I hope this edition of the SMART Transportation Division News finds that all our members enjoyed a safe and happy holiday season. The SMART TD has been successful in recent organizing campaigns, adding new members to our union in general, and the bus department in particular. [...]
By Bonnie Morr, Vice President, Bus – The AFL-CIO held its convention from Sept. 8-11, 2013. The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers had a large delegation in attendance from both the Transportation Division and the Sheet Metal Divi [...]
By Bonnie Morr, Vice President, Bus – I was recently informed of the passing of one of our best bus vice presidents. Kenny Moore was the vice president that helped us at Local 23 to become part of this great organization. Kenny Moore was my mentor. He was active in Washingto [...]
As I work with our members from around the country I hear about struggles that we are facing. Whether it is discipline where our members may be losing their jobs, or a legislative issue that will impact our work, the union voice is there. All of us deal with negotiations. So [...]
By Calvin Studivant, Alternate Vice President, Bus – Sleep apnea is a serious ailment and certainly one that should not go untreated. But it also should not be used to discriminate against our members, which it appears some carriers are doing. There are reports from some of [...]
By Bonnie MorrVice President, Bus Department – Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington State, is the new chairperson of the Senate Budget Committee, which makes decisions on how much of the annual federal budget is available for transit. As chairperson, Sen. Murray wil [...]
Conservative Republicans Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are committed to repealing the Affordable Care Act. Conservative Republicans also are committed to privatizing Social Security and turning Medicare into a voucher program with more costs coming out of retirees’ pockets. By co [...]
By Calvin Studivant, Alternate Vice President, Bus Department – The relationship between railroads and bus companies has a long history not known by many UTU members. Beginning in the early part of the 20th century, railroads began acquiring or creating infant bus lines to e [...]
By Bonnie MorrVice President, Bus Department Many of our bus locals have responded to a survey focusing on the health conditions of bus operators. This is a very important step in identifying some of the health issues that we face while on the job. The Transit Bus Operator Wo [...]