You're a TIC operator. A woman is relying on the information you give her to get to a doctor's appointment on time. It could save her life. But you were up all night with your own daughter who was having a bad drug reaction from Ecstasy. You focus on the call because you have to. It's your job. Why do you feel so powerless when it comes to getting help for your own daughter? You're an LRT track maintenance worker. Your job demands Continued on page 5
April / May 2007 You're a TIC operator. A woman is relying on the information you give her to get to a doctor's appointment on time. It could save her life. But you were up all night with your own daughter who was having a bad drug reaction from Ecstasy. You focus on the call because you have to. It's your job. Why do you feel so powerless when it comes to getting help for your own daughter? You're a mechanic. Your wife missed work today because she drank too much again last night. You had to come to work at 6am, but you can call your wife's boss during your break to say she's not feeling well (for the third time this month). She can't lose her job. How could you pay your bills with only one income? Hopefully she'll be sober when she drives the kids to pre-school. You're a bus driver. One of your passengers hit another pas- senger over the head. You call the police and report it, of course. How dare he do that to someone under your protec- tion who has a right to feel safe on your bus? The back of your own head still smarts where your boyfriend hit you after he accused you of cheating on him, but that was different. He was under the influence. He didn't mean it. He loves you. He's just sick. At least no one can see the bruise because your hair covers it. Besides, bruises heal. You're a bus cleaner. You're sweeping a bus and you come across a small knotted piece of plastic wrap. Your gut clench- es because you know it's a crack baggie and you still see them around the house even after your husband told you he's stopped smoking it. You can see the lie in his eyes, his face and his paranoid behavior. Does he think you're an idiot? What if he smoked in a room you walked into afterwards? What if they do a random drug test and you come up posi- tive? Will you lose your job? You're an LRT track maintenance worker. Your job demands Continued on page 5 When Coming to Work is a Relief from the Chaos at Home
Transcript
Apr
il / M
ay 2
007
You're a TIC operator. A woman is relying on the informationyou give her to get to a doctor's appointment on time. Itcould save her life. But you were up all night with your owndaughter who was having a bad drug reaction from Ecstasy.You focus on the call because you have to. It's your job. Whydo you feel so powerless when it comes to getting help foryour own daughter?
You're a mechanic. Your wife missed work today because shedrank too much again last night. You had to come to work at6am, but you can call your wife's boss during your break tosay she's not feeling well (for the third time this month). Shecan't lose her job. How could you pay your bills with onlyone income? Hopefully she'll be sober when she drives thekids to pre-school.
You're a bus driver. One of your passengers hit another pas-senger over the head. You call the police and report it, ofcourse. How dare he do that to someone under your protec-tion who has a right to feel safe on your bus? The back ofyour own head still smarts where your boyfriend hit you afterhe accused you of cheating on him, but that was different. Hewas under the influence. He didn't mean it. He loves you.He's just sick. At least no one can see the bruise becauseyour hair covers it. Besides, bruises heal.
You're a bus cleaner. You're sweeping a bus and you comeacross a small knotted piece of plastic wrap. Your gut clench-es because you know it's a crack baggie and you still see themaround the house even after your husband told you he'sstopped smoking it. You can see the lie in his eyes, his faceand his paranoid behavior. Does he think you're an idiot?What if he smoked in a room you walked into afterwards?What if they do a random drug test and you come up posi-tive? Will you lose your job?
You're an LRT track maintenance worker. Your job demands
Continued on page 5
When Coming to Workis a Relief from the Chaos
at Home
Keeping the members informed about what's happening at theirunion is always a challenge. Good communication is key to any success-ful organization. The union bulletin boards have always been an impor-tant part of getting the information out to the membership and they con-tinue to be a good place to get updates on events, and other pertinentinformation. Another good source of information is the ATU 1005 LineNewsletter, which comes out every two months.
The membership is spread out all across the Twin Cities and theretirees are all over the country. For those who have internet access, thereis the union web page, which can be accessed at www.atu1005.com. It isa great tool to inform members of various events, union meeting agendas,union meeting results, rallies, contract votes, scholarships, importantlinks, etc. You can also access previous ATU 1005 Line Newsletters byclicking on the Education Button.
On the opening page, there is a big red box entitled “The UnionBulletin Board.” By clicking on the different links within it, you will belinked to more information about the various subjects. The red buttons onthe left side of the page will link you to other important information.
The nice thing about the web page is that you can access theinformation at any time from anywhere. This is a good way to keep upwith what's happening. We update the ATU 1005 web page on a regularbasis and as soon as something important happens. When we start con-tract negotiations later this year, the web page will be a great place forthe active members, as well as retired members, to get updates about howthings are going, time lines on meetings, contract votes, etc. I encourageyou to click on the web page on a regular basis and use it as a tool tokeep informed about what's happening in your union.
Michelle has been spending a lot of time at the legislature fighting forfunding bills on the TLC (Transit for Livable Communities) coalition's20/20 Plan versus the Met Council's 20/30 Plan. We have also beenworking on a bill that has support that would prevent the press fromobtaining various agreements between the Council and the ATU relatingto negotiations. The ATU would be able to release information if itchooses.
Del Schafer, who resigned as Maintenance Executive Board memberfrom Nicollet Garage, was given a round of applause for his help and hisexcellent job of representing the members. Nominated to fill that posi-tion were John Zapata and Ray Achman.
The membership voted to open contract negotiations three months early,in November of 2007. The Republican National Convention presents aunique opportunity. Meetings have taken place in our favor on the "no-labor-dispute" agreement among local unions.
Management wants LRT Supervisors to be able to operate trains in emer-gencies. The union has not agreed to this. This is an issue for negotia-tions.
There will be cameras installed in the Ruter parking lot.
Del Schafer will continue to go to meetings on the MaintenanceRecognition Program until Steve Shurmeier takes over. There may be avote on this program next month.
Greg Hall is helping to develop National ASE Standards for mechanicaltraining. Instructors in maintenance should to be union. Bob Boyle andDan Suggs will be working on national standards for Light Rail.
Store’s management approached the union about starting a CareerLadders program in the Stores Department. We are in favor of the ideaas long as the participation and criteria are not all at management’s dis-cretion and under their control.
There are issues with the qualifications for Driver Relief Instructors.
The Traction Power Apprenticeship Program was approved. See yourboard member for details.
Members must be very careful about using Met Council computers. Alle-mails are public and can be accessed. Management knows every web-
site you visit and every keystroke you type. The best policy is not to usework computers for personal business. There may be future repercus-sions.
Scott reported on FMLA: We are talking about applying sick leave andvacation time. We may have to negotiate around this and check with thelawyer to insure that the company is following Federal law.
There have been no dates set for the arbitration on the Payroll positions.A BMS mediator (who gave us a good ruling in '96) has been chosen.This is a slow process.
The Met Council is giving some of their top people a 4% raise.
Union reps are checking into the heating problem at the Heywood OfficeBuilding.
There are some complaints from part-time drivers about being taken offpartial stubs when they reach the 30-hour maximum. Union reps willmeet with some part-timers next week.
If you are in the high-deductible health plan (VEBA) and you switch tothe regular plan, the money will stay in escrow until you switch back.
Scott Lundquist was appointed to the Education Committee.
The Union Picnic will be July 8th in Battle Creek Park.
Results of Union Meeting Votes
Motions:Opening contract negotiations early - PASSEDTraction Power Apprenticeship Program - PASSED
Requests for Arbitration
East Metro Cleaner: Discharged for tampering with a camera and inter-fering with an investigation - Yes to arbitration
FTH Operator: Discharged for violation of Final Record of Warning andOverall Record - Yes to arbitration
FTH Operator: Discharged for second positive test under the Drug andAlcohol Policy - No to arbitration
March 27, 2007 Meeting
President's Report
Michelle reported that the transportation bills have been sailing throughat the legislature, but the governor says he will veto them and we may
Highlights ContinuedPage 4
AT THE GARAGESOUTH
Contact Liz GoldbergFrom Mary Vasterling:
Many of you remember retireddispatcher Edith James. InFebruary her home burned andSouthsiders wanted to help. Atthe Feb 22 TSSC Forum held atSouth, members brought in foodand held a drawing. With dona-tions from East Metro morethan $500.00 was collected andgiven to Edith. Thank you Southsiders and EastMetro for your generosity.
In February the Safety SecurityForum was held at South andthe recent driver assaults wasdiscussed. Two more full timeTransit Police have been hiredto ride buses, we are hopefulthat more will be hired. BrianLamb discussed ridership goalsand Bill Porter spoke about theupcoming Republican NationalConvention. Contact Bill if youhave any ideas about service forthe convention. Look for the fulltranscript of the Forum on theSafety Security Bulletin Boardat your facility.
Each year at the "South AnnualHoliday Party" donations fromthe dinner and drawing are col-lected. This year South raised$500.00 and collected $200.00 ingroceries, which were donated,to the Harvest PreparatorySchool/ Seed Academy at 1300Olson Memorial Hwy,Minneapolis. (Read the com-plete story with photo in thearticle "Thank You SouthGarage" in this issue of 1005)Harvest School still needs oursupport. If you would like todonate food or money pleasecontact me-Mary Vasterling-South Garage.
Continued on page 19
Page 5
AT THE GARAGENicollet
Contact Melanie Benson
The Maintenance Dept has 56employees including manager,supervisors, clerk, seniormechanics, mechanics, skilledhelpers, and cleaners. Let’s bethankful for the great job theydo in the shop. They would likethe drivers to know that unnec-essary bus changes countagainst the shop. They willmake repairs, please write thedefects up on pull-in and be spe-cific.
When going up the stairs to thesecond floor, enjoy the picturesfrom past Nicollet events. Thewall of pictures is called the"Nicollet Wall of Fame", someemployees are calling it the"Wall of Shame" or the" Wallof Blame", Whatever it iscalled, the employees seem tobe enjoying it.
Nicollet Transportation consistsof 318 employees: 5 managers,6 dispatchers, garage coordina -tor, 254 full time drivers, and 52part time drivers.
Thanks to the shop we have achin-up bar, which is locatednear the basketball hoop andthe punching bag.
With spring fast approachingremember we have three bicy-cles to ride for fun and exercise.See dispatch to sign out a bikeand helmet.
Congratulation to John Zapatafor winning the Union Boardmember position to representthe Nicollet Maintenance Dept.
Watch for upcoming route Hevents. Thanks to Route H, wehave lots of new items in the fit-ness room.
precision and focus. But you feel like you're losing your mind. You couldhave sworn you had $200 in your wallet when you left your buddy'shouse last night, but it's not there now. You'd feel like a fool if youaccused him of taking it -- especially so soon after he got out of treat-ment. But if he didn't take it, where is it?
These stories may be fictional, but the problems are real. We're all transitprofessionals other people rely on to keep them safe -- safe from eqiuip-ment malfunctions, safe getting from one place to another, safe fromharm. On the job, we're in control and we can be objective. We operateon a schedule and know exactly what's expected of us. We pride our-selves on doing our jobs well.
At home, we often aren't in control and it's hard to look at things objec-tively. We love our family members and yet sometimes we hate whatthey do to themselves and to us. And our work performance may suffer.We don't want to face our co-workers and the public with a black eye.We're exhausted after being dragged out of bed in the middle of the night,or waiting up all night for a teenager who didn't come home. Or we satat the emergency room for five hours with our sister, whose drunken part-ner broke her ribs.
But we can't talk about it because we feel disloyal or ashamed. Unlesswe ourselves get help, we'll continue to blame ourselves for being weak,foolish and helpless. THERE IS HELP AVAILABLE, but we have to beready to accept it. Chemical dependency and domestic abuse are tooserious and too potentially harmful to try to handle alone. Professionalstrained in these areas can help us get some perspective and learn aboutthe disease of chemical dependency, about co-dependency and about thedynamics of domestic abuse. People going through similar struggles canshare their experiences without judging us or telling us what to do.Friends and family mean well, but they're often too scared for us or tooclose to the situation to be able to help. Or we're afraid to be honest withthem.
Peer counselors can offer support. The DOR Employee AssistanceProgram can help. Hazelden Treatment Center has a Family Programwhere family members of those with drug and alcohol problems can learnhow to restore their own sanity. Twelve-step programs like Al-Anon canbe a life-saver. For more information, call:
Submitted by Melanie Benson, Driver 854, NicolletGarage
Page 6
Lizbeth Goldberg
Nowhere is the rich tapestry of diversity more evident than within the membership of our own ATU Local 1005.
More than 2,000 bus and train operators, mechanics and clerical workersare united, working together towards one objective.
Our successes, whether within the world at large or in our own little corner, rely first on the framework ofbasic human respect - acceptance and understanding of each other's differences - and, most importantly, our
common-ground similarities.
This series intends to introduce you to the unique 1005 members whomake up this amazing kaleidoscopic tapestry within our workplace - our world.
LeRoy and Joy Fuller
LeRoy was born in New York, raised in Jordan, Minnesota, and then moved to Minneapolis, where he graduatedfrom West High School. On Homecoming night, LeRoy's best friend's girlfriend suggested a blind date betweenLeRoy and her best friend Joy.
Joy, originally from Burke, South Dakota, lived in South Carolina until she was twelve. Her family then movedto Minneapolis, where Joy attended high school at West High. At her best friend’s urging, Joy attendedHomecoming with her blind date Leroy. "Moon River"played that night. It was their song. Wedding bells fol-lowed sometime later.
LeRoy: "In 1972 I managed the Hennepin & LakeCarwash on Holmes and Lake St. I was right next to the21 route layover in the Uptown area. In fact, MTC paidthe carwash ten dollars a month for the use of its rest-room facilities for drivers. Dick Ryan (‘The Silver Fox’)from Nicollet Garage used to come in and we would talk.He urged me to join MTC, which I did finally in 1978after the oil embargo, when business dropped off."
Joy: “I had a day-care business during the day, LeRoyworked nights for MTC, and our schedules were notworking out. LeRoy told me that MTC was hiring part time drivers and I told him, "You must be out of yourever-lovin’ mind!" But six months later, on March 7, 1979, I was hired. Frank Collins and I were the very firstpart-time drivers ever hired by MTC. Part-time had never been done before - this was a pilot program. I stayedpart-time for ten years and in 1988 went full-time. It was a really great part-time job!"
Joy describes herself as "outgoing and busy!" Her interests are: gardening and yard work, quilting, camping,travel and spending time with friends, family and her five grandchildren. Attractive, energetic, enthusiastic,compassionate, cheerful and fun to be with, she is a people magnet. "Our house has a revolving door - the"Hotel Fuller". Joy plans to retire in two years and travel is at the top of her list.
LeRoy describes himself as "quiet, laid-back and easy-going - I don't let things bother me." His hobbies
Tapestry
Page 7include: fishing, boating, camping, travel and woodworking. "Our house was built in 1921 and there are alwaysrepairs. I just recently gutted the kitchen and totally remodeled it." LeRoy plans to retire June 1st, 2007 andwill use that time for home projects until Joy retires: "Joy’s Honey-Do List is a looong one! I've enjoyed the jobthrough the years but I am looking forward to retirement."
Joy: "I like my job. I like the people, the passengers. I meet a lot of great people and I enjoy the people I workwith. This job has given me many opportunities." Joy has been a "Peer Support" for two years and enjoys it. "What's my secret to my happy life? ("A good man!" interjects LeRoy.) With a big smile, Joy responded, " Yes,absolutely a good man - also a good relationship with family, good friends and a good rapport with fellow work-ers."
LeRoy and Joy Fuller, as individuals and as a team, have achieved the American dream: happiness. Theyaccomplished this through hard work, optimism, loyalty and the ability to appreciate what they have and wherethey are - and let’s not forget a bit of blind-date luck and ... “Moon River” "Two drifters off to see the world .There's such a lot of world to see. We're after the same rainbow’s end - Waitin’ round the bend - MyHuckleberry friend…. Moon River and me.”
LeRoy Fuller #96/ South Operator & Joy Fuller #440 / South Operator
Kenneth Nordstrom
Maneuvering through the bays at South Garage, the imposing and distin-guished 6ft -220 lb figure of Kenneth can be seen throughout the dayorchestrating buses - the man is everywhere. If you dare to improperly parkyour bus - he will see you! And he will beeline over to you and tell youwhat you should have done. Then…. he will give you a green sour JollyRoger ….and if you’re not sitting down…he just might even give you ahug! "Frog", as he prefers to be called, has been with Metro Transit for 29years and 10 months, with his 30-year anniversary this April 20th.
Originally from Bremerton, Washington, Frog and his brother were raised inMinnesota. In 1976 Frog came to the MTC for a temporary position inRevenue (for three months). When Chada returned to his position inRevenue, Frog went to the mechanical department to read and recordmeters. When management was not thrilled with Frog’s handwriting style,he was given a cleaning position. He was then laid off for 32 days and losthis three months of seniority. On April 20, 1977, he started over again withthe new start date. At the old Northside, Frog was a Cleaner for eightmonths, Nicollet Fueler for two weeks and then bumped to Cleaner again. Finally at Snelling he remained aFueler for eleven years. He then came to South as a Skilled Helper on nights, and South is where he remainedto the present. Whew!
When asked about what a Skilled Helper does, Frog responded with, "You do everything a mechanic does butset brakes. Now, I just hustle buses."
Few can resist wondering about his nickname "Frog", and he grins as he tells the story: "I was at the oldNorthside one day, mad and talking to a foreman there. He told me that I sounded like a croaking frog," andthat's who is he is to this day.
His retirement date is June 1, 2007, and he says, "I can't wait! I am looking forward to it. I won't miss this jobbut I will miss the people here - I love the people. I spend maybe forty dollars a month on candy, and everybodygets candy - hugs, too! And I mean everybody!"
Continued on Page 18
Snowbird (sno` burd) n. Any of several persons seen leaving Minnesota under snowy winter conditions.
Part 1
I've often heard about the many retired snowbirds from Metro Transit that head south. My husband and I wereout visiting family in Orange County, California, and decided to swing into the Phoenix, Arizona area to check itout. Andy and Judy Klein have a spacious beautiful home in a east suburb named Apache Junction. It is on thevery east edge of town right next to Superstition Mountain. Their double-wide vaulted ceiling home is locatedin a mobile home park only available to persons over 55 years of age. (darn)
When Andy heard we were coming, he called several friends that are in the area and we had a most wonderfulday telling stories, laughing, playing 500, and of course enjoying the buffet at the end of the day.
I think the coolest thing about thePhoenix area is that instead of big oldoak and willow trees, they have hugevarious cactus all over the place. Thebig tall ones are called “saguaro.”This species of cactus grows ½ inchthe first year, 1 inch the next 15 years(the plant works on developing itsroot system.) WOW! Then theydon't grow their first arms until theyare 70-100 years old! They are a pro-tected species. This area also hashealthy palm trees.
Here are some of the stories weshared:
Andy Klein #40 worked fromFebruary 12, 1973 to June 30, 2006.
Retirees CornerDorothy Maki
This column will be devoted toour retirees. Our retirees havedeveloped a tradition of meetingat several locations through outthe Twin Cities on set days andtimes. Everyone is welcome.
Page 8
Northside Breakfast ClubMeets the second Tuesday of each month, 8:30 AM at Barnacle Bill’slocated at Shingle Creek Parkway and Freeway Blvd Brooklyn Center.
Southside Breakfast ClubMeets the first Wednesday and the fourth Thursday of each month locat-ed at Bridgemans, 800 W. 66th Street Richfield.
St. Paul Retiree Lunch ClubMeets the second Wednesday of month at 12:00 PM. The St. Paulretirees club has moved it's meeting place from the Wells Lanes to theVFW Post #295, located at 111 So. Concord Exchange in South St. Paul.
Metro Transit Mechanic TeammateMeets the third Tuesday of the month at Old County Buffet located on2000 South Robert.
_
Page 9 I asked him what was different now than back in 1973. He said "Back then was the beginning of no more mak-ing change on the buses. Old Nicollet Garage faced out to 31st Street and on the corner of 31st and Nicollet onthe S.E. corner was a bar called 'The Vice President' and across the street (where Subway is now) there was abar called 'The President'."
I asked him if he could think of a story that stuck out in his memory, and he and Judy both nodded. "It was win-ter and I was doing overtime on the 17 line and Judy was riding with me. There were several people on the busand I was heading into downtown on Minnetonka between Texas and Louisiana. These two guys came out fromaround a house, waved me down, put the fare in and sat down in the middle of the bus. Each of them had alarge garbage bag. I went down the street a ways and the police pulled me over. Two cops came on. Onestayed in the doorwell, and one cop asked me if I had just picked someone up carrying a sack. I pointed out thetwo guys. The cop went back, grabbed one of the guys and his garbage bag full of furs. There was no scuffle,no knives, no guns, just quietly going with the policeman. I said, 'Don't you want the other guy?’ Cop said,‘No,’ and got off."
Judy said she was keeping an eye on the other guy and was watching him kick the garbage bag under his seatand as far away as he could from himself. Andy said, "I got two more blocks down the road and I got pulledover again. It was a different policeman and this time he took the second guy and his bag of stuff (jewelry andvaluables) off the bus - no scuffle, no knives, no guns."
The policeman told Andy and Judy that these two had robbed a house out in Minnetonka, and their get-awayvehicle was a snowmobile that had crashed into a tree not far from the bus route. They hid by a house until thebus came along.
Charlie Leonard #1277 worked at Metro Transit from 1979-2005. He has a daughter named Lisa Callahanwho drives out of Nicollet. Charlie lives down in Apache Junction all year with Jim Burgoyne #1295 (12/31/79-1/7/2000). They also have a spacious beautiful home with orange, grapefruit, tangelo, and lemon trees in theirback yard. He came over with bags and bags of fruit and loaded us up for bear on our trip home! I asked Charlie if he had a story that stood out, and he lit up with a smile and said, "Years ago there were thesetwo ladies I picked up at the airport. They said to me, 'Do you take tokens?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I take tokens,’ andthey put in two bathroom tokens. Now do you want to hear a touching story?" I said, "Sure." "Pass," he saidwith a wide smile. "Did you hear what a lot of the old-timers would do on the 18?" I shook my head no. "AtLake Street and Nicollet, they would announce 'Express bus, no more stops 'til 31st' and a bunch of peoplewould get off." With that twinkle in his eye, I just know he was one of them.
I asked Jim Burgoyne to recall one of his funniest stories from back then. His belly started to jiggle: "I remem-ber when a couple of drivers down at the legion got drunk and bought a buffalo. They didn't know until a weekwent by and one of them got a call: ‘What do you want me to do with this buffalo you bought?’” I asked Jimand Charlie what, in the workplace, is most different now than is was then. Charlie said, "Getting on the rightbus back at the old Northside was one of the harder things. It was dark and dispatch would issue you boots anda club for the rats just to get out to the bus." He later fessed up to no club for the rats, just the boots.
Jim said on real soggy days the buses would lean onto each other out in the bays. WOW! Okay, I admit I'mspoiled with the current equipment.
Rich Larson #427 and his wife Jan stopped by, too. Rich worked from July of 1974 until his official retirementdate January 4, 2007. Rich was one of the editors, along with Howard Osterkamp, on the first newsletter thatcame out back in the 1980’s. He also participated as an Instructor as well as taught the Transit Ambassador classfor awhile. He is currently taking a silversmith class for his retirement hobby and had some beautiful carvedpieces of rock with him. Rich asked me if I remembered Marty Ruter. I said sure and he said, "You alwaysknew when you got a piece of Marty's work. Marty would drop his customers anywhere they wanted--at drive-
Page 10 ways, middle of the block and on and on - customer service to the 'nth'degree. So Marty was sick and I had his work on a hold-down. Monday,the customers got on and asked where he was and what was wrong withhim. I told them I didn’t know. Tuesday I heard the same questions andagain I said “I don't know, probably sick.” Wednesday I heard the samequestions, remarks, comparisons, and a lot of 'That's not what our busdriver does.'
So Thursday came along and Iheard the same questions. ‘Whereis our regular bus driver?’ So Isaid, ‘Didn't you hear? It was sadand unexpected, but your busdriver died.’ On Friday, Martycame back.”
I wish I could have been there tohear him in the driver’s roomwhen he got off his run, thunder-ing, ”Who had my run thisweek?” Funny!
Gary Abel #1537 and his wifeSue are snowbirds. He was anassistant manager when he retiredin 1995. He is very funny, witty,and a good storyteller. They havea place in Minnesota for three sea-sons and a place in Arizona forthe winter. They said they would miss their family and friends inMinnesota too much if they stayed down south all year.
I asked him when he became management. "On my second accident (hita pole) they put me in. John Gorman was my manager at the time. Iwent in his office to see him. He wouldn't look at you, always kept hishead down. John said, 'What are you going to do about it?' I said,‘Transfer out to South where they bury all the poles.’ John says, ‘Soundsgood.’”
When I asked him to recall some events that stood out in his mind, hehad us rolling with laughter with stories of a driver mooning someone at35th and 1st Avenue (sorry, I can't tell you).
The last story Gary shared with us was his most unusual grievance: "Ihad a driver at Nicollet who was a nice guy, but just couldn't make it towork on time. So we’re in my office with the union reps and the driver,and I explain to the guy that this is serious, and he is out the door unlesshe has a good explanation. The driver stands up, slaps both hands on mydesk, leans toward me and says with a serious face: ‘My cat unpluggedthe alarm.’ I said, ‘Go home, get the cat and bring him back so I can fireboth of you.’” He said that was the hard thing about being a manager attimes.
AT THE GARAGELRT
Contact Bob Boyle or M a r k A m m e n d
All three of our newest trains arenow in Service. We were able tocompletely empty the Metrodomecrowds in 45 minutes after theTwins game on opening day.
We are trying to secure funding tougrade to triple car service on theHiawatha to better merge with theanticipated Central Corridor.
AT THE OFFICEHeywood
Looking for someone to let usknow what is going on
WWW.ATU1005.COMContact Jerry Ewald
Get the latest info from theunion website: Meeting agendas,grievances coming before themembership, officers’ e-mailaddresses, etc.
Get connected. Union strengththrough member involvement!
AT THE GARAGEHeywood
Lance Wallace Dr. # 64434 hasresigned from the committee
Page 11
CRYPTO by PAT KELEHANEach letter stands for another. If you think X=O, for example, it would equal Othroughout the puzzle. Clue: E = X
A Z B W C X 'Y D X B V Z D X F U G U V W Y R
M D N W O M Q X S X F U A X V R X M R
C P W X D N Y. B X M P X S U R O T P U-
G M S U P.
(Answer on page 15 )
Transit and Safety Security Committee(TSSC) General Information
The Transit Safety and Security Committee (TSSC) was established in1991. Some employees from MTC police, drivers, and some managementhad been selected. The TSSC takes an active role in identifying safetyand security issues, problem solving, implementing solutions, and provid-ing feedback from Bus and LRT Operators to Metro Transit Management.The purpose is to work together on safety and security related topics forthe benefit of employees, customers and the community.
In addition to representing their peers at TSSC meetings, committeemembers regularly attend SAT meetings and make presentations to newFull Time Operators. These presentations outline the Committee's pur-pose and achievements as well as provide information regarding the PeerSupport Program, Aerosol Training and other self-defense information.
TSSC meets in the morning on the first Thursday of each month.Management representatives from the Departments of Transportation,Maintenance, Safety, Transit Control Center, Street Operations, andTransit Police are regularly present at committee meetings.
The TSSC also presents Transit Safety and Security Forums on a quarter-ly basis. These forums are presented quarterly, rotating all 5 bus garagesand the Rail O & M Facility. They are hosted by the member represent-ing that garage or facility.
In the fourth quarter of each year, committee members define Goals andProjects for the upcoming year. Although these are ever evolving, thisdefinition allows the committee to remain a focused, influential entity.Members are encouraged to continually bring new advice and informa-tion to the table in order to advance the agenda of the committee.
The TSSC is also represented at Metro Transit Safety Department'sInformation page at http://councilinfo/
AT THE GARAGEOHBContact:
Tom Campbell Bob Schaller
Four mechanics at the OverhaulShop were winners of the “FITfor Life” Why WeightChallenge. Their team wasdrawn from the many teamswho maintained or lost weightduring the challenge.
The prize was FIT for LifeFleece Vests. The team was ledby Karl Olding and includedTom Loughran, JohnDemorrett, and Tom Campbell.
Mary Worley passed away onMarch 15th. Mary worked atthe Overhaul Base as theMaintenance Clerk for manyyears.
AT THE GARAGEEast Metro
East Metro had an accident-freeweek of operation, 3/23/07 thru3/29/07. They had a free lunchon 4/17/07 for their seven con-secutive days without an accident.
Watch for new updatedOperator “Bad Order” sheets.
East Metro will get the first newlow-floor artics from New Flyer.
Congratulations to the five EastMetro drivers that have gonefull time. Good luck inMinneapolis.
Watch for the “Taco Feed” onFriday, May 4th.
May 4th, Joe Woods (8937) isset to retire.
For complete details please see theSafety and Security Board located inevery garage.
TCC: Dan Bullock, Review ofFallback mode - Buses have 2 setsof radios, normal radio op andfallback mode (DNF). All buseswill use their Garage channelwhen in fall back. Buses cannotbe tracked using the GPS whilethe radio system is in fallbackmode. Code 2000 was disabledyears ago.
Questions/comments: Fareboxissues and route info questions arenot priority calls. TCC puts textmessage out stating that only pri-ority calls will be taken while in
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Transit Safety and Security Committee 2006 Summary
Members:Jim Chisholm, Management Advisor, TCC David Rogers, Chair, RailJerry Larsen, HeywoodMary Vasterling, South Theresa Collins, NicolletDennis Engebretson, East MetroVan, Ruter Operator
FebruaryOthers in Attendance
Chad Loeffler TCC SupervisorOfficer AJ Olson, MTPDMike Conlon - Director of Busand Rail SafetyLee Bennett, Asst. Manager,Street OpsFrank Stumpf - MJR GarageManagerDave Larrabe - Risk ManagementSam Jacobs - Director of BusTransportationBrenda Himrich - Manager ofBus & Rail SafetyScott Tollin - ATUDiane Rude - East Metro Op.Cheryl Alonzo - Heywood Op.
fallback mode. Examples are acci-dents and breakdowns. The radiosystem is in fallback when theyfirst log on. Radio has a 'F' on itto indicate fallback mode.Incident: Op had bus hi-jacked inNovember -Had it been in fall-back mode TCC wouldn't haveknow where bus was.
Maintenance: Chuck Wurzingerunable to attend: Jim gave reportfor Chuck. Knee pads forcolumns will be tested on a couplebuses. Vent covers will be testedon a couple buses as well. 3200series buses have had interior con-vex mirror replaced and reposi-tioned. Maintenance and traininghave been working the specs for314 new buses that will beordered later this year. 8 buseshave mirrors installed to view theseats directly behind the driver.Mirror mounted above glassshield. Buses with new mirror are341, 360, 452, 732, 749, 810, 813,920.
Questions/comments: Mirrors onfront of buses show if bike rack isdown. Artics have no place tomount mirror due to the windowstructure of the bus. Passengersboard bus and bump head on mir-ror, pass along to maintenance.Bus 7101: seats have been mount-ed above the wheel well in thefront of the bus with stairs to addmore seating. Seats are very highand steps have broken. Is this asafety concern? This is anattempt to create 3 more seats sothere are less standees and addcapacity. BE Line has been usingthese seats in their 30 ft lowfloors. We have been testing themon our buses. Jan Homan, BrianLamb, and Gillig reps looked at
prototype just before Christmas -they noted clearance issues, steprotates downward, and we areunsure if we want this. They putit into service to test and seeresults. Bus Ops. should submitinput on the seats and what theythink. Hey Ops. have mentionedseat is an unsafe situation - stepsbent/broken. Height is a concern.Drivers should fill out forms sowe know about these before weorder more.
Street Operations: Lee Bennett:Twins ballpark plans are verymuch underway. A Constructionroadway will be built from WashAve to access site.Access Mpls. - making Mpls.commuter friendly is also pro-gressing along. 8th St willbecome 2 way roadway with mostor all buses being pulled off of 7thSt and put onto 8th St. Doublebus lanes will be put alongMarquette and 2nd Ave S. Therewill be 2 bus stops per block andbuses will pass in the left buslane. Hennepin and 1st Ave N.will become 2 way roads. Citywants to put bike lanes along thecurb lane. Metro Transit wouldlike to see bike lanes down thecenter of the roadway. Streetsupervisors are making an effortto talk with ops at terminals aboutthe importance of getting out ofthe terminal on time and monitor-ing the terminal departures. Realtime Transit-master applicationshown.
Questions/comments: What hap-pens when a driver is running lateinto the terminal, needs to userestroom and then subsequentlyleaves terminal late, will supervi-
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sor write violation? Most oftennot, the problem is when a busstill is at a terminal for 15 minutesand then still leaves 5 minuteslater. Leamington Ramp lowerlevel is gridlock during the PMrush hour. Street supervisor, S.Hoeft is continually monitoringsituation to ensure buses are park-ing where they should be.
Safety: Brenda Himrich:Automatic external defibrillators(AEDs) will be placed at allgarages and office spaces. Lookfor AEDs near the restrooms inoffice spaces. No training neces-sary to use device.Demonstrations will take place atmany different locations. Factsabout AED use: AEDs have a 60-70 % success rate versus CPRwith a 5-7 % success. AED willgive all directions for use and willnot injure someone further. Costis approximately $1460. Boxeswill be alarmed so that when theyare used it will be known. Weare under goal for accidents forthe year. Nicollet, Heywood andMJR were under individual goalswhile South and East Metro wereover goals. Accidents includepassenger falls. Overall 31 fewerinjuries even though passengerrider-ship has increased.
Questions/comments: It would benice to see these units on trains inthe future. In regards to WarningStickers on buses: Can wordingabout 'May" be being tapedchanged to "is" being taped.How about a sticker that it is astate felony to assault a operator.MTPD attempts to charge sus-pects with a felony if they can.Each individual case has varyingdetails. MTPD has been suc-cessful charging people withfelony of interfering with transit.
Police: Officer AJ Olson: four
assaults in January - two spittingincidents, (one spitter is in jail andthe other is still spitting at large),one was a arm shove, and a tennisshoe thrown at bus. Increase inassaults from 2005, although allspitting incidents in 2005 may nothave been classified as assaults.Tracking of incidents is beingdone better. Bus hi-jacking inNovember was handled very wellby the operator, TCC, police dis -patcher, and SPPD. Incident isstill in the court system - suspectis charged with multiple felonies.Dave Indrehaus has been namedChief of Transit Police.Onboard police presence will beincreased 150% in 2007. Newofficers will be hired to assist.Officers will be assigned fulltimeto ride buses only. Two officerswill begin March 5th and will ridebuses as long as they are not tak-ing care of incident on the bus.
Questions/comments: The recentrapist captured in NE Mpls caughtdue to the tape for the bus.Spitting assaults are investigatedjust as much as any other type ofassault. MTPD does not trackwhat happens to cases once theygo to trial. MTPD goal is to havefelony charged and prosecuted.
Other: Four-language handoutavailable at garages regarding farestructure. East Metro Hmongoperators report that language isoffensive. David Rogers will con-tinue to serve as TSSCChairperson in 2007.
There was no meeting in March
For complete details please see theSafety and Security Board locatedin every garage.
AT THE GARAGERuter
Contact Dan Abramowicz #[email protected] or Scott Lundquist Dr. #6401
Ruter ExpansionRuter, built in 1975, was reno-vated in 1982. A new roof hasbeen completed and there arenow plans for an extensiveexpansion. Tentatively plannedin the next five years, thesouth wall will be expandedtowards the curb of the drive-way. Currently, new bay lightingwill be installed just in time tohelp illuminate the five new1000 series buses expected.The new buses will be outfittedwith the new digital five-cam -era systems and will be thefirst of this series for Ruter.
Congratulations and Welcome Marilyn Hood joined MJR inFebruary as the facilities newSafety Supervisor. Marilynbegan as an Operator in 1986and was an Instructor atHeywood Garage before com-ing to Ruter.
In Fond MemoryThe unexpected passing of 54-year-old retired RuterOperator DuWayneGrussendorf Jr. #2502 broughtmany friends and co-workerstogether at a solemn but uplift-ing memorial given in hishonor along with his familylast month in Brooklyn Park.To view memorials and signthe StarTribune on-line guestbook for DuWayne go to:http://www.legacy.com/startri-bune/obituaries. (d. 03/05/07)
Meet the Latest Education MemberMelanie Benson
Driver 854I grew up in St. Peter, Minnesota, and graduated from high
school there in 1972. (Yes, I am helping to organize my 35threunion!) That was followed by four years at Macalester Collegein St. Paul, where I experimented with a variety of subjects, think-ing I would find something I wanted to do for a living. Never hav-ing owned a car, I took the city bus everywhere, and that's whatfinally "clicked" for me. After graduating in 1976 with a B.A. inHumanities, I started applying with the MTC and was hired onOctober 11, 1976. As my mother says, "She's been working withhumanity ever since."
Last fall, my passengers helped me celebrate my 30th anniver-sary on the job with a party on my bus on the 23-line on 38thStreet, a route I've been driving for the last ten years. I love myjob and have become friends with many of my passengers. Some
of them share my interests in reading, theatre, gardening, stand-up comedy and other aspects of life. Thirty years in a good job with benefits have enabled me to do many things, such as owning a home and
traveling quite a bit. Making friends from other cultures, both here and in other countries, has been wonderful!What I need to do now is improve my Spanish. Any volunteers?
I am a vegetarian, a socialist, and a photographer who recently learned how to do "scrapbooking", prov-ing that I'm not as craft-impaired as I thought. My family -- my mother, sister, two brothers, in-laws, and fivebright and talented nieces and nephews -- is very close. Two cats have me.
My union involvement has run the gamut from inactivity to hyperactivity (including helping to createthe ATU International Women's Caucus and the Local 1005 Education Committee in the 80's); elected unionoffice from 1994-96 (that almost did me in); back full circle to inactivity. My respect and admiration for ourcurrent union leadership inspired my renewed involvement. Our elected leaders are so busy with the responsi-bilities of office that they could use all the help they can get -- and they actually welcome, encourage and appre-ciate it.
It's been thrilling to see how many members have been involved with the Education Committee over theyears and to see what a fine publication the newsletter has become. The more people who participate, the betterwe will get to know one another, and the stronger we'll be -- and isn't that what a union is about, anyway?
Del Schafer ResignsDear ATU Executive Board:
I have successfully bid an Engineering and Facility position at the LightRail O & M building. Given the fact that I will no longer be located atNicollet Garage I must resign my Executive Board position effective uponthe election of my replacement. It has been a privilege to serve on theExecutive Board for the past 14 years. In that time I have worked underfour different Presidents and numerous Officers and board members thathave taught me many things about the labor movement. I would like tothank everyone for all the help they have given me over the years. I willcontinue to be a strong supporter of those of you who remain at the frontline of our union's struggles. Don't hesitate to call me if I can be of anyassistance in the future.Fraternally,Delroy S. Schafer
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Page 15
"Thank You, South Garage"
From Ms. LaMere's Kindergarten ClassHarvest Preparatory School1300 Olson Memorial Hwy.
"Thank you, South Garage for the $500.00 donation to the kindergarten class. It was amazing to go to the edu-cational store and buy the much-needed educational materials for the class. The games we purchased to teachreading and math skills have been great and the kids just love them".
Each year South Garage collects donations from the "South Annual Holiday Party" from the dinner and drawingheld. This past December, South Garage raised $500.00 and collected groceries totaling $200.00.
Driver Mary Vasterling had become aware of a problem when a kindergarten teacher, Ms. LaMere, took on asecond job. Ms LaMere was a waitress on weekends and used her tips to buy supplies for her class due toHarvest School experiencing budgetary problems, and teaching supplies were scarce. Southsiders decided todonate the money and groceries to Harvest Preparatory School.
When the money became available, Mary contacted Ms. LeMere and they went shopping for the supplies. Theypurchased games that would assist with teaching math, reading and phonics, as well as paints, stickers, playmoney and award stickers.
To assist the students with their math skills, they used paper money to buy the groceries that were donated - andas a reward some children could take the food home. Ms. LaMere said that some children come to school hun-gry and that the cereal received would be kept in the classroom and be given to those children who had not eatenbreakfast.
Mary recently visited Ms. LaMere's class. "Thekids were so excited andtold me how much theyloved the games. They allhad big smiles on theirfaces and couldn't wait toshow me the thank youletters they were makingfor South Garage". The class made a bookletthat includes all of thethank you letters thateach child made and apicture of the class and itwas given to South and isdisplayed in the Drivers’room.
Thank you to everyone who contributed time, food or money.
There is still a need for school supplies and food at Harvest School. If you are interested in assisting these chil-dren during their most crucial years, please contact Mary Vasterling, #9662 at South Garage.
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MEET THE COUNTRY CLUB CHEFS AT THE MARTIN J. RUTER GARAGE
By Thomas Noland, Dr. 64123
As a new “zip code” driver, I opted to work out of the Country Club(MJR). The mystery of the Country Club moniker and the evolution ofthe Country Club Chefs have as many variations as there are bus sto-ries.
The history of the Country Club goes back to 1982. MJR had just beenrenovated. The garage was still considered in the country. There was abasketball court and some new amenities that other garages lacked.MJR did not have a swimming pool or a tennis court. They did, appar-ently, have the type of work that most employees of that era desired.MJR also had barbecues. Through retirements and the shuffling ofemployees, the interest in barbecues subsided until the year 1993.
The new era Country Club Chefs decided to expand on the original bar-becues 12 years earlier. The expansion included holiday dinners, break-fasts, pot lucks, chili cook-offs and barbecues. Marnell Wilber andArlene Olson were the new era-volunteers and innovators.
Over the last twelve years Marnell and Arlene have put a busi-ness plan together that is really unique. They have bought kitchenutensils, crock pots, pyrex ware, a microwave, Corningware, potsand pans, two griddles, two grills (One got burned out during thelast strike after the barrel trick was ruled illegal). The last majorpurchase was a movable custom-made cabinet that can store mostof the kitchen equipment. The movable cabinet, pyrex andmicrowave were purchased using Route H funds. Many of thekitchen utensils and such were purchased at garage sales usingdonations.
The last holiday dinnermarked the end of Marnelland Arlene's volunteering.They will, however, be avail-able for consulting.
Lillie Loving, Scooter Sternthal and Ann Williams will now be in charge.
On behalf of all of us at MJR and visitors from other garages, a specialthanks to the Country Club Chefs and all of the volunteer helpers for theirpassion to make these occasions a success.
Scooter Sternthal
Lillie Loving and Marnell Wilber
Arlene Olson
Page 17
Black History CelebrationThe tenth annual Black History Pot-Luck Celebration took place on Friday, February 16, at the HeywoodGarage. Organizer Chuck Robinson estimates that more than 100 people from various facilities (along with theirfriends and family) attended the event. The featured speaker was Robyne Robinson of Fox 9, and The KeithNance Jazz Quartet provided the entertainment.
Several volunteers contributed to this event, preparing and serving a tremendous selection of delicious foods.Local artists displaying their work included Heywood driver Bill Ashford, Charles Caldwell and AnnikaWilliamson, whose handmade jewelry sales will help finance her People to People Student Ambassador trip toAustralia this summer.
Valerie Robinson, Tracey Jackson, James Cashenberry, Traci Williamson and Chuck Robinson are to be com-mended for organizing this impressive event.
Robyne Robinson chats with Annika and Bryanna Williamson as Anna Williamson and Carlisha Lee stand by.
Page 18
Frog’s hobbies are fishing, travel, fishing, walking, fishing, and volunteerwork with seniors. He has devoted almost thirty- eight years in two dif-ferent nursing homes visiting seniors: “I love the old people - I told you -I am a people person! What am I going to do after I retire? Travel! Firstmy wife and I are going to fly to Las Vegas. Then we'll drive to NewYork for a week, go to Niagara Falls and drive up through Canada, andjust enjoy ourselves through June and July. When I come back toMinnesota I am going fishing at a friend’s cabin." Frog and his wifehave four daughters and nine grandchildren.
If you can give a little time or a lot of time, even all day,contact us. We need burger flippers, prize givers, foodpreparers, people to run games, activities, pick upequipment, return equipment. Get in on the groundfloor. What would you like to see? If you have ideas,let the committee know!
Contact one of the following Executive Board Picnic Committeemembers to find out where you are needed or give your ideas:
Gary Bier, Heywood OfficeKen Dolney, East Metro DispatcherDan Abramowicz, Ruter OperatorMike Rossini, Nicollet Dispatcher Jerry Ewald, Vice President
MED VANContact
Mark Lawson
Although the company wasoriginally called Med Vans (or something like that)in San Francisco, it is nowknow as MV Transportation.More corporate info is ontheir web site: mvtransit.com
The Burnsville division wonan award for having the low-est accident rate of MV'ssmall divisions last year(2006). The safety director issupposed to come to townsoon and reward everyonewith a breakfast.
MV is bidding on the BELine and a couple of otherMet Council RFPs this spring, so MV Burnsvilledivision may expand, stay thesame, or fold up.
Also, several employees andformer employees are suingMV Transit because of thetreatment by the formermanager.
725 / OSC BLDG.Contact
Stephen Babcock
Stephen Babcock has movedfrom the Nicollet stockroomto the new Radio/FareboxStockroom at the 725 bldg.
The Radio Dept. will be join-ing the Training Center,Shelters and Farebox in thenewly completed building.
The Credit Union is alsolocated here, across fromRag Stock on 7th Street.
Page 19not have enough votes to override the vetoes. MVEST will not cover all of our costs. There is a transportationrally April 12. Members are strongly encouraged to attend in their union garb to make a strong showing like the"roads" people always do.
March was a bad month: It included a killing; a shooting; a bank robbery where the bus was used as a get-awayvehicle; and an unfortunate accident where a mechanic was dragged under a bus. The mechanic was hurt, butfortunately not more seriously. ATU members were wrongfully discharged or disciplined. After discussionswith the company and through the grievance process, the operator was reinstated and discipline was clearedfrom the dispatcher’s records.
Michelle asks us all to refrain from talking to management about other union members. If you have a problemwith a union member, please take it to your Board member. If you hear management talking about members,ask them not to. When the company gets involved and sometimes isn't completely accurate, situations can beescalated unnecessarily.
Del Schafer was again thanked and acknowledged for his years of good work as a Executive Board Member forNicollet Maintenance. John Zapata won the election to fill that position (and he was sworn in at the meeting).
The AFL-CIO Organizing Institute will be in town April 21and 22. Local 1005 will be sending interested members withthe help of the International Union.
Liz Goldberg was reappointed to the Education Committee.
Results of Union Meeting Votes:
Motions:To send members to the Organizing Institute - PASSEDOn Maintenance Recognition Program - FAILED
Requests for arbitration
Stockkeeper seeking re-instatement to a former position, seniority and pay. - Yes to arbitration
Payroll grievance (ATU work done by Managers etc.) - Yes toarbitration
South Operator discharge for accident, safety record, overallrecord, falsification, and gross misconduct. - Yes to arbitra-tion
Highlights Continued
Dear union brothers and sisters:
It saddens me to say this will be the last article I write for the 1005Line. I have recently been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, in addition tosome other medical problems I have been dealing with since December of2006. My doctor feels I need to cut back on stress. I have since resignedfrom all the extra activities at Metro Transit and in my personal life. I haveenjoyed being involved with so many different aspects of Metro Transit overthe years. I have learned a lot and enjoyed working with so many co-work-ers and management personnel. Outside of driving the bus for eight hours, Iwill spend my spare time with my family learning to relax and take bettercare of myself.
Stores Department says farewell to John Kortekaas, Stores Material Planner, in a farewell dinner and later cakepresentation. John started at Metro Transit on May 5, 1988 in the Stores Department and ended with almost 19years of service. John has left us for Phoenix, Arizona at the urging of Steve Bethal, also a former Metro Transitemployee. John was a former ATU member for 15 years before he went over to the “dark side” several yearsago. Even so, he will be missed by everyone.
Ten top reasons to attend a Union Meeting
You are a dedicated union worker.
You might learn something about work issues.
You want that $5.00 rebate for meetings at the end of the year.
You are having a hard time with your social life and need to meet people with similar interests.
You have to get the latest gossip on your co-workers.
You need to get away from the spouse and the kids, out of the house.
It is a Tuesday activity. Bowling is on Monday.
There’s nothing on TV.
You might win a jacket, sweatshirt, or shirt as a door prize.
and the top reason:
There are those damn good pastries and fruit!
Page 21
Metro Transit Prepares forSector Restructuring
Residents of the northwest corner of the Twin Citiesmetropolitan area will soon see changes in transitservice coming their way.
Starting in June, Metro Transit will implement thefirst phase of its Northwest Metro TransitRestructuring Plan, which will improve service inan area that represents 13 percent of the metropoli-tan region's population and 20 percent of theregion's jobs. The area generates 10.3 million ridesannually, roughly 14 percent of Metro Transit's rid-ership. A second phase of changes is planned forearly 2008.
Cities in the project area include Brooklyn Center,Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Crystal, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, New Hope, north Minneapolis, Osseo,Plymouth and Robbinsdale.
This spring, marketing efforts will help Metro Transit customers learn more about the changes. Elements of cus-tomer marketing include a brochure, advertising on buses and in newspapers and a feature on the agency's web-site, metrotransit.org. Stakeholders involved throughout the process will also be enlisted to help reach customersaffected by the changes. Metro Transit has communicated with a group of about 500 elected officials and busi-ness and community leaders who represent the study area.
As they have done in previous studies to improve service, Metro Transit planners - after consulting with resi-dents, business owners and other stakeholders - took a fresh look at where and how often buses operate, thenproposed a plan to update service to better match where people live and work today. The project area is servedby 45 bus routes.
"The goal of this project is to make transit service more effective and meaningful for this area, while using exist-ing resources to meet that goal," said Cyndi Harper, transit planner and project manager at Metro Transit.
An earlier concept plan was revised after the agency received feedback from public meetings and commentsfrom printed cards, e-mails, faxes and letters. The Metropolitan Council approved the final plan in December.
This project marks the fifth time Metro Transit has evaluated existing service and recommended improvementsto routes and facilities in a given area. In 1998, the agency divided the Twin Cities region into nine geographicsectors, and has been restructuring service one sector at a time.
In the Study Area:
45 bus routes10.3 million annual rides(14% of Metro Transit’s ridership)15% of Metro Transit’s service13% of the regions residents20% of the region’s jobs
RetirementsCongratulations to January Retirees
Ward,Kenneth P, EM Op. 1223Harris,Johnnie, EM Op. 9184
Dahl,Dennis, EM Sen. Mech-Bldg Maint,5252Thier,Timothy P, Hey Op. 63
Markson,Lawrence A, Hey Op. 840Hippie,Ronald W, Hey Op. 1573
Congratulations to employees celebratingAnniversaries
April5 YEARS
4/1/2002, Franklin,Anthony D, Cleaner III, 390024/15/2002, Manneh,Babucar, Bus Op. FT, 38144/15/2002, Curry,Walter T, Bus Op. FT, 38154/15/2002, Majors,Stephan H, Bus Op.FT, 38164/15/2002, Lopez,Roberto, Bus Op. FT, 38174/20/2002, Klein,Ronald J, Bus Op. FT, 38204/20/2002, Nathe,Patricia J, Bus Op. FT, 38184/20/2002, Johnson,Mary E, Bus Op. FT, 38194/20/2002, Brausen,Gary N, Bus Op. FT, 38234/20/2002, Engebretson,Dennis M, Bus Op. FT, 382110 YEARS 4/5/1997, Butler,Anthony K, Bus Op. PT Day, 97404/14/1997, Rummenie,Christopher, Bus Op. FT, 97474/28/1997, Butts,David P, Vault Puller, 97514/28/1997, Maki,Jerome A, Bus Op. FT, 97584/28/1997, Ogharibhor,Marcia T, Bus Op. FT, 9754
15 YEARS4/13/1992, Panser,Steven M, Vault Puller, 92424/13/1992, Adams,Michael E, Gen. Dispatch. 92404/13/1992, Hansen,Larry J, Mechanic, 92454/20/1992, Karger,Harvey E, Vault Puller, 92524/20/1992, Antus,Mark S, Bus Operator FT, 9255
4/20/1992, Juarez,Felix, Rev. Equip. Maint. 9249
20 YEARS4/6/1987, Knosalla,Darrell W, Bus Op. FT, 9224/9/1987, Partch,Rose M, Bus Op. FT, 9554/9/1987, Hunt,Kenneth M, Bus Op. FT, 9494/9/1987, Grigsby,Kenneth , Rev. Equip. Maint. 9284/9/1987, Brubak,Ron D, Bus Op. FT, 9574/13/1987, Manning,Paul L, Bus Op. FT, 44864/20/1987, Gates,Eddie E, Bus Op. FT, 9674/23/1987, Hellendrung,Donald L, Bus Op. FT, 9684/30/1987, Newkirk,Thomas L, Instructor, 9974/30/1987, Herbes,David A, Bus Op. FT, 996
30 YEARS
4/18/1977, Grimes,Scott S, Sen. Mech., 53054/18/1977, Knehans,Edward L, Sen. Mech., 53284/20/1977, Nordstrom,Kenneth E, Sk. Helper, 5116
May5 YEARS
5/6/2002, James,Anthony S, Bus Op. PT Day, 38275/6/2002, Stumme,Peter M, Bus Op. FT, 38335/6/2002, Webinger,James W, Bus Op. FT, 38255/6/2002, Thao,Hue, Bus Op. FT, 38295/6/2002, Anderson,Dennis D, Bus Op. PT Day, 38245/6/2002, Jacobs,Daher L, Bus Op. PT Day, 38305/11/2002, Adeloye,Adeleke S, Bus Op. FT, 38365/11/2002, Schanks,William J, Bus Op. PT, 38395/11/2002, Black,Robert I, Bus Op. PT, 38375/11/2002, Michaelis,Paul W, Bus Op. FT, 38355/11/2002, Alonzo,Cheryl A, Bus Op. FT, 383410 YEARS
5/3/1997, Peterson,Clifford A, Bus Op. FT, 97675/3/1997, Larsen,Jerry J, Bus Op. FT, 97635/3/1997, Kreuger,James J, Bus Op. FT, 97645/3/1997, Gyalsten Gangzey,Tashi, Bus Op. FT, 97625/12/1997, Brown,Stefanie M, Bus Op. FT, 97745/12/1997, Scarlett,Rohan W, Bus Op. FT, 97735/24/1997, Hultberg,Richard K, Bus Op. FT, 97815/24/1997, Jacobsen,Anita J, Bus Op. FT, 978415 YEARS
5/22/1992, Homa,Richard L, Vault Puller, 92605/22/1992, Hirdler,Michael V, Bus Op. FT, 92635/30/1992, Arroyo,Charles J, Bus Op. FT, 92685/30/1992, Polzer,John M, Bus Op. FT, 92695/30/1992, Edwards,John L, Bus Op. FT, 927020 YEARS
5/11/1987, Leonard,James E, Bus Op. FT, 10165/27/1987, Rolfson,Richard, Lead Stockkeeper, 3356
Page 22
Submissions for Letters to the Editor are subject to approval of the EditorialBoard and space considerations. Letters to the Editor are solely the opinion ofthe author and do not represent endorsement by ATU Local 1005 or theEducation Committee. If you have an editorial to submit, please contact a com-mittee member or our advisor Scott Tollin at: [email protected] No Letters were submitted
LettersTo TheEditor
Answer To CRYPTO:MY WIFE'S NEW GYNECOLOGIST AND I HAVE BECOMEGREAT FRIENDS. WE ARE BOTH PRO-LABOR.
Page 23
For retirement parties and deaths of retired members, please look on thewww.atu1005.com website.
Transit HumorYears ago I was driving a northbound 18 on Nicollet Mall. At 7th St., a blind passenger carrying a red-tippedwhite cane started to exit the bus. One of the other passengers asked if he could assist the man to his destina-tion. The blind man replied: "No, thanks. I know St. Cloud like the back of my hand."
One day I was driving a southbound 18 and stopped to pick up passengers at 3rd and Nicollet. Three men whohad clearly had more than enough to drink boarded the bus, saying they were only going up the Mall (50-centdowntown fare). The first two men said the third one would pay. He started to insert a $20 bill into the farebox. I stopped him, saying, "Don't put that in. It's too big!" He gave me a mischievous smile and said softly,"Say it again." I laughed so hard I let them all ride free!
We would like to make this a regular column. There are a lot of funny stories out there in every department. Ifyou have a funny, true and tasteful story please submit by interoffice mail to Melanie Benson, Dr # 854 atNicollet Garge.
Driving TipsIf the bus is full, you can use the P.A. to announce, “Those who are physically able, please use the rear exit." Ifpeople are exiting through the front door and others are trying to board first, you can extend your arm and holdup your hand saying, "Coming out, please!" in a firm voice. Thanking people for waiting once the door is clearwill prevent them from being upset about having to wait or step back.
When passengers are listening to their headphones at a volume loud enough to be heard by others, you can tryspeaking to them as they board or use the P.A. to request: "Anyone using headphones, please turn the volumedown so no one else can hear it."
If passengers must fumble for change or ID to pay the fare, it is better to ask them to sit down while they lookfor it than to risk a falling accident or to have your view of the front door and side mirror blocked.
As pothole season approaches, drivers would be wise to purchase special driver’s seat cushions with cut-awayareas in the back. These can help prevent tailbone injuries and make the ride much more comfortable for thoseof us who already have tailbone problems. Look at a health clinic store for the best product.
Always remember to treat people the way you would want to be treated. The goodwill you create will go a longway.
Mitch Pose, Mech. #5511Mitch Pose, age 51 of Prescott, Wisconsin passed away on March 27, 2007 after ashort battle with pancreatic cancer. Mitch was a 26-year Metro Transit employee,recently at South Garage. Mitch started cleaning buses in 1981, and in 2006 tooka Senior Mechanic position. He is survived by his wife, Vanessa; two children,Shawn and Shannon; stepdaughter Josie; and a cat named “Watson Boy”. Hisparents, three brothers and two sisters also survive him. Mitch loved photogra-phy. His co-workers will remember him as a reliable friend.
Nickolas Horning, Op. #66082Died unexpectedly when arriving to work at East Metro Facility on Saturday,March 17th. Nick was a strong man of faith who volunteered for a variety ofservices at his church. He thought the world of his wife of almost 13 years,Rebecca, and his two sons, Jason and Joshua. He was born May 11, 1953, inAberdeen, South Dakota. He had only been working as a full-time driver forMetro Transit for the past year. Nick enjoyed traveling with his family (especial-ly on Disney Cruises), golfing, bowling and sailing with his brothers-in-law,attending any function or event in which his boys were involved, going to movies,going out to eat, playing cards, attending church events, singing and acting inEaster Musicals, spending time at the cabin, watching TV, spending time with hispets, and driving anything anywhere.
Ralph Smoot, Op. #8883Smoot, Ralph Ivory, Jr. age 65, of Brooklyn Park, Heywood driver, died on April4, 2007. Survived by his wife, Gayle; children, Tiny, Rafeal, Vickie, Ramone, andRenee; two grandchildren; mother, Marie Jones; two sisters; one brother; moth-er-in-law, Dorothy Williams; also survived by a host of sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Interment at Fort Snelling NationalCemetery.
