bus fleet and some of the dimensions of the
buses, primarily the 40-footers. In this segment, the implications of those designs for customer service will be
examined – again, primarily for the 40' buses - by addressing the differences between standard buses and low-
floor buses.
Ease of boarding
Apart from the variations in the appearance of the bus, the first difference a passenger will notice is the
configuration of the front entrance. All of the buses used to be standard-floor and had steps between the curb
and the bus floor. Those in wheelchairs, with walkers or other special needs could ask for the lift, a mechanical
device unfolding from the steps to the curb. With the introduction of the hybrid buses, passengers either stepped
up one step or directly onto the bus floor, if the “kneeling” feature of the bus was used.
Taking a seat
Perhaps the biggest differences in interior bus design are in the seating configurations. Due to the large
wheel-cover units located in the front of the bus, seating begins much farther back from the front door. On
standard-floor buses, there are about two inches between the door and the first seat. On the low-floors, on the
door side of the bus, the distance is almost five feet – and that is if the front center-facing seats and the first
forward-facing seats haven’t been raised to accommodate a passenger in a wheel chair. That adds another seven
feet. On the driver’s side of the bus, if a wheelchair is occupying the space, the distance to the first seats is ten
feet behind the wheel well.
Only three seats are lost on a standard-floor bus when seats are raised to accommodate a wheelchair: two
forward-facing seats and one center-facing seat. If a passenger has a stroller, a shopping cart, a walker, or
luggage, he or she can sit in the forward-facing seats and stow their articles in the space provided by the raised
center-facing seat – on either side of the aisle. Thus only one seat is lost per person with large items.
On the low-floor buses, it’s very common to see most of the center-facing seats on both sides occupied by
people with walkers, strollers, packages and groceries. This narrows the aisle considerably, because there’s
nowhere to stow these items, making navigation of the aisle very difficult for other passengers, who often have
to squeeze between, around, or step over these obstacles – or other passengers. Consequently, many passengers
tend to congregate in the very front portion of the bus, where the aisles between the wheel covers are
considerably narrower, less than three feet across. Anyone having questions for the driver must also stand in this
area, because there are no passenger seats close to the driver.
Front seats
The seat right behind the door on standard-floor buses serves a number of functions: It provides quick and
easy seating to the elderly or passengers with limited mobility, who can simply swing around the first stanchion
and seat themselves immediately. It is often occupied by passengers who are new to the bus and anxious about
arriving at their stop, or who simply feel safer there because of their proximity to the driver. Sometimes a driver
is new on the route and needs a little assistance, and one of the regular passengers sits there to help direct the
driver through the route. Other times, when the driver and passengers have developed an acquaintance (or even
friendship) with one another, passengers will sit there to share with the drivers their concerns about family, jobs,
health, travels and any one of a number of other topics. Many elderly passengers who don’t want to carry heavy
groceries too far will also occupy these seats. Parents with small children find these seats handy.
The procurement of the low-floor buses has disrupted much of that customer service and made rides on
transit less personal between the driver and the customer. (Some drivers prefer that. Others do not.) Passengers
who ride low-floor buses and want to speak to the driver must now stand behind or across from the driver,
increasing the possibility of a falling accident. Other standees in this crowded space are in a similar predicament.
Page 14
Two seating tiers
Another major distinction between the standards and the low-floors is, of course, having one level of seating
or two. With an additional couple of steps to navigate on the low-floors, it’s unlikely that the elderly or those
with limited mobility are going to occupy those seats. Nor are people with strollers, walkers, large packages or
small children. When a standard-floor bus is at seating capacity, standing passengers can move back to let others
in the front. (Do they do this on two-tier buses?) This causes extra crowding in the front, where space is already
limited.
Have changes in bus design resulted in more on-board accidents? Stay tuned.
Page 15
Richard Turnblom
#2512 Retires
Richard says goodbye
after 40 years of service and
38 years of safe driving.
He celebrates here with
his daughter-in-law Amy,
son Corey and grandchildren
Lily, Charley and Henry.
Marnell Wilber Retires from MJR
Richard poses with Steve Jaeger,
Manager of South Garage.
Marnell Wilber #1157 retired April 3 after 32+ years of
service. Marnell reported on May 18 that she still feels
like she's on vacation, doing things as she pleases, because
there's no rush to get things done.
Her dogs are getting used to having her around, but one
of them still tries to wake her up at 2:00 a.m., putting his
paw on her cheek. (And this is a rescued German Shepherd
we’re talking about here. Big paws.)
Marnell looks forward to puttering around the house, go-
ing to garage sales, and spending time with family.
just because we feel something makes sense does not mean the company will agree.
There are always proposals from both sides that never get dropped and still do not end up in a final offer.
Both sides want to end up with an offer for the membership and the Met Council to vote on that we feel will
get supported. This does not always happen, and it is not the union that writes the proposed Final Offer - it is the
company.
In the end, it is the membership that votes on whether or not to accept an offer.
Offi cer's Column continued from p.2
Page 16
The 'Mother' of Metro Transit
On Monday April 30, 2012 there was a
celebration of appreciation for Alice Schaer,
a 13-year employee of Uniforms Unlimited
on 22nd and Lyndale. Chances are that you
have been fi tted by her. For 13 Years she has
served the uniform- wearing public very well.
When you walk in the door after months have
gone by, she welcomes you by remembering
your name, size and any other details that the
regular person would forget as soon as you
walked away from the counter. She has the
gift of remembering her customers and gives
great customer service. Alice also has a peaceful and calming way that has you waiting for hours to have her wait
on you. The drivers absolutely love her, as do employees of the post offi ce, the police department and the medical
profession.
At the celebration there was a presentation of cards to represent
each bus garage (so if you didn’t sign it personally you were still
represented), fl owers, a very delicious cake - and some tears from
Alice. So when you go in next time to pick up your next issue let
her know how much you do appreciate the work she does for us.
Let's also give special thanks to Diane (#9873) of Nicollet
Garage for orchestrating this wonderful event to say “Thank you”
to Alice. Carla Simonson (#9631 MJR) and Faye Brown (#6331
FTH) helped collect cards from all the garages with hundreds of
signatures and surprised Alice on Monday, April 30th with a cake
and fl owers.
Historically, ATU-COPE (Committee on Political Education) has helped elect
local, state, and federal politicians who understand the importance of investing in
quality public transportation. Those of us who are still fortunate enough to have a
job know that the tough economy is putting a tight squeeze on collective bargain-
ing. Without immediate action, unions and the middle class will be gone.
Any donation is appreciated. When combined with others, the funding can grow
into a powerful tool. Please donate a few dollars. It is set up with a payroll deduc-
tion. Look for this form or see your union board member.
COPE
Pick Dispatcher Louie Lofton tacked up a
box of tissues for Nicollet drivers who were
sad about changes in the pick.
Drivers added: 17 Weeks of Tears, Torture
and Trauma
Notice that the box is out of tissues near the
end of the pick.
Page 17
Southwest LRT Supporters
With the Central Corridor nearly 50% com-
plete, attention is turning to the Southwest light rail
transit line, slated to begin construction in 2014
and open in 2018. For this to happen, the project
needs state bonding support this year. Governor
Mark Dayton included the Southwest LRT line in
his list of bonding priorities but neither the House
nor the Senate included it in their bonding bills.
Transit for Livable Communities, with our Transit
Partners, recently launched an online petition drive,
www.southwestlrtnow.org, and a Facebook page to
gather support for the project. Log on and let your
voice be heard!
Tour de Cure!Mike Dalbec #5867
This bike run is a fundraiser for the American Dia-
betes Association. Anyone is welcome to join the ATU
1005/Metro Transit bike team.
Last year was our fi rst year as a team and we knocked
it out of the park! This year we have already raised more
than $30,770 on our way to $50,000 and (as of May
21st) have 98 registered riders, just shy of the 100-rider
goal. The team blew right past last year’s record-setting
total. Only one word can describe it: INCREDIBLE!
You can track our progress at http://main.diabetes.org/
goto/metrotransit
Jersey production will start next week, with prices
somewhere in the neighborhood of $25. Thanks to
some generous donations from our sponsors (ATU Local
1005, The Clam Corporation, Capital Safety and Honey
Stinger), our cost per jersey went
from $55 to $25! If anyone not
actually riding on the team would
like to order a team jersey, they
will be available for purchase, with
all proceeds going towards our
fundraising goal. I’m setting up a
link so you can see what they look
like, and there will also be a sizing
chart attached. Prices for anyone
not riding in the event will be
determined at a later date.
Take charge of your health!
Ride, Party and STOP
DIABETES!
Transit supporters from TLC/ISIAH gave the governor’s
staff 1,000 signatures in support of the SW Light Rail
Line.
Bill O’Brien of Miller O’Brien Cummins, PLLP presents a $1,000 contribution to Mike Dalbec for the Tour de Cure taking place on June 2, 2012.
Maybe If We Knew Each Other Better…
Life on the Streets (LOTS)Melanie Benson #854
How many times, as drivers, have we felt misunderstood by the Transit
Control Center supervisors? We feel like they’re our only lifeline, and
they’re not "getting it." How many times have TCC supervisors felt
misunderstood by drivers, for whatever reason? They may be trying their
best to help, but they don’t have enough information. These are some of the
issues that the Life on the Streets (LOTS) initiative is trying to address.
“You’re on your own, son!” (Preacher in “Blazing Saddles”)
Radios on the buses were not installed until the late 70's. Before that,
drivers were pretty much on our own. Pay phones, however, were much
more numerous then, and as long as we had dimes in our pockets, we could
call dispatch for assistance. (Some of us actually asked to be reimbursed
for the dimes we used on our shift.) Communication technology has
evolved a lot since those days, but real communication between two
disparate groups of folks still remains a challenge.
Inspiration for LOTS
Metro Transit has a forum for drivers to express certain concerns. It’s called the Transit Safety and Security
Committee. It brings together representatives from all the operating garages with some of the top management
people in many fields. Reports of these meetings are reprinted in each issue of The 1005 Line.
It was at one of these TSSC meetings that Daisy Frantz from Heywood Garage shared her concerns and
frustrations with the challenges of driving the 19-line. Her remarks moved Christine Kuennen, Manager of the
TCC, to consider and begin to implement a program to improve the understanding between TCC supervisors and
drivers, partly by getting a window into each other’s jobs, in kind of an ambassadorship context.
Program intentions
The purpose of this initiative is to have TCC supervisors seen more as helpful resources, rather than as those
who mete out violations and discipline.
Program implementation
Consulting with the managers from operating garages, drivers were chosen to participate, based on certain
factors. Daisy Frantz #2133 and Shawn Thompson #70074 from Heywood Garage were the first two to go
through the process, meeting with TCC staff and managers, and spending time in the Control Center. Three new
TCC supervisors rode buses in January. At Nicollet, Melanie Benson and Kermit Williams were asked to
participate and have so far had two meetings with some of the TCC staff and garage managers. Each has visited
the TCC for a four-hour stretch.
Other garages’ participation will be organized over the coming months.
Page 18
Position Four - Dan Abramowicz
St. Paul Regional Labor Federation
The Saint Paul Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO unites nearly 50,000 union members in the East Metro
area of the Twin Cities. The mission of the Saint Paul Regional Labor Federation is to improve the lives of work-
ing families by acting locally to organize workers, build political power and advance worker-friendly legislation.
Candidates: Chuck Gudknecht, Teresa D. Qualy
Delegate Election continued from p.1
Page 19
Maintenance Training
April 2012
Detroit diesel engines should be gone by the end
of the year here at Metro Transit. This fact has created
limited training on the Detroit Diesel, and extensive
training on the newer Cummins engines.
Metro Transit has three Cummins engines:
ISM (11 liter 6 cylinder)
ISL (9 liter 6 cylinder)
ISB (6.7-7 liter 6 cylinder)
As Shannon and Paul clean
up to go home, a new group of
mechanics come for 10 p.m.- 6
a.m. training.
Working 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. Day
One of a three-day training on
Cummins Tune-up and Diagnos-
tics Service
Shannon Whelan, Nicollet Mechanic #72042,
Paul Wilson, FTH Mechanic #67478 and
Don Wolf ,Trainer
The training classes have a mix of fi lm,
PowerPoint and hands-on training. They are
provided with all the necessary tools to do the
work on engines, but when they are in their
garages, mechanics must provide their own
tools while working on the buses. The aver-
age mechanic has $20,000 to $30,000 worth of
tools and is only reimbursed $400.00 per year.
A good torque wrench can cost $500.00,
Mechanics use torque wrenches all the time, and they have to pay out of their own pocket to get them
calibrated yearly. The garage does provide some special tools.
Vice President Dorothy Maki took a couple of classes in April: "Mechanics worked on open, clean engines in
training, but in reality, the engines are fi lthy and in tight, cramped spaces. They showed us how to use a torque
wrench, feeler gauge and most importantly, when adjusting injectors and valves, you need to go in a sequence/en-
gine fi ring order. (It’s always 153624 on an in-line 6-cylinder engine.)
Our mechanics deserve much admiration and respect. These jobs are hard in a perfect setting. Most people
would be cussing like a sailor in a tight cramped engine compartment if they dropped a lock nut! Aaarrrrghhhhh!"
TRANSIT SAFETY/SECURITY
COMMITTEE (TSSC)
MEETING MINUTES
Disclaimer:
Due to format changes, these columns are not exact replicas of TSSC minutes. We
cannot assure the accuracy of all data. The exact minutes are posted after each meet-
ing at the operating garages.
Page 20
February 2, 2012
Members of the Committee Present:
Dereje Tafesse, MJR, Committee Chair
Monica Kruger, Management Advisor
Rolland Green, LRT
Leatha Falls, Heywood
James Minelli, East Metro
Lisa Benson, South
Ryan Timlin, Nicollet
Others in attendance:
Gordon Greenwaldt, Police
Donald Davis, Maintenance
Brenda Himrich, Safety
Brian Funk, Transit Operations
Pam Steffen, Customer Relations
Deb Downing, Street Operations
Dorothy Maki, Union
Russ Dixon, Union
John Cook, FTH
Jeff Wostrel, FTH
Amina Wolf, LRT
Christine Kuennen, TCC
Scott Thompson, Sr. Transit Planner
CALL TO ORDER
Dereje Tafesse called the meeting to order.
REVIEW OF MINUTES
January minutes were approved.
ONGOING INTERDEPARTMENTAL TOPICS
Route 19 – Brian Funk reported the following:
• Task force will have a follow up meeting February 10.
• Executive staff is looking into the communication
between the different departments.
• Brian met with MADDADS and they are excited to
help out on the route. Will focus on some of the other
northern routes like 724 that are having issues as well.
Fare box stickers (No transfers issued without full fare)
The following feedback and concerns were discussed:
• Funk: These stickers have been printed and we’re
trying to fi gure out if they should be put on all buses
affecting every operator all the time. Pro - Operators
could point to it and say it’s company policy. Con
- Sometimes issuing a transfer is a last resort to de-
escalate a confl ict.
• Concern about not being able to issue a fare to a
regular fare paying customer who is short on a given
day. Operators still could issue a transfer.
§ Operator Reps reported feedback from
operators at their garages Benson reported
surveying South operators with results of 141
wanting the stickers, 22 saying no § Many
operators added written comments (such as,
pro: “It’s about time,” con: “You want to make
it harder for us?”)
Falls reported more than half of those she got
input from want the stickers. Some want them
only if the B button to issue transfers were
disabled until full fare is paid.
- Positive responses were reported from MJR and
East Metro
• Ryan and Dixon questioned whether the signs would
make a difference. There are a lot of signs already.
People who are fare evaders knew they weren’t going
to pay before they boarded and we aren’t going to
change them.
- Downing said she thought for this to be effective
everyone would have to be committed to
enforcing it
• Concerns were expressed that the sign could cause
more problems. Maki talked about effects of the poor
economy and the stress people are under. She expressed
concern that focus on being strict about one particular
issue like fare makes things worse.
Himrich: Some operators might feel obligated to
enforce the policy even when it isn’t a good choice for
their safety.
Kuennen: It may help people who are good at
managing confl ict and become a source of more
confl ict for those who aren’t. Adding more layers of
rules brings out more confl ict. TCC sees this in radio
calls received.
Dixon and Maki – concern about the sign increasing
mixed messages and operators not knowing what
they’re supposed to do
Benson brought up the possibility of seeing what
results from the Fare Evasion Committee. § Steffen
indicated the Fare Collection Committee will
be meeting in February and that perhaps we can
invite some of the committee members to the next
TSSC meeting to give an update about the status of
simplifying fares.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Transit Service Study for Central Corridor – Scott
Thompson, Senior Transit Planner in Service
Development
• Central Corridor Transit Service Study project
Summary - Will look at the connecting service on
University Ave.
Address the travel desires of the customers in the study
area.
Working with Jill Hentges to gather information from
the community
See website for more information. www.metrotransit.
org/central-transit-study.aspx
• Run times were discussed - Use Operator Condition
Reports (OCR), AVL, and real time data to create
running times.
• This committee would like to discuss the safety
concerns of bus and LRT interaction. Brian Funk went
with Brian Lamb and people from the U of M to look at
safety concerns on Washington Ave.
SOUTH OPERATOR REPORT
Lisa Benson in attendance:
• Operators have noticed a fi lm on the inside of the
windows in the morning -New buses including 1100,
1200, 3300 series
ACTION ITEM: Davis will pass information about
fi lm on windows to Chuck Wurzinger.
• Chute for the 46th St Station on I35W hasn’t been
salted. - Our maintenance staff put salt on the platform
and in the stop, but the rest of the chute isn’t salted.
ACTION ITEM: Kuennen will continue follow up
with MNDOT
ACTION ITEM: Benson will forward any future
dates with salting problems to Kuennen.
• 46th St Station on LRT. There are holes and ruts in
the dirt entrance for buses.
ACTION ITEM: Deb Downing will talk to
Engineering & Facilities
• Cars at red light on 24th Ave block MOA exit.
Replace stop line that was there before milling?
ACTION ITEM: Downing will talk to the City of
Bloomington.
EAST OPERATOR REPORT
James Minelli in attendance:
• Rt 64 crowds. Operators like the idea of using artics
to reduce crowding. - Downing responded: § More
specifi c information is needed about which trips are
having trouble with crowding. OCRs should be fi lled
out.
There is an artic on weekends. It’s harder to get them
on weekdays.
Deb has talked to George Hernandez (Garage Coord.)
and Karen Underwood.
George would like the specifi c information to help
address the problem.
ACTION ITEM: Minelli to talk with George
Hernandez about specifi c Rt 64 runs that may be
appropriate for an artic.
• Concern about bus cleaning. Operators need to wash
windows before pullout. - Minelli noticed dozens of
buses that weren’t washed.
ACTION ITEM: Davis will pass information to
Chuck Wurzinger.
• Can the police follow about two blocks behind buses
instead of right behind? - People aren’t getting on the
bus if they see that police are on the bus.
Gordon Greenwaldt - We can’t micromanage the
offi cers. They follow closely so that if they get a call
they can get off the bus and head to the call quickly.
• Can we get a tinted strip on the curbside front
window?
ACTION ITEM: Davis will pass information to
Chuck Wurzinger.
MJR OPERATOR REPORT
Dereje Tafesse in attendance:
• Are we going to get cup holders on low fl oor buses?
Maintenance Response – A cup holder was installed
on one bus, but people didn’t like the positioning.
Cup holders with a new design have been installed on
several articulated buses at each garage that operates
this type of bus. Cup holders will be installed on the
remaining articulated buses after a short trial period for
this new design.
Page 21
Page 22
• A recent assault led to a lot of concern about operator
safety and a lot of rumors. Operators would like to get
communication from upper management when assaults
occur.
ACTION ITEM: Brian Funk will talk to Christy
Bailly about providing updates on assaults.
FTH OPERATOR REPORT
Leatha Falls in attendance:
• Rt. 22 - Operators are interested in artics to reduce
overloads between 3p and 6:30p. -Deb Downing:
Overload reports didn’t show consistent specifi c
information. Service Development is making changes
for the March pick. Please provide more specifi c
information either in an OCR or in this meeting, so
we can make specifi c changes. Run numbers would
be helpful. § Falls: Run 2039, 7/Nic @ 3:11 pm has
standing load, also boards disruptive kids at Lyndale/
Broadway.
Make sure you call in to the TCC when you have an
overload so we can pass that information and make
changes.
- Downing: Sometimes the public doesn’t like the
changes that we make internally.
- Funk: Ridership is high, but we don’t have more
money to add the resources to meet that demand.
- Kuennen: Can we get APCs on Rt. 22?
ACTION ITEM: Thompson will ask Charlie
Pruyn to follow up with Downing.
ACTION ITEM: Kuennen will work to have
TCC run extra Rt. 22 buses this afternoon.
NICOLLET OPERATOR REPORT
Ryan Timlin in attendance:
- Safety bell that goes off when the lift is deployed
is ear piercing.
LRT OPERATOR REPORT
Rolland Green in attendance:
• LRT is hiring 50 new operators.
TCC REPORT
Christine Kuennen in attendance:
• 46th St. Station addressed in earlier discussion.
• Question about possibility of canned messages that
bus operators could play on bus PA. - Issue had been
raised to Kuennen by a Bus Operator.
Tafesse: There are messages being used on some MJR
buses
Steffen: Lowanda is working on it with Bus Trans.
Executive staff
• FTH Security Forum -Very valuable and would like to
see it at the other garages
She is considering putting out an open letter to
Operators about what kind of questions they will be
asked, what they can expect from TCC when they call
in Benson: Consider a quick reference guide.
• TCC incoming Radio Call Response Time (Chart
showing January 2012) - Call type, Median Response
Time in Seconds and Total Number of Calls:
Silent Alarm – 8 Seconds – 24 Calls
Overt Alarm – 8 Seconds – 60 Calls
Priority Request to Talk – 17 Seconds – 1,304 Calls
Request to Talk – 23 Seconds – 7,684 Calls
Total calls: More than 9,000
CUSTOMER RELATIONS REPORT
Pam Steffen in attendance:
• Brought fl ashing lights that passengers can use to
make themselves visible while waiting at the bus stop. -
TSSC Reps were given a supply to take to their garage
Coordinator.
- We don’t have enough to give everyone.
- Operators can get them from Coordinators to give
them to customers.
- Suggestion that customers can use their cell phone to
fl ag bus if they’re comfortable doing so.
• Refl ective tape on Go-To cards - Has contacted
Revenue Collection. Waiting for information.
• Info Center on the buses - Lowanda has been
working with Maintenance to get new schedule holders
installed.
- Steffen showed the group a new holders.
- More people will be able to reach the schedules.
MAINTENANCE REPORT
Donald Davis in attendance
• Alligator clips on 1200 series buses – Fleet Service
has been assigned to address this.
• Adjustment button on operator seat. The manufacturer
reported that this control knob cannot be moved. It
is supplied by another company that is not willing to
redesign the associated components.
• Lighting of key pad for destination sign. Looking for
options that won’t add to glare. A keypad light will be
installed on this year’s order of 40’ buses.
• Op. seat cleanliness - Recaro doesn’t have any other
fabric protection than what we already have. The foam
underneath is coated as well.
Maintenance is working with cleaners to have
them write up seats with deteriorated foam or other
Page 23
problems.
STREET OPERATIONS REPORT
Deb Downing in attendance:
• Rt. 22 addressed above
• Rt. 64 overloads addressed above
• Westbound 4th St SE to 10 Ave – concern about
parked cars - There is no parking on 10th or 4th.
Downing contacted the operator who reported the
issue to TSSC. No further information available.
• Chicago Lake Transit Center area – street markings -
Property owner will take care of painting in the spring.
• I94 shoulder lanes are not coming back.
• Update about Op who was taken to hospital and left
there. - Deb has clarifi ed and resolved the situation by
talking with the operator.
She was offered a ride, but she said she had family
that could pick her up.
She was there for over 4 hours. It wouldn’t have been
possible for a Supervisor to wait there that long and
the operator indicated she wouldn’t have wanted that.
If an operator does want someone to stay with them
Peer Support should be considered.
• Tafesse reported buses aren’t getting a left turn signal
from NB 2nd Ave to WB 3rd St anymore.
ACTION ITEM: Deb will look into the turn signal
from NB 2nd Ave S to WB 3rd St.
POLICE REPORT
Gordon Greenwaldt in attendance:
• Police saturated Rt. 5 which pushed problems other
places such as Rt. 19.
• More police presence will be noticed
• Route 19 isn’t a high crime route based on a
comparison of police calls by route (Rt. 19: 6 calls, Rt.
5-Northern Part: 9 calls, Rt. 22: 2 calls, Rt. 10: 6 calls,
Rt. 16: 17 calls, Rt. 21: 10 calls).
SAFETY REPORT
Brenda Himrich in attendance:
• Himrich brought the top 10 location report for
accidents during 2011. This should be discussed at the
next meeting.
• Himrich distributed graphs representing 2011
accidents per 100,000 miles for garages and the
system.
LRT REPORT
Amina Wolf in Attendance:
• Bar signal at 4th/Chicago was changed. Wolf asked
if it is easier to see now. - Green indicated that the
change was good but the signal on the other side of the
intersection is in more need of being changed.
March 1, 2012 Members of the Commi� ee Present:
Dereje Tafesse, MJR, Committee Chair
Monica Kruger, Management Advisor
Rolland Green, LRT
Leatha Falls, Heywood
James Minelli, East Metro
Lisa Benson, South
Ryan Timlin, Nicollet
Others in attendance:
Mike LaVine, Police
Chuck Wurzinger, Maintenance
Brenda Himrich, Safety
Christy Bailly, Transit Operations
Lowanda Aaron, Customer Relations
Deb Downing, Street Operations
Dorothy Maki, Union
Amina Wolf, LRT
Christine Kuennen, TCC
John Cook, FTH
CALL TO ORDER
Dereje Tafesse called the meeting to order.
REVIEW OF MINUTES
February minutes were approved.
ONGOING INTERDEPARTMENTAL TOPICS
Route 19 – Christy Bailly
• Joint detail on Route 19 on February 23, included
Metro Transit, Minneapolis, and Brooklyn Center
police
• Detail ran 2p-10p using plain clothes and uniformed
offi cers.
• Offi cers made many misdemeanor arrests.
• Transit Supervisors rode in plain clothes with police.
• Sent a great message to the community.
• TCC sent text messages to Rt.19 drivers requesting
zero tolerance for fare evaders, etc.
• Feedback:
- Ops said they recognized Transit supervisors on the
buses and appreciated the increased police presence.
• An off-shoot of the Route 19 Task force is the North
Side Action Plan approved by executive staff to
provide Police, Street Operations and MADDADS
presence on Routes 5, 19, 22
• We are a developing a pilot training program for the
Rt. 5, 19, 22 drivers to give them tools to deal with
the tough situations. Training will include situational
videos, scenarios and discussion along with de-
escalation techniques
- The goal is to train 1/3 of the workforce every year.
LRT OPERATOR REPORT
Rolland Green in attendance:
• Nothing to report.
NICOLLET OPERATOR REPORT
Ryan Timlin in attendance:
• Can a text be sent to ops after an assault to tell them
to watch for a suspect? - Monica will discuss outside of
the meeting.
• Operators would like more detail on the 22.
FTH OPERATOR REPORT
Leatha Falls in attendance:
• TCC: Is there a way to notify the operators on the
MDT that they have received the silent alarm? Yes,
there is a small squiggle like line in the top of the
screen.
Action Item: Christine will draft a bulletin regarding
silent alarm indication for Bus Ops to issue.
EAST OPERATOR REPORT
James Minelli in attendance:
• Operators would like to have a big picture of some
of the assailants so they can help catch them. Options
were discussed
• James would like some assault training videos
brought to East
• Police: Can we have some route saturation on our
routes as well? - We have details that work the St. Paul
routes as well as some of the MADDADS.
MJR OPERATOR REPORT
Dereje Tafesse in attendance:
• Police: Operators would like police to stand at the
door of the 19 as they load at Nicollet and 7th during
the 12a-1a line ups.
• Police: Can we open an offi ce in BCTC for the police
to use? - There is an offi ce that we use sometimes. We
are working on having a separate entrance for the ops
to go into the drivers room
Christy Bailly: Can we put ‘Police Substation’ on the
door of the offi ce to deter crime?
• If you see a party bus at the BCTC, please call TCC.
• Action Item: Deb Downing will issue a Route Info
regarding party buses.
• St. Operations: Can we have Bus Only Lane during
rush hour for the left turn from 2nd on to 3rd?
Currently it is signed “No Stopping or Parking” We can
only do so much to keep people out of those lanes.
SOUTH OPERATOR REPORT
Lisa Benson in attendance:
• The time of day that is scrolling on the new buses
don’t match the MDT times and customers are getting
mad.
• Nextrip times are off as well.
Action Item: Christine will talk to Gary Nyberg about
the incorrect NexTrip times.
Action Item: Lisa will send information to Gary
about the incorrect NexTrip times.
• Thank you for the police presence on the Rt. 14.
Operator was being verbally abused and after the police
presence the operator had a very quite ride. - Christine
Kuennen: Please call us about these issues before it
gets out of hand - i.e. threats, verbal abuse, etc. We
want you to call in.
- Mike LaVine would like to be able to take a video to
the school and show it to their administration.
SAFETY REPORT
Brenda Himrich in attendance:
• Reports: Top 10 Claim Count by location
Accidents per 100,000 miles
• Christy Bailly: MJR has had three run away buses
recently. We’re starting a campaign about properly
parking your bus. Get the word out.
• Maintenance: Can there be an alarm that goes off
when the op doesn’t put the e brake on? Chuck: Yes,
but we’ll have to think it through and fi gure out a
solution.
POLICE REPORT
Mike LaVine in attendance:
• Maintenance: Can we keep the lenses on the cameras
clean? It’s very helpful to have clear images. Chuck:
Yes
• Last month’s assaults were discussed.
• YTD: Ten driver assaults
Discussed three.
STREET OPERATIONS REPORT
Deb Downing in attendance:
• Action Items: 24th Ave MOA – Information given to
Hennepin County to replace stop line in NB 24th Ave at
MOA entrance.
46th St Station – Building contractor has fi xed the
potholes
Page 24
Page 25 NB 2nd Ave to WB 3rd St. – Left turn signal has been
restored.
• Route 22 - Ran extras to help with the overloads and
it didn’t seem to be worthwhile
Street Operations and SD looked into it.
We want to look at it by a case by case basis.
Please call TCC and provide details if you have
overloads.
• Central Corridor construction is starting again. -
Construction updates for Central Corridor are available
at centralcorridor.org.
TCC REPORT
Christine Kuennen in attendance:
• No response time report, but will bring it next
meeting.
• Nice job during the snow storm, 49 stuck buses .
• Life On The Streets (LOTS) - Christine held
LOTS training sessions with FTH Operators Shawn
Thompson and Daisy Frantz, including 2 ½ hour small
group session and an all day “Day in the life of a Bus
Operator” ride-along with three TCC new hires in
January. This program will move through to rest of
TCC staff, to include Operators from other garages
over the course of 2012. The next training session
is scheduled fi rst week of March, again with Shawn
and Daisy from FTH. Christine will then expand the
program to include two Nicollet Operators, with those
sessions scheduled for later in March.
• On 2/2, Christine sent email to Mark Fischbach of
MNDOT, again addressing the Committee’s concern
for inconsistent maintenance of I35W/46th St chute.
The email was subsequently addressed by Bill Olson,
the new Supervisor of the plow and salting trucks for
that station. He assured that the station would be salted
in the same manner as the rest of the I35W traffi c lanes
in the future. Christine asked the TSSC if there had
been any further complaints about street maintenance at
the station since last meeting, none were noted.
• Called MNDOT about 46th St Station. Please
provide details
• New Supervisor – Will Tajibnapis from South Garage
LRT REPORT
Amina Wolf in Attendance:
• Bar signals continue to be researched.
• Thank you for everyone’s help with the Sabo Bridge
Bus Bridge
• Effective with the new pick the Target Station Tail
tracks won’t be used any longer due to construction.
Trains will be reverse running in downtown.
MAINTENANCE REPORT
Chuck Wurzinger in attendance:
• Cup holders have been installed on some of the buses.
Everyone seems happy so we will continue with the
rest of the fl eet.
• During the storm there was some slipping and we are
looking into the tread depth and other aspects of our
tires.
• Alligator clips will be on the next batch of buses we
order.
• Key pad lighting - Small lights will be installed on
this year’s order of 40’ buses to better illuminate the
destination sign key pad.
• Maintenance will set up a booth in the garages for
operators to ask questions and raise concerns. Starting
in March, the tentative plan is to schedule these twice
this year.
• Silent Alarms - Working with Bus Operations and
Safety to research the false alarm situation and possible
solutions.
- Christine Kuennen reports 26 silent alarms in 2012.
She hasn’t had a chance to go through each report to
see what the specifi cs are.
CUSTOMER RELATIONS REPORT
Lowanda Aaron in attendance:
• No response yet about refl ection tape.
• Leatha Falls, thank you for driving the 250 recently. It
really helped us out.
Retirements
Congratulations to March Retirees03/01/12 Angela Smith, EM Op. 2393
03/03/12 John Moore, So. Op. 275
Congratulations to April Retirees
04/02/12 David Zapata, Nic. Sk. Helper 5482
04/02/12 Dale Woodcock, MJR Mech. 5141
04/03/12 Marnell Wilber, MJR Op. 1157
04/06/12 Nancy Carpenter, Sales Op. 3697
04/07/12 Georgia Leonetti, EM Op. 6011
04/07/12 Todd Stevens, Hey. Op. 1273
04/14/12 Richard Turnblom, EM Op. 2512
If you have pictures or announcements of
retirements, please contact your Education
Committee member or the union office.
Submissions for Letters to the Editor are subject to approval of the
Editorial Board and space considerations. Letters to the Editor are
solely the opinion of the author and do not represent endorsement
by ATU Local 1005 or the Education Committee. If you have an
editorial to submit, please contact a committee member or our
advisor Dorothy Maki at: [email protected].
Letters
To The
Editor
Unsolved Mysteries…
Drivers, have you ever thought you misplaced or lost something in your garage, only to discover it was stolen?
Have you left your lock hanging on your locker unlocked, only to come in from a run and fi nd it missing? Have
you informed your ATM, only to interpret a blank look and a possible “I don’t know what could have happened?”
Has this occurred three times? After that third time (charm? not!), you learned to lock the lock on that locker?
Page 26
Retired Members’ Clubs
Northside Breakfast Club
Meets 8:30 a.m. the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Bar-
nacle Bill’s, Shingle Creek Parkway and Freeway Blvd,
Brooklyn Center.
Southside Breakfast Club
Meets 8:00 a.m. the 1st Wednesday and the 4th Thurs-
day of each month at the VFW Post, 67th Street and
Lyndale Ave. in Richfi eld.
Metro Transit Mechanic Teammate
Meets at 12:00 p.m. the 3rd Tuesday of the month at
Old Country Buffet (by Petco), 2000 South Robert St.,
West St. Paul
Retired Members’ Clubs
St. Paul Retiree Lunch ClubMeets 12:00 p.m. the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Mattie’s (formerly Wells Lanes ) So. Con-
cord St., South St. Paul 55075
If you want to join the St. Paul Retiree Club, con-
tact one of the following:
President Howard Osterkamp (651) 731-2428
Vice-President Jay Kerkvliet (651) 489-8281
Treasurer Paul Huber (651) 698-6551
Secretary Mary Huber (651) 698-5771
South Operator
Michael Jawish # 433 Retires
On May 9, 2012, South Garage driver Michael Jawish re-
tired after almost 38 years, having been hired on July 8, 1974.
After a little
time off, Mi-
chael plans to
drive
special-ed
buses,
something he
enjoyed
during one of
the strikes.
Mark Lawson, Recording Secretary/Ass’t. Business
Agent, presents the ATU member jacket.
Jawish with his grandson, Hunter, brother
Rick, wife, Mary and grandson Landon
Help Fight Scott Walker
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has attacked the rights of working people to organize unions and to speak
up in their workplaces and the political life of their communities, their state and their nation,
He has attacked the right of citizens to dissent and to have a voice in the legislative processs.
The list of assaults on basic rights is so long that it is not surprising that close to one million Wisconsinites
have petitioned for the recall and removal of Scott Walker in a June 5th election.
Union brothers and sisters, this could have been us had Tom Emmer been elected governor of Minnesota.
And although he wasn't, having Scott Walker as governor in Wisconsin threatens working families everywhere.
So when I read the following, I became very concerned that all the hard work the Walker recall people and the
working class of Wisconsin and Minnesota had done was going to be all for naught.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie added some firepower to fellow Republican Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin
at a campaign rally on Tuesday, as he reminded the people of the Badger State that, as their state gears up for the
historic recall election of their governor, “Wisconsin is going to be the center of the American political universe.”
“All the eyes of America for the next five weeks are going to be on the state of Wisconsin for the next five
weeks,” Christie said at an event in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. “America is going to find out the answer to what is
more powerful: The people or the money [and] special interests from Washington, D.C.? Wisconsin will answer
that question.”
Scott Walker has raised more than $13 million in three months for a recall election, a jaw-dropping feat that
easily shattered the fundraising record he set last year. He set a record for fundraising for a state office last year,
when he pulled in $12.1 million. But that paled next to his fundraising so far this year. Campaign finance reports
filed with state elections officials Monday show he collected $13.1 million between Jan. 18 and April 23.
A special state law allowing recall targets to raise unlimited amounts of money in their campaigns' early days
helped Walker, but the pace of his fundraising underscores how beloved the governor is in conservative circles
nationwide.
Walker attended a Christmas party thrown by conservative power broker Grover Norquist and raised money
with Hank Greenberg, founder and former CEO of American International Group, at his Manhattan office. He
was in Oklahoma last month, mingling with the corporate elite and top Republicans at a fundraiser co-sponsored
by Koch Industries, the oil company led by billionaire brothers who are top backers of conservative causes
nationwide.
The dilemma is the two Democratic front-runners, former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, didn't come close to Walker's totals: Falk's report showed she raised about
Page 27What good is a lock without the keys? After talking to other drivers, have you found they also have had locks
taken?
I was informed by another driver that their food was taken out of the refrigerator and the container was returned
unwashed. Wow! Drivers have informed me that they have come in from runs, and left their food on the table,
gone to the restroom to wash their hands, and found their food missing, just that quickly.
Another driver informed me that her work bag (with all its contents)was taken from the driver room. After this
driver cursed, threatened bodily harm and threw a temper tantrum meltdown, the bag showed up with its contents.
Thievery is an awful thing. My dad used to say he could trust a murderer quicker than a thief.
Come on now, when can we start trusting each other? If there is some childish adult that is not willing to accept
the fact this is a work place and not a junior high school, then maybe that is where they should return!
Jacqueline D. Williams, M. J. Ruter #66180
Page 28
Independence from the Two-Party System
“Why would Dr. King endorse your campaign?” asked Wolf Blitzer in the 2008 presidential campaign. Then-
candidate Obama was the only one who answered truthfully. "I don't think Dr. King would endorse any of us. I
think that he would call upon American people to hold us accountable...I believe change does not happen from
the top down, it happens from the bottom up. It was those women who were willing to walk instead of ride the
bus. It was union workers who were willing to take on violence and intimidation to get the right to organize, it
was women who decide now I'm as smart as my husband I better get the right to vote. Them arguing, mobilizing,
agitating and ultimately forcing elected offi cials to be accountable I think that is the key."
This is exactly what these movements did: They built independent movements that put pressure on the elected
offi cials. One of the best historical examples is in the 70s. Under the Nixon presidency, the Vietnam War ended,
ActBlue
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While it is true that PACs cannot vote, their excessive spending on media ads twists and distorts issues to their
position, leaving out critical facts. If you say the wrong thing enough times, the general population will believe
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Examples of successes: In the fi rst quarter of 2012, Elizabeth Warren, a Senator from Massacheusetts, had
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Stephen Babcock, Stockkeeper #3128
$977,000 between Jan. 1 and April 23. Barrett's campaign said he has brought in $750,000.
So as the working class people of Minnesota, we can help. We NEED to help...before it's too late.
Ilona LaDouceur #66048
Page 29Roe v. Wade was decided, and OSHA was created All of this happened under a conservative president. “How?”
you might ask. Because there were independent mass movements that put pressure on his administration and
forced the issues.
That is what is lacking today. What is left of the Civil Rights, Womens Rights, LGBT and Labor Movements
have not built independent pressure. Instead, they have endorsed and mobilized their bases to go out and get the
vote for certain candidates. What kind of pressure is that?
Now, Obama said he believes change does not happen from the top down, and I agree with that statement. But
after he won the presidency he told everyone to go home, it was time for him to get to work. Telling the people to
go home opened the door for the right wing attacks we have seen. Obama should have used those historic num-
bers at his rallies to force through an agenda that would help workers and the poor. But that is not the role the
Democratic Party has ever played. They receive huge amounts of money from companies like Goldman Sachs
and Bank of America, the ones who have caused this crisis, and they need to answer to them. The Democratic
Party carries out the same corporate policies as the Republicans, although at a slower pace.
In Madison, Wisconsin we saw signs of what is possible. An independent movement started from the bottom
up. It wasn’t called by the union leaders or the politicians. They were dragged into the battle. Then the union and
Democratic Party leaders directed the energy of the Wisconsin workers and youth into abandoning their mass
protests to focus on the recall election. Now, I am not opposed to the recall, but this was a form of “protest” which
could be controlled from above.
After the battle in Wisconsin we saw a string of union offi cials such as Richard Trumka (the President of the
AFL-CIO) declare labor's independence from the Democrats. But this last March they proved their words to be
hollow. The AFL-CIO endorsed Obama for President.
While King was alive, the Civil Rights movement never endorsed any candidate for president. They built a
mass movement such as Obama talked about, and put pressure on the politicians. That is what caused the changes!
That is the only thing that has caused change. We are seeing the beginnings of movements building today like the
Occupy movement. It has had victories and it has had defeats. That is part of the process, and the key is to learn
from the victories and defeats. But they need to stay independent!
A movement alone will not be enough. Out of these movements, people should be elected to run for offi ces!
In the past, candidates have been co-opted by the power structure. To prevent this, these candidates (and offi cials
from the organization or party which stands them) must construct themselves differently. They must tether their
candidates to real life by demanding they accept only the average salary of the people they represent. The remain-
der would go back into the organization to support its campaigns.
In our communities, schools, workplaces and unions we need to start these discussions. We cannot keep rec-
reating the wheel. We need to build a movement and a party that will put pressure on the powers that be to create
real change.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2008/01/21/VI2008012102653.html
Ryan Timlin, Nicollet Op. #66279
WHY Stress Yourself?
I’ve talked to a lot of drivers. It might be in the drivers’ room at the garage, at layovers, or riding the bus. One
of the main things that they say stresses them out the most is the bus fare evader. Whether it’s a no-pay or a short
fare, it seems to just get under their skin and bring on undue stress.
Metro Transit has given us an out by not demanding that we challenge the evader, but rather inform them of
the fare, make a note of regular abusers and let management know. I can admit that it gets a little frustrating some-
times when some people just expect you to give them a handout like you owe them. But we have to choose our
battles wisely and not get caught up in something we can avoid. We have to remember that this is a stressful job,
Page 30
In Memoriam
Edwin Eugene "Mick" Griffi th , age 87, of Bloomington, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in March. He was
preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris. He is survived by his three sons, Kirk (Carol), Brad (Pat) and Todd
(Karen); eight grandchildren, Tracy (Jascha), Katie (Scott), Sarah, Chad, Michelle, Kyle, Adam and Nick (Lacey);
great-grandchildren, Brody and Savanna. He served as a WWII Marine Corps Medic, worked in sales and for
the MTC bus company, and retired out of South Garage. He was a gentleman with a big heart and great sense of
humor, and he was loved by all.
Gilbert P.Nevils, Sr, age 80, of New Hope, passed away April 12, 2012. He was pre-
ceded in death by his wife Mary Lou. He is survived by children, Yvonne Marie Mitch-
ell, Deborah Byers, Michele (Don) Nielsen, Julie Jackson, Dennice Hofstetter, Gilbert
(Angie) Nevils, Jr., Kathleen (Marcus) Southard, Teresa (Steve) Look; many grandchil-
dren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Strong & Juanita Nevils. Gilbert Sr.began
his career at Metro Transit from November 1979 to 1996 (as Driver #1229), and then
continued it from 1999 to 2004 (as Driver #7005).
Our condolences go out to the Nevils family, especially Gil Nevils Jr., who is cur-
rently a Full-Time Instructor at Metro Transit’s Instruction Center.
Roger N. Rutt, age 58, of Breezy Point, died Saturday, March 31, 2012, at the University of Minnesota Hospital.
Roger was born May 29, 1953, in Minneapolis, the son of Roger and Katherine (Syse) Rutt. He graduated from
the University of Minnesota with a degree in forestry and worked as a Twin Cities Metro bus driver for 10 years.
He drove out of Nicollet and South Garages as Driver #889. Roger was hired part-time on December 5, 1983 and
left full-time service on June 19, 1996.
He moved to Breezy Point, where he started a forestry consulting business. Roger was a true outdoorsman. He
enjoyed gardening, hunting, fi shing and golfi ng. He was active in Kinship Partners. He liked to play cards, espe-
cially poker. Roger will be remembered for his honesty and kindness. He truly cherished visiting with people and
helping out however he was able.
He will be missed by his mother, Katherine Rutt, of Pequot Lakes; sisters, Barbara Krueger, of Minneapolis
and Deborah Knudson, of Pine City; nephews, Jason and Jesse; and niece, Vanessa. He was preceded in death by
his father, Roger.
and stress can come from so many different areas throughout the day. Fare evaders shouldn’t be on the list.
Metro Transit can stop the fare problem at any given time, we cannot. Some drivers have been looked at in a
bad way by management for consistently trying to hold riders to paying their fare and calling it in. Take that un-
due stress off yourself and follow the policy that has been laid out for us. Let’s try working on some of the other
stressors we face from day to day.
Alemu C. Foluke #63113, MJR Garage
UNION DUES AFTER
RETIREMENT
When you retire, make sure you maintain your membership dues. Those who retire today pay
$49.80/yr. The “Death Benefi t” is $1,000 from the International, and $100 from the local ($1,100 total).
You will also be able to vote on election of offi cers and stay connected by attending monthly membership
meetings.
If you have been a member for 50 years, you no longer have to pay dues, and are a Lifetime Member.
Levorn (Hill) Bumpers, 61, of Minneapolis, formerly of Waterloo, died Wednesday,
Feb. 29, at home of natural causes and was buried in Waterloo. He was born Oct.
3, 1950, in Grove Hill, Alabama, son of Ellis Lee Bumpers and Edna Rae Creighton
Bumpers. He is survived by his parents, Herbert and Edna Hill of Waterloo; a daughter,
Murinda Sallis of Minneapolis; two sisters, Jacqueline (Marcus) Floyd of Minneapolis,
and Doreen (Sam) Mingo of Waterloo; fi ve grandsons, Dae’Von, Richard III, Rishawn,
Richard and Ricarlos; and four nieces, Danyale, RaeVonn, Malaya and SeAira.
Levorn was employed with Metro Transit in Minneapolis for 25 years. He was hired
as a part-time driver on August 6, 1987 and became a full-time driver on December 7,
1988. Levorn retired August 19, 2010 after spending much of his career at Heywood and
Ruter Garages.
Page 31
Jim "Jeeves" Louis Burgoyne, age 74, of Hastings, passed away Feb. 20 at his home.
He was the oldest son of Louis and Inez (Glass) Burgoyne, born Dec. 30, 1937, in El
Paso, Wis. He grew up and attended school in St. Paul Park. He was a member of the
U.S. Air Force as a young man and loved to fi sh, camp, and just hang out with family
and friends. He loved to play cards and he always knew where you could get good
food. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother Don; and grandson Eric. He is
survived by daughters Cheryl (Darren) Youngren and Corrie Murtaugh; grandchildren
Keith (Jenny) Vogel, Sarah (Adam) Majetich, Renee (Roger) Sievers, and Austin Bauer;
other children, Penny Middendorf, Shannon Bunde, David, Scott and Jessica Burgoyne;
16 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. He is also
survived by his brother Jeff (Jane) Burgoyne.
Richard G. (Dick) Ryan, age 88, passed away on March 27, 2012 after a long, full life. He was preceded
in death by sons, Joe and Jeff; sister, Rosy Vigness; brother, Tom Ryan; and son-in-law, Mark Moser. He is
survived by his wife, Lorraine; children, Bobbie (Rick) Ballot, John (Bev), Denise Moser, Jim (Lisa), Paula
(Clarence), Karla (Mark) Jordan, Michele (Tom) Sorman, Jerry (Kathy) and Jack Ryan; daughters- in-law, El-
len and Roberta; 28 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Ellen Flynn; and sister-inlaw, Mary
Ann Ryan. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.
In 1984, retiring Local 1005 Assistant BA/Recording Secretary Dick Ryan was honored by the outgoing
Local 1005 Executive Board with a gold watch for service he had given the union. Ryan began working with
the transit system in Min-
neapolis in 1947 as a street
car motorman and conduc-
tor. He was elected to the
Transit Workers Local 1005
Executive Board in 1971
and was elected Assistant
BA/ Recording Secretary
in 1975. Ryan also served
on the Minneapolis Charter
Commission for eight years
and the State Retirement
Association Pension Board
for six years.
Elaine Markula, Financial Secretary/Treasurer, John Johnson, Vice-President
and Arnie Entzel, President with Dick in 1984.
MOTORCYCLE RUN
For Hardship Fund
Saturday June 9TH, 2012 Sponsored By:
ATU 1005 ���������������������������������������������������������������� ���
������������������� $15.00 for each bike/$5.00 for each rider.
Ride will go from Lower lot of E.M. @ 10:00 AM to routing that ends at Grand
Casino Hinkley. Lunch provided! Door Prizes! Routing maps handed out at start.
Sign-up ahead of time or day of ride with Dorothy Maki: 612/379-2914 office
612/867-8258 cell � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
� � RAIN OUT DATE: SUNDAY JUNE 10TH�� � �
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