Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Local 1179 had two contract meetings with the MTA Bus Company this month. The costing out of different contract issues is slowing the process down. As you know three different unions with three different contracts represent the workers that are now part of MTA Bus. One of the main objectives of the Company is to align all the contracts with each other as much as possible. This has turned into a larger and more complicated process then anticipated because the MTA board and the New York City Office of Management and Budget must approve the increased costs associated with any changes. Add to this the fact that Local 1179 doesn't always agree with the value placed on a contract change by the MTA and the MTA doesn't always agree with our costing out and you can see why things are moving slowly.
We are in the process of scheduling additional contract meetings with the MTA, which will be held in March, after both sides cost out the new proposed language.
Progress is being made though and we will get a new contract for our members as soon as possible. I realize that even though negotiated wage increases will be paid retro-active to all members once the contract is finalized the fact is we are currently still being paid at 2005 wage rates and that's not acceptable.
It didn't have to be this way. Starting two years before the first private company was taken over I wrote letter after letter to the MTA and the City of New York asking them to sit down with us to work out these complicated labor, management and service issues that I knew would arise because of the takeover. Both the City and the MTA denied my request and said it was premature. I went to City council meetings and made many speeches before the Transportation committee and Civil Service and Labor committee asking them to intervene and have the city negotiate with us. Again the City refused as well as the MTA.
Not till after the takeover was complete did the MTA sit down and discuss these issues with us and we're still discussing them. That is why this contract is taking so long to complete.
Notes and Quotes:: The twentieth annual ATU Local 1179 Retirement Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, March 8 at the Sand Castle Caterers in Franklin Square, NY, to honor Local 1179 members that retired during 2007. Tickets are $75. If you are interested in attending please see any executive board officer or shop steward or call the union hall at (718)658-3838.
This year's honorees are: Brother Anthony Brannon, Brother Joe Cocuzza, Brother Tom DeMarinis, Brother Charlie Holmes, Brother Ed Hunter, Brother Charlie Lattka, Brother Danny Manz, Brother Felix Navarro, Brother Bill Oberer, Brother George Warren, and Brother Wilson Woods.
Retired Local 1179 Financial Secretary/Treasurer Tom DeMarinis is one of our members being honored at this year's event. Tommy has been a member of Local 1179 for 36 years and served loyally as the Financial Secretary/Treasurer of our union for the past twelve years, the last nine years with me. I admired his organizational skills, his perseverance and his calming manner in the face of difficulties. Tommy always had the ability to get things done - and done well, no matter how difficult. He has truly earned my respect and the respect of everyone at Local 1179. Even though he will be missed, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his retirement and to wish him continued health and happiness.
Arbitration Update::
There were no arbitrations scheduled.
TWU Local 106 has amended their petition submitted to PERB and removed the names of supervisors currently represented by ATU Local 1179 from their list.
Therefore the Amalgamated Transit Union has withdrawn their AFL-CIO Article XX sanction complaint lodged against the TWU.
Remember; In order to remain effective as a Union, we must stay united.
