SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017 - OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION|AFL-CIO/CLC - Amalgamated Transit ...
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O F F I C I A L J O U R N A L O F T H E A M A LG A M AT E D T R A N S I T U N I O N | A F L- C I O/C LC
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017
Exposing safety culture
neglect in public transit
NEWSBRIEFS
INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS
LAWRENCE J. HANLEY
International President
JAVIER M. PEREZ, JR.
International Executive Vice President
OSCAR OWENS
International Secretary-Treasurer
INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
RICHARD M. MURPHY
Newburyport, MA – rmurphy@atu.org
JANIS M. BORCHARDT
Madison, WI – jborchardt@atu.org
PAUL BOWEN
Canton, MI – pbowen@atu.org
KENNETH R. KIRK
Lancaster, TX – kkirk@atu.org
MARCELLUS BARNES
Flossmore, IL – mbarnes@atu.org
RAY RIVERA
Lilburn, GA – rrivera@atu.org
YVETTE TRUJILLO
Thornton, CO – ytrujillo@atu.org
GARY JOHNSON, SR.
Cleveland, OH – gjohnson@atu.org
ROBIN WEST JIC Locals gather for collaborative training
Halifax, NS – rwest@atu.org More than 30 Locals from across the U.S. and Canada gathered at the Tommy Douglas Conference
JOHN COSTA Center for an innovative Joint Industry Council training. The attendees heard from experts and staff
Kenilworth, NJ – jcosta@atu.org on the new realities of bargaining and campaigning against large, deep-pocketed multinational
CHUCK WATSON employers. The training included a comprehensive understanding of the RFP process, a breakdown
Syracuse, NY – cwatson@atu.org
of the revenue agreement, negotiations, strategies for building strength within our Locals, and
CLAUDIA HUDSON planning for organizing campaigns. The Locals also exchanged ideas and experiences in dealing
Oakland, CA – chudson@atu.org
with these companies that will change our strategic approach for bargaining contracts.
BRUCE HAMILTON
New York, NY – bhamilton@atu.org
MICHELLE SOMMERS NY voters reject ballot proposal
Brooklyn Park, MN – msommers@atu.org on constitutional convention
JAMES LINDSAY ATU Locals across the state of New York joined organized labor and
Santa Clarita, CA – jlindsay@atu.org
allies across the state to declare victory as voters on November 7
EMANUELE (MANNY) SFORZA
Toronto, ON – msforza@atu.org soundly rejected the anti-worker ballot proposal to hold a constitutional
convention to amend the state’s constitution. The Locals waged an
JOHN CALLAHAN
Winnipeg, MB – jcallahan@atu.org aggressive campaign against the proposal which would have put
important labor protections, pensions and other rights for New York workers on the chopping block.
INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
DENNIS ANTONELLIS
Spokane, WA – dantonellis@atu.org INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS EMERITUS
STEPHAN MACDOUGALL
Boston, MA – smacdougall@atu.org International President Jim La Sala, ret.
ANTHONY GARLAND International President Warren George, ret.
Washington, DC – agarland@atu.org
ANTONETTE BRYANT International Executive Vice President Ellis Franklin, ret.
Oakland, CA – abryant@atu.org International Executive Vice President Mike Siano, ret.
SESIL RUBAIN
New Carrollton, MD – srubain@atu.org
Subscription: USA and Canada, $5 a year. Single copy: 50 cents. All others: $10 a year. Published bimonthly by the
CURTIS HOWARD Amalgamated Transit Union, Editor: Shawn Perry, Designer: Paul A. Fitzgerald. Editorial Office: 10000 New Hampshire
Atlanta, GA – choward@atu.org Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20903. Tel: 1-301-431-7100 . Please send all requests for address changes to the ATU
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ATU CANADA
PAUL THORP
Brampton, ON – president@atucanada.ca
CONTENT
S E P T/O C T
2017Vol. 126, No. 5
11 Workstation Initiative Phase II:
Power tool and machine hazards, top list of
maintenance worker safety concerns
12 38-year old OC Transpo bus operator starts
on college basketball team
BART fine confirms management culpability
in 2013 track worker deaths
13 Small businesses launch SOS for Metro
WORKSTATION INITIATIVE PHASE II: ATU SAFETY 9 Report urges TransLink to run HandyDART
as a public service
‘SWAT’ TEAMS, LOCALS TO PERFORM SAFETY AUDITS
14 ATU applauds introduction of
Driver Fatigue Prevention Act
20 Regina Local sets course for city’s
safe workplaces
21 Erie woman credits EMTA bus driver with
saving her life
St. Paul man honors mother with bus
farewell tour
FIGHTING FOR WORKERS 15 22 Local 583 member, longest serving City of
Calgary employee, dies at 80
YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW Kelowna, BC, Local pushes for better
protections for operators
2 International Officers &
General Executive Board 23 Connecticut Locals rally for safer workstations
News Briefs 24 All-door bus boarding could improve safety
and service
3 Index Page
25 Bus operator shortages concern Cincinnati
4 Canadian Agenda: Canadians to benefit
and Guelph Locals
from more sustainable transit options
26 Winnipeg Local warns that re-opening
5 International President’s Message:
intersection dangerous for pedestrians
Time to speak up!
Peterborough Local ratifies strong contract
6 International Executive Vice President’s
Message: ‘High tech’ needs ‘high touch’ to 27 Guelph, ON, transit workers ratify
be successful strong contract
7 International Secretary-Treasurer’s CLC takes on mental health in the workplace
Message: Reports of unions’ demise have 28 Translations (French)
been greatly exaggerated
31 In Memoriam
8 ATU Canada & allies rally to demand transit
be kept in public hands 32 Stay connected for a chance to win
an ATU jacket
Local 113 demands safety audits
10 Workstation Initiative Phase II:
Station attendant issues to be examined
during safety audits
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 3
Canadian Agenda
Canadians to benefit from more
sustainable transit options
Manitoba and the Canadian government are investing in The projects announced will support the growth of Toronto’s
public infrastructure to ensure Manitobans have modern public transit system while other improvements will make
and reliable transit systems that meet local needs and lay getting across the city easier, faster and safer for transit riders.
the foundation for sustainable economic growth. Union Station will see many improvements, including
signage and wayfinding, lighting and security.
These investments are part of an agreement between Canada
Manitoba to receive $21.6 million and Ontario for the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund.
for transit
Amarjeet Sohi, minister of infrastructure and communities
and a member of Local 569-Edmonton, AB, joined Jeff Quick facts
Wharton, minister of municipal relations and mayor of
Winnipeg, to announce federal-provincial funding of more • The Government of Canada will invest more than
than $21.6 million for five public transit projects. $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects,
green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade
“The Government of Canada is making strategic and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and
infrastructure investments to improve Manitobans’ quality northern communities.
of life while supporting economic development and middle
• $25.3 billion of this funding will support public
class job creation,” said Sohi in pointing out that the funding
transit projects, including $5 billion that will
will increase the safety and efficiency of the transit networks
be available for investment through the Canada
people rely on daily.
Infrastructure Bank.
Over the next 12 years the Canadian government will invest • The Government of Ontario is making the largest
$25.3 billion in funding to support public transit projects, infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools,
including $5 billion that will be available for investment public transit, roads and bridges, and water and
through the Canada Infrastructure Bank. wastewater infrastructure in the province’s history
– more than $190 billion in public infrastructure
over 13 years, starting in 2014–15. To learn more
Canadian government, Ontario invest about what’s happening in your community, go to
in public transit Ontario.ca/BuildOn.
The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced • Since 2004, the Government of Ontario has
approval of 11 new projects that will benefit Toronto under committed more than $3.7 billion to municipalities
the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF). The federal across the province through the provincial gas
government is providing more than $30 million, and the tax program. This funding supports municipal
City of Toronto will provide the balance of funding. transit systems. v
4 September/October 2017 | IN TRANSIT
LARRY HANLEY, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
Time to Speak Up!
My thanks go out to all the Local Unions working through Fighting privatization
the Workstation Initiative resolution to get our industry to
We are running well-oiled campaigns to challenge efforts to
produce a safer, healthier, more secure bus driver workstation.
privatize transit in Ontario, and Washington, DC.
In this issue, we resume our efforts to bring attention to the
safety issues of other ATU workers, as well. Let me be clear. Privatization is about lower wages, no pensions,
less health care and inferior transit. We at the International
can help Locals that want to fight, but Local officers must
involve their members in the fight in order to win. And, also,
if members don’t engage riders, it’s a lot harder to win.
Working people need to remember that it’s not just in
paying dues that we strengthen our Union. It’s in building
our presence in the community, and getting riders to actively
support us that these fights are won.
If you, like me, are sick of politicians of both parties selling
you out, there is something you can do.
As we continue to pursue OSHA standards for our public
sector members, we remember Jake Schwab, 568-Erie, PA, The United States of America cannot pay its bills, but we are
killed at his workstation – a bus repair facility in Erie. about to cut taxes for the richest class of people ever to live
on this earth. There is something you can do.
We will examine the issues that concern our maintenance,
station agent, and other ATU members, not just to uncover
problems, but to find solutions.
Time to fight back
Safety surveys have gone out to all of our Locals and we You can fight back. Start by putting your faith in your
would love to get feedback from you. Just send an email to fellow workers, not the politicians. Go to your union
communications@atu.org. Tell us how your job could be meeting. Formulate a plan to get your riders on our side.
made safer.
We share the same problems: high fares, cuts in service, lack
of funding for our systems, bad schedules, safety problems,
International safety team gearing up bugs on buses, and more.
In the meantime, the International is offering to send a
Our riders are already with us. We just need to ask them
safety team to Local Unions in January to determine the
to speak up. That starts now, as you read this column.
threats to safety in their buses and garages, and to pursue
I’m asking you …and you …and you …and you – to
solutions to those problems. We are training a team now.
speak up! v
Our plan is to make this job safer – one member and one
work area at a time.
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 5
JAVIER PEREZ, JR., INTERNATIONAL EXEC. VICE PRESIDENT
‘High tech’ needs ‘high touch’
to be successful
I often write about the “world of work” and how technology Locals (members) working together to elect a new governor,
is changing our workplace. We have experienced the “Wow! to support a transit referendum, engage in a street car debate,
factor” in how we communicate. High tech has brought or experiment with web streaming a membership meeting or
us mobile phones, pods and pads, which we use for email, holding telephone town halls, or retaining a high density of
surfing the Internet, social media, banking, photos, and an membership in a state that recently passed “right-to-work”
endless variety of Apps to enhance our lives. Oh, yes, we still legislation - these Locals (members) are at the cusp of the next
make phone calls too. “What will they think of next?” wave of union member-to-member mobilization. Rather than
being that aimless cork in a sea of change, they have found
High tech’s goal is to make us “smarter, faster, better.” Yet, focus. They are experimenting with ways to enhance member
organizations struggle to harness this productivity promise. interaction and developing a shared cultural understanding of
High tech is great at allowing us to collect programmable what needs to be done – and why.
data (being smarter) and doing so faster. Yes, we have
become better at this but, is that all there is? No! High tech Each Local has the opportunity to build upon the success
for our Union has evolved from a back office function of of others by utilizing high touch member-to-member
information gathering and dues processing to a means to engagement. It’s early yet but our ATU Workplace Initiative
communicate. is showing signs of that sort of success.
When I ask members how they receive their information Be it discussion of the best design for the driver workplace,
about the International or Locals, some say they visit the repair and design of driver seats, unrealistic schedules,
International’s and their Local’s website. Some have signed training for mechanics, or the best ergonomic design for
up for text messages. Others say robocalls and telephone office workers, members are talking to one another. Some
town halls are the best way to reach them. And, there is still are setting up short-term committees to examine and act
the Local bulletin board and newsletter, the ATU Dispatch upon questions raised by the initiative.
and, of course, this magazine. It’s safe to say the norm is a
combination of all the above. The question now is not what has the Union done for me
lately, but rather how can I be part of making my, our work
High tech is a means, not an end. High tech alone is useless. life, our workplace, better. High tech provides the means
It’s the second half of the equation – “high touch,” – that to share our new and ongoing Union (member) building
brings value to our workplaces. Absent high touch we are projects and chronicle our successes and failures. I encourage
lost in “cyber drift.” It’s like a bulletin board that never gets all members to jump in, the water’s fine, get involved. There
updated. Members stop looking at it. It’s a lack of focus, is not a more exciting time in your work life to be part of our
an aimless cork floating in a sea of change. High tech makes movement. We are a Union that makes things happen, these
communication possible, and that’s good, but it’s passive. are your good old days in the making. Stay in touch! v
High touch makes it an active means of back and forth
communication.
Please visit www.atu.org for more information and the
Evidence shows that, many of our Locals are starting to add latest ATU news.
high touch to the high tech equation. Whether it’s a group of
6 September/October 2017 | IN TRANSIT
OSCAR OWENS, INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER
Reports of unions’ demise have
been greatly exaggerated
For as long as I can remember, I’ve seen reports about the You’ll soon hear news reports about a ruling that the U.S.
“inevitable” demise of the labor movement. The claim Supreme Court is expected to hand down next year that
has been repeated so often by well-funded anti-union will make “right-to-work” the law of the land. In other
organizations that many assume it’s only a matter of time words, employees will not be required to join a union or,
before unions die. even pay fees to cover the cost of representing them at
union workplaces.
They say that unions are outmoded because employers
have evolved from the way they were in the bad old days.
They say that the law now protects employees from being
abused by management. Collapse? Don’t believe it.
You’ll hear that this will lead to the eventual collapse of
They tie union officers to organized crime by calling them unions in North America. Don’t believe it.
“bosses,” and “thugs.” They say union members are “greedy
featherbedders” who don’t deserve living wages. All of the oppression and violence visited upon union
workers in the late 1800s, and early 1900s, couldn’t kill the
labor movement, and nothing business or government can
Stoked resentment do now will kill it.
They stoke the resentment of non-union workers by saying The evidence bears this out: The Washington Post recently
union public employees get “Cadillac” health plans, and reported, “With the GOP running the White House
blame them for government deficits simply because they and Congress, membership in federal unions is on the
want a decent retirement. rise, fed by an administration and legislature that leaves
the workforce anxious about budget cuts, layoffs and an
They say businesses won’t survive if they are forced to erosion of civil service protections.”
recognize a union, and justify eliminating unions by claiming
that their members are paid more than “market” wages. I know that when workers in our countries come to the full
realization that their livelihoods and the standard-of-living
Basically, they blame unions for every economic ill of of their families are threatened, they will fight back with
our nations. everything they’ve got. And they will be successful. You can
count on it.
We’re still fighting Personally acquainted, as I have been, with the character of
our members for over 50 years, I know that my sisters and
We’ve taken it on the chin, and seen the percentage of brothers will fight back strong, and fight back smart, to defend
union membership drop in the U.S. Yet, after decades of and extend what ATU has achieved over the last 125 years.
malicious attack, we’re still here, we’re still fighting, and still
improving the lives of working families in North America. So, like Mark Twain, I can confidently say that reports of
And our efforts have elevated the wages and working our death “have been greatly exaggerated.” I look forward
conditions of non-union workers, as well. to fighting the good fight with all of you. v
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 7
ATU Canada & allies rally to demand transit be kept
in public hands
ATU Canada and Locals from across the Ontario joined
with riders and transit allies in downtown Toronto to
demand that Metrolinx immediately end its backwards
policy of favouring private, for-profit corporations over
local public transit agencies when selecting who should
operate and maintain new transit builds in the province.
The rally was the launch of a province-wide “Keep Transit
Public” campaign, which includes a website (http://www.
keeptransitpublic.ca/) and online petition. If private
companies maintain public transit services, then the costs
to taxpayers can be higher, wages can be lower, benefits can ATU Locals rally in Toronto
be reduced and jobs can be lost.
“Privatization is affecting all of us,” ATU Canada President private company. The Local collected over 6,000 petition
Paul Thorp said. “Constituents across the province are signatures, which was key in the Hamilton City Council
screaming for better transit. And what we are being given voting 10-2 to pass a motion to keep transit public.
is not what we deserve.” Metrolinx is planning and building rapid transit across
The campaign began in Hamilton, ON, with Local the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. These include
107-Hamilton launching an aggressive campaign to several light rail transit projects in Toronto, Hamilton and
demand that Ontario’s transit planning arm, Metrolinx, Mississauga. ATU will be fighting to keep the operations
hire the publicly-owned and operated Hamilton Street in local public transit agency control rather than private
Railway (HSR) to operate and maintain the new light companies. v
rail transit (LRT) system rather than contract it out to a
Local 113 demands safety audits
Local 113 member Shawn Bredin was on the job as a TTC In the wake of these latest assaults and mounting concerns
bus driver in the early hours one September morning when about safety monitoring, Local 113 is calling on TTC to
he experienced an awful kind of déjà vu. do more to protect the safety of workers and demanding
an immediate safety audit of both public and restricted
Bredin was coming out of the washroom at a station when
areas of TTC stations throughout the city.
someone attacked him with what he thought was homemade
pepper spray, then struck him several times. “What will it take before the TTC makes worker safety a
priority?” asks Local Financial Secretary Kevin Morton.
Adding insult to injury, this was the second assault on
“Our members deal with serious and dangerous threats
Bredin in less than a month. In that first incident, the
each day, and when it comes to worker safety, the TTC is
attacker had thrown sticky liquid in his face. This time it
falling short.” v
burned, and left him temporarily blind. Unbelievably, in
August 2016, Bredin was slashed in the stomach with a
knife while on the job.
8 September/October 2017 | IN TRANSIT
Bus operator
shortages concern
Cincinnati and
Guelph Locals
There are bus operator shortages in Cincinnati, OH, and At Guelph Transit, a number of factors, including
Guelph, OH, which has led to concerns for the ATU operators off work due to injuries, are resulting in a
Locals in both cities. challenge covering all of the available city transit shifts,
says Local 1189-Guelph, ON.
While a recent realignment of routes seems to have been
Operator fatigue a safety well received, there is some frustration over a lack of
issue in Cincinnati drivers covering the “extra board” (part-time drivers who
At Metro in Cincinnati, Local 627 says the operator cover for drivers who are injured, or taking vacations,
shortage is leading to fatigued workers and unsafe rides. or sick days). And the Local says operators are receiving
The transit agency disagrees. additional stress due to interaction with some members of
the public frustrated with delays.
The lack of drivers means some drivers are asked to work
overtime, which has concerns for the Local. “Take it easy on the driver. We’re the ones out there
trying to move the system along,” says Local President
“Some of them enjoy making the money but a lot of them Andrew Cleary.
say ‘Look, I’ve worked and I can’t do all of these hours.
I don’t want to have an accident and I’m afraid Metro The Local, says the city should accept more feedback
won’t stand behind them if they have an accident,’” said about possible adjustments to the routes directly from the
Local President Troy Miller. operators, who are the frontlines.
At dispute is the interpretation of the rules in the drivers’ “Management is relying on their data more so than the
contract. Metro says a driver who works overtime at night reality of the route. I have always said you need the
can come in late the next day, with no penalty. The Local human factor in there,” said Cleary. v
says that does not apply to all drivers.
Recently the Local sent an email to the transit board saying
a driver was not allowed to claim fatigue after getting
off work at 1:38 A.M. and then was forced back to work
at 6:15 A.M.
This dispute has led to the Local filing a grievance about
how the fatigue rules are interpreted. An arbitrator is
expected to decide.
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 25
Winnipeg Local warns that re-opening intersection
dangerous for pedestrians
Allowing pedestrians into a dangerous intersection in
Winnipeg will cause traffic delays and pose a safety hazard
to pedestrians says Local 1505-Winnipeg, MB.
The millions of dollars proposed for the initiative
could be better spent improving transit operations and
other infrastructure needs, says Local President Aleem
Chaudhary. “Opening the intersection is going to become
a big hazard. We just don’t need it and it’s going to slow
down traffic.”
While the intersection was closed in 1979, in an agreement
with adjacent property owners to redirect pedestrians to
the new underground mall, the Local believes concern over The Local expressed serious concern that the city released
safety was one of the driving forces. the report on such short notice and without input from
bus operators, pedestrians, and others who will be greatly
“One of the main reasons (the intersection was blocked impacted. v
off since 1979) is because it was a pedestrian hazard,”
Chaudhary said.
Peterborough Local ratifies strong contract
The Local which represents 107 drivers and garage staff,
was in a legal strike position and had been negotiating with
the city for a new contract since the spring.
“It was a fair deal. It did address our concerns for safety,” says
Local President Tyler Burns, adding that the pay increase
brings the wages up to par with what other city workers are
making. He also says most contracts are usually five years
long, but other than that, this is a typical agreement.
The contract also increases health care benefits and support
for injured workers. v
Averting a possible strike, members of Local 1320-
Peterborough, ON, overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new
six-year contract. The city also approved the agreement.
26 September/October 2017 | IN TRANSITGuelph, ON, transit workers ratify strong contract
“During the negotiation process, we challenged ourselves
to think outside the box to get a deal that was fair, and that
would show great commitment from both parties,” said
Local President Andy Cleary.
Under the new contract all full-time and part-time transit
workers will receive annual pay increases over the four-
year contract, with 1.5% raises in 2018, 1.75% in 2019
and 2020, and 2% in 2021. The new agreement will start
January 1, 2018.
With ridership up 44 percent over the last year, the city will
In 2014, the City of Guelph locked out Local 1189 continue to develop its transit services to meet the growing
members, halting bus service for two weeks, leaving needs of the community. v
riders stranded and workers mad. The latest contract
negotiations went much more smoothly with the Local and
city finalizing a strong contract for workers.
CLC takes on mental health in the workplace
A recent report found that one in five Canadians deals with a worker’s right to a psychologically safe and supportive
a mental health illness every year and workplace stress can work environment.
cause or exacerbate these problems.
Several tools exist to help employers and unions ensure
From staying on tight bus schedules to dealing with that workplaces foster mental health. The 2013 National
angry and even drunk passengers to navigating a 40- Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety
ton vehicle through traffic, transit workers know all too in the Workplace provides guidelines, tools and resources
well that workplace stress can take a toll on mental and for promoting mental health and preventing psychological
physical health. harm at work. v
To deal with this growing problem the Canadian Labour
Congress has launched an initiative to take on mental
health issues in the workplace. The CLC campaign includes
an online resource centre with tools and information for
workers to get help.
“Canada’s unions are committed to continuing to work
with the government, employers and workers to address the
systemic issues that create unhealthy work environments,”
says CLC President Hassan Yussuff. “We have to work
together to find solutions that create and maintain safe and
healthy workplaces.”
Unions have a long history of fighting to protect workers’
physical safety and well-being at work, they also support
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 27À vous la parole n’impliquent pas leurs membres dans ce combat, il sera
difficile de le gagner. Et si les membres n’impliquent pas les
Je désire remercier toutes les sections locales qui ont usagers, il sera encore plus difficile de le gagner.
travaillé à la résolution visant à exiger de notre industrie
Les travailleurs doivent se souvenir que ce n’est pas
qu’elle produise des postes de travail plus sûrs, plus sains
seulement en payant nos cotisations que nous renforçons
et plus sécuritaires pour les chauffeurs d’autobus. Dans le
notre syndicat. C’est grâce à notre présence dans la
présent numéro, nous reprenons nos efforts pour attirer
communauté et à l’obtention de l’appui de nos usagers que
l’attention sur les autres travailleurs du SUT.
nous gagnons ces batailles.
Tout en continuant à suivre les normes de l’OSHA visant
Si, comme moi, vous êtes fatigués de voir les politiciens des
les membres du secteur public, nous nous remémorons
deux partis vous laisser tomber, vous pouvez faire quelque
Jake Schwab, membre de la section locale 568 – Erie, PA,
chose. Les États-Unis n’arrivent pas à payer leurs factures,
tué à son poste de travail, dans un service de réparation
mais ils comptent réduire les impôts de la classe de gens les
d’autobus situé à Erie.
plus riches qui ont vécu sur cette terre. Vous pouvez faire
En continuant d’examiner les emplois du personnel quelque chose.
d’entretien, d’agent de station et d’autres emplois du SUT,
nous cherchons non seulement à détecter les problèmes,
mais à trouver également les solutions. Il est temps de riposter
Des sondages ont été envoyés et nous aimerions recevoir les Vous pourrez riposter ce mois-ci. Commencez par accorder
commentaires de nos membres. Envoyez simplement un votre confiance à vos collègues de travail, pas aux politiciens.
courriel à communications@atu.org. Dites-nous comment Assistez à la réunion de votre syndicat. Élaborez un plan
nous pourrions rendre votre emploi plus sécuritaire. pour gagner l’appui de nos usagers.
Nous avons en commun les mêmes problèmes et les mêmes
enjeux : tarifs élevés, réduction de services, manque de
L’équipe internationale de sécurité financement pour nos systèmes, horaires inappropriés,
se prépare problèmes de sécurité, insectes dans les autobus... nos
Pendant ce temps, en janvier, le Syndicat international usagers sont déjà de notre côté. Nous devons simplement
enverra une équipe de sécurité visiter les sections locales et les convaincre de s’exprimer. Cela commence ici, avec cet
examiner les autobus ainsi que les garages afin d’identifier article. Je vous le demande, à vous, et à vous, et à vous...
les problèmes de sécurité et trouver les solutions à ces Exprimez-vous! v
problèmes. Nous sommes présentement en train de former
une équipe.
Notre plan consiste à rendre ce travail plus sûr, un membre
et un secteur de travail à la fois.
INITIATIVE ASSOCIÉE AU POSTE DE
Contrer la privatisation TRAVAIL – PHASE II
Nous menons des campagnes bien rodées en Ontario
(Canada) et à Washington, DC, pour contrer les efforts Les « équipes tactiques » du SUT
déployés en vue de privatiser le transport en commun.
et les sections locales effectueront
Soyons clairs. La privatisation apporte des salaires plus
bas, aucune pension, une réduction des soins de santé des études de sécurité
et un transport en commun de qualité inférieure. Nous,
du Syndicat international, pouvons aider les sections Le président international, Larry Hanley, a annoncé
locales qui veulent se battre; mais si les dirigeants locaux qu’à compter de janvier 2018, le Syndicat et ses sections
28 September/October 2017 | IN TRANSITlocales procéderont à des études de sécurité aux INITIATIVE ASSOCIÉE AU POSTE DE
installations du SUT. Cette démarche marque le début
de la seconde phase de l’Initiative – Poste de travail du TRAVAIL : PHASE II
Syndicat international, commencée en septembre avec
l’adoption des Résolutions de sécurité par les sections
Les problèmes des agents de
locales aux États-Unis et au Canada. stations doivent être examinés
Les « équipes tactiques » en sécurité du Syndicat au cours des audits de sécurité
international, de concert avec les sections locales et,
idéalement, leurs dirigeants examineront les conditions
Tout comme les conducteurs et le personnel d’entretien,
physiques et les procédures en milieu de travail auxquelles
les agents de stations ont des préoccupations de santé et
sont exposés leurs employés sur une base quotidienne.
de sécurité sur le lieu de travail où ils passent la plupart
L’objectif sera de trouver les problèmes qui menacent
de leurs journées. Ces problèmes seront examinés alors
le bien-être de nos membres et de les résoudre à l’aide
que l’ATU entame la Phase II de son initiative associée
de négociations collectives, de plaintes formelles auprès
au poste de travail dans le cadre des audits de sécurité des
de l’OSHA ou du CCHST, ou d’une campagne publique,
installations de l’ATU.
si nécessaire.
Chaque agence de transport a ses problèmes particuliers
L’International a commencé sa campagne pour des
dans les stations, mais nous savons que certains d’entre eux
postes de travail sains, sûrs et sécurisés après que des
sont plus répandus.
recherches et une enquête sur les sections locales aient
révélé leurs principales préoccupations à l’égard de leur
environnement de travail. Ces problèmes ont été publiés
dans l’In Transit au cours de la dernière année.
Qualité de l’air
Tout comme les conducteurs et les employés d’entretien,
les agents de stations s’inquiètent des possibilités de
Les dirigeants invités à se cancer, d’asthme ou d’autres problèmes de respiration
découlant d’une mauvaise qualité de l’air sur leur lieu
joindre à nous
de travail.
L’International et les sections locales inviteront les dirigeants
du transport en commun à se joindre à nous pour identifier L’interaction avec le public expose les agents de stations
les problèmes particuliers à leurs propres agences. Nous à la maladie et les rend vulnérables à des attaques par des
commencerons tout de même les vérifications en janvier, passagers en colère ou des resquilleurs.
avec ou sans leur collaboration.
La police est trop souvent lente à réagir aux urgences
Tout ce que le syndicat veut accomplir à travers ce processus dans les transports en commun – surtout dans le métro.
est d’obtenir un lieu de travail dans le transport en commun
Les agents de stations sont obligés de rester debout ou
comportant des garanties de sécurité que la plupart des
assis pendant des heures. Des tapis antifatigue rembourrés
employés tiennent pour acquises. Notre objectif ultime
et des chaises ergonomiques peuvent aider ces travailleurs
est l’amélioration de l’environnement de travail de nos
à éviter les troubles musculo-squelettiques découlant du
membres, afin qu’ils puissent vivre plus longtemps, plus
travail dans des conditions loin d’être idéales.
heureux et en meilleure santé. v
Infestation
De nombreuses stations sont infestées de cafards, souris et
autres pestes qui souillent le lieu où travaillent ces agents.
Personne ne devrait être forcé de rester assis ou debout
pendant des heures dans des lieux de travail si malsains.
Tout comme les conducteurs, les agents de stations
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 29doivent supporter une mauvaise ventilation et l’absence de guide à l’échelle internationale pour l’investigation des
de climatisation ou de chauffage sur leur lieu de travail. conditions et des procédures de sécurité constatées dans les
installations de ses membres et les garages aux États-Unis
Les agents doivent souvent travailler en présence de câbles et au Canada.
électriques dangereux, de technologies et d’éclairages qui
n’ont pas été modernisés depuis des décennies.
Différentes préoccupations, mais tout
aussi graves
Suicides
Comme on peut s’y attendre, les problèmes de sécurité qui
Tout comme les conducteurs, les agents doivent parfois
affectent le personnel d’entretien sont différents, mais tout
faire face à des suicides, ce qui présente un grand fardeau
aussi graves que ceux de leurs collègues conducteurs. Par
physique et psychologique pour tous les employés sur
exemple, alors que l’accès aux toilettes est un gros problème
place au moment d’un tel incident. Il serait vraiment utile
pour 100 % des conducteurs, c’est le dernier, à 7,06 %, pour
aux employés de recevoir une formation leur permettant
le personnel d’entretien. De même, les outils électriques et
d’identifier et d’assister les personnes suicidaires et
les risques liés aux machines sont un problème de sécurité
cela aiderait de nombreux employés à récupérer plus
pour 100 % des employés d’entretien, mais, à 1,64 %, ils
rapidement de ce genre d’expérience.
ne représentent pratiquement aucun risque pour la sécurité
Ces problèmes et d’autres qui sont uniques au personnel du point de vue des opérateurs.
de stations seront examinés lors des audits de sécurité de
Le syndicat va se servir des résultats de ces audits pour
l’ATU, qui débuteront en janvier. v
forcer les directions des transports en commun à procurer
à leurs employés d’entretien les lieux de travail sains, sûrs et
sécuritaires auxquels ils ont droit . v
INITIATIVE ASSOCIÉE AU POSTE DE
TRAVAIL : PHASE II
Outils électriques et risques
associés aux machines, liste
des principales préoccupations
de sécurité chez les employés
d’entretien
Les résultats de l’enquête doivent
servir de guide pour les audits de
sécurité dans les ateliers d’entretien
Les préoccupations des mécaniciens et des autres employés
non conducteurs seront sur le devant de la scène lorsque
le syndicat débutera les audits de sécurité des locaux
d’entretien dans les installations de l’ATU en janvier.
Les situations soulevées par les employés d’entretien dans
un sondage de 2016 de l’ATU (voir le tableau) serviront
30 September/October 2017 | IN TRANSITIn Memoriam
Death Benefits Awarded July 1, 2017 - August 31, 2017
1- MEMBERS AT LARGE DRACO E SLAUGHTER 615- SASKATOON, SK JAMES D DONAHUE 1320- PETERBOROUGH, ON
RALPH W SCHLIEVE ROY SMITH MICHAEL BODNARCHUK CARLA D JOHNSON MICHAEL J MC CAULEY
PETER VISCONTI BETTY J STEWART ALFRED MC NEAL WAYNE MC QUIGGE
627- CINCINNATI, OH JANIE M MOORE JOHN A SLAVIK
26- DETROIT, MI 256- SACRAMENTO, CA ARTHUR F GINTER
MICHAEL D DUMAS JANE DAREL TOM SKELTON 819- NEWARK, NJ 1321- ALBANY & TROY, NY
ALONZO C STOKES THERESA L PROVANCE-MORRISON LAWRENCE BLAMO CHARLES M MENDEL
628- COVINGTON, KY LONNIE M WILLIAMS III
85- PITTSBURGH, PA 265- SAN JOSE, CA WILLIAM H HUGHES 1328- RALEIGH, NC
ELIZABETH J BAUER BENNY L CHEUNG 822- PATERSON, NJ MARION B PERRY JR
WILLIAM VINCENT BLACK RAYMOND L FRIESEN 689- WASHINGTON, DC JOHN M MARICONDA
DANIEL J BREWSTER JOSEPH MC GUINESS REGINALD BIDDLE 1338- DALLAS, TX
PAUL D MAKATURA JACQUELINE STYLES WILLIAM K BRAUCHT 824- NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ JEFFERY D JOINER
DAVID M MONINGER ISAIAS G VELAZQUEZ WILLIE COLLINS III WALTER GARRABRANT
CARL W NIEDERMEYER JAMES B EADY 1342- BUFFALO, NY
CARL LEE OOTEN 268- CLEVELAND, OH SIDNEY W EDWARDS 880- CAMDEN, NJ DAVID A EARSING
THOMAS M PRIMM JOHN L BRONOFF NORRIS J FISHER ROBERT W CURLEY MARILYN PREWITT
FRANK K REDDICK ROBERT VAN LEER MATTHEW S JACKSON ROBERT W SHAW SHAMEAH STEVENS
JOHN A REKASIE DAVID JACKSON JR JOHN E WOJCIK
THOMAS M ROHAC 279- OTTAWA, ON ALVIN H JOHNSON 998- MILWAUKEE, WI
THOMAS J RUSSO PAULO DE SOUSA REGINALD JOHNSON JEFFERY CHERUBINI 1374- CALGARY, AB
RONALD D JUDKINS DAVID W CURTIS HENRY LUHNING
JOHN E LEMAY
107- HAMILTON, ON CURTIS KNOWLES ANTHONY GAGLIONE WALTER E ROTINSKY
ANTHONY Q JAMAL
ROBERT G LEMP SR 281- NEW HAVEN, CT MICHAEL MIMS
RONALD J JAMBRETZ
PAUL GRASSO LEANDER B PHELPS 1447- LOUISVILLE, KY
PETER E LAMBROU
113- TORONTO, ON ROBERT D REDMOND DON D GORIN
LINDA MANNS
JOHN G COCHRANE 282- ROCHESTER, NY ALBERT W STEEVES SR PAUL R GRASER
BENJAMIN C DE GUZMAN RALPH J DICKINSON WILLIAM E STEINBAUER ROBERT H OLIVER
1005- MINNEAPOLIS
JOHN GALEA MICHAEL HERNE PAMELA J SHARP-STONE
& ST. PAUL, MN
DOUGLAS E GARDINER 690- FITCHBURG, MA
LEEVAL F BRANTNER
SAMUEL GREELEY 308- CHICAGO, IL THOMAS R WALSH 1462- ST. JOHN’S, NL
RONALD L DVORAK
ANDREW HYNDMAN TANGELA D BONDS ART GINGRICH
MARY E KEIL
CYRIL DUNSTAN MOORE ELMORE BOYD 694- SAN ANTONIO, TX
ELDON J PETERSON
WILLIAM BRUCE PARK WALLACE E DAVISON CLEMENT LOUIS KOTARA 1505- WINNIPEG, MB
CHRISTOPHER RHODES ETHEL FULLER HENRY GIESBRECHT
1015- SPOKANE, WA
RENGER VERHAGEN ALLAN A JOHNSON 717- MANCHESTER, NH WILLIAM STASIUK
BRUCE W KEYES
ZAHIR VISRAM KENNETH L KELLEY ANDRE BILODEAU JOSEPH WOZLOWSKI
JOAN SAGALOW 1070- INDIANAPOLIS, IN
192- OAKLAND, CA ELAINE M STOKES 726- STATEN ISLAND, NY JAMES R COOK 1572- MISSISSAUGA, ON
ISADORE P CORDEIRO JAIME P PERRI JOHN ELLISON
ARIEL M DE LA CRUZ 425- HARTFORD, CT 1181- NEW YORK, NY GEORGE J FARRELL
KENNETH R FARIAS SUKHDEV BAJWA 732- ATLANTA, GA DANIELLE M LEATHERS WILLIAM LAPLANTE
DERRICK FREEMAN LEON R SCARLETT JOHN D JAMES JR DAVID PRITCHARD
JOSE AMADO O LOPEZ JOHN WHITE CYNTHIA M MC CLENDON 1235- NASHVILLE, TN TOM QUAIL
JOSEPH C ROBERTS FORREST G PAYNE THOMAS E CARR
OLIVER BRYAN WHIPPLE 569- EDMONTON, AB CARLTON REID 1587- TORONTO, ON
DONALD W CLARK HUGH F TUGGLE 1249- SPRINGFIELD, IL RONALD J FRAM
241- CHICAGO, IL JOHN R WHATLEY RANDY K UPP
JESSE J ALEXANDER 587- SEATTLE, WA 1700- CHICAGO, IL
JOSEPH BLACKMON PETER R CAMERON 741- LONDON, ON 1256- EL PASO, TX ROGER FERNAND BERNIER
JULIUS E BRAZIL LYNN A ZINK MICHAEL FEDIW FREDY BURGOS GORDON G HARRISON
BOBBY J DAVIS JOHN E GRANT
GERALDINE GALE 589- BOSTON, MA 1277- LOS ANGELES, CA 1724- VANCOUVER, BC
ANDREW GRAY DANIEL DALIA 757- PORTLAND, OR SAMUEL LOPEZ FERNANDO MONIZ
MARIE HAYES THOMAS J FAHEY JR BEVERLY G BOGART FREDERICK A SANDERS
MARIAN E HODGES JACQUELIN S FAVALE JAMES CAMENZIND 1754- LAWRENCE, KS
FRED E KLOTZBUCHER WALTER A MURRAY ALBERT E JONES 1279- JOHNSTOWN, PA JOHN WILSON
STEVE NELSON DAVID B TURNER SR RICKY BUZA
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JONATHON N RIVERS 591- HULL, QC BERNICE BRAND 1300- BALTIMORE, MD
ANGEL L ROMAN CARL BEAULNE DAVID M CIESLINSKI JOHN A WOOD
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