Union Driver Update
August 15, 2019
- 2016 Wage Dispute:* As we reported a month ago, the Federal District Court upheld the Arbitration Decision that awarded PTI drivers back pay for the wages the labor agreement called for in 2016. PTI waited until the last day allowed, and then appealed the Federal District Court decision to the Federal Court of Appeals. Get ready to groan. Our attorneys tell us that while we likely will be upheld again, the Appeal Court process can take a year or more before a decision is rendered. Our legal staff is responding to the appeal with the appropriate filings to defend our driver’s rights.
- Contract Negotiations: *The current PTI/UPSEU labor agreement expiredon March 31, 2018. We have been agreeing to extend that contract since that time. The latest extension will expire at the end of the month. The company and union have resolved most non-economic issues for a new contract. What remains are the economic (money) issues.
- Two Key Issues: T*he union would prefer to resolve both largeeconomic issues as part of a new PTI/UPSEU contract proposal that would be presented to members for approval. First is resolution of past money due under the current contract. We may or may not be able to achieve this as part of a new contract. Second is negotiating increases for drivers now and during the term of the new agreement. The two are not necessarily tied together, but if this company is to regain the confidence of its employees, it needs to resolve the past and put together an acceptable labor agreement going forward.
- Working on a Framework for Economic Discussions: *If the negotiators are to have any chance of resolving this mess, it is important to start with a set of general objectives and agree to what issues need to be resolved in the bargaining. The company and the union have been working to agree to this framework over the past couple of weeks. We are hoping to have this framework in place by the end of this latest contract extension. Once the framework is in place, face to face negotiations can begin. We will update you on the results of these efforts.
- Industry is in Upheaval:* A major hurdle in making progress on resolving our labor/management disputes is that the Class I Railroads are on a cost cutting binge and are demanding reductions in bid pricing from the three major crew hauling sub-contractors. They have cut the number of trains they are running, eliminated yard vans and seriously reduced the work our crew haulers have available. This has cut into income for crew hauling companies. The result is a bidding war between the three major crew hauling sub-contractors (PTI, Renzenberger/Hallcon and Railcrew Express) over location business.
- You Have a Right to the Facts:* Obviously what we are reporting outto you in this Update will increase the level of frustration and anger among drivers. Some drivers have asked if they can simply walk out on PTI. As long as we have extended the contract, that would be considered a “wildcat” strike and those drivers participating can be disciplined or terminated. The Union does not condone a wildcat. We have a process for deciding if we want to go on strike that involves a vote of the membership to authorize that action. We urge you not to do anything rash.
- How to Survive this Fight:* If an army engaged in a battle splinters or has no faith in its leadership, it will most certainly lose. We are engaged in a battle. Solidarity matters. Support for union leadership matters. Taking on the naysayers matters. You matter. Because unless each of us decides to stay on the field and fight, we cannot bring this to a conclusion that is acceptable.
Solidarity Means Strength
Solidarity Means Strength
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To Receive these Updates, email us your name , company, and location at _**1222@usw.org*
_Getting Help:_* Your Location Steward should be the first stop intrying to get your union contract questions answered or if you have a problem. However, we understand that it’s sometimes hard to reach a Steward. The next and quickest way to get some help is:
The _Union Driver Hotline_ at (866)203-4960.
Email_ us at:1222@usw.org
Union Area Representative Contact Information:
Here are the contact numbers for our four Union Area Representatives:
Northeast States: Jeff Kramer
Phone: (317) 691-7690 - Email: jkramer@organizing.usw.org
(Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New
Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island)
Southeast States: Darryl Turne
Phone: (205) 253-3016 - Email: *dturner@organizing.usw.org*
(Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland,
Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee, West Virginia)
Western States: William Strizich
Phone: (406) 870-3333 - Email: *_wstrizich@aol.com_*
(Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New
Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington,
Wyoming)
Southwestern States: Jackie Bell
Phone:(817) 343-8862 - Email: *jbell@organizing.usw.org*
(Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas)
Please Share this UPdate with Your Co-Workers
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Fax: 1-412-562-2318 – _
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