MTA Business Service Center

TWU Local 100 June 22, 2012 When Local 100 found out about the MTA 's plans to move administration of TA/OA paychecks and health benefits to the MTA-wide Business Service Center (BSC), the Union immediately demanded that the Authority bargain about the impact it would have on our members. We are determined to prevent the kind of disruptions that we have experienced when they made changes in the past. When talks were unsuccessful, the Union filed a grievance. Then management started to negotiate seriously. Here are some of the things we objected to and what we have won so far: Originally, the MTA had no plans for members to deal with their benefits in person. The Union has won an agreement for a Walk-in- Center at 180 Livingston St. Originally, the MTA had no plans for family members to be able to get information or resolve problems. The Union has won an agreement for access for spouses and family members. Originally, the MTA had no plans to give members access using their pass or Social Security numbers. The Union has won an agreement that they can use their pass or Social Security numbers. Originally the MTA had no procedures for Union Reps to intervene with BSC managers. The Union has won an agreement to a procedure so Union Reps can go to bat for members. Management wants to change over to the BSC as of July 2, and give members the contact information for the BSC and their ID numbers AFTERWARDS. Compounding the problem, management also wants to move responsibility for writing TA/OA paychecks over to the BSC in mid-July. They have agreed to review with us the testing of the new system. but this hasn't happened yet. What we have been able to see has caused us serious concern. We doubt that they are ready. Local 100 is telling them to wait and do it right. We will be back in arbitration on June 29. The underlying problem In 2002 we gave up our right to co-administer our benefits. Now, we have no direct control. We have to fight like hell to protect our benefits every time management decides to make a change. We may win in the end but the cost is high. And that is just to keep from moving backward. We can't go on like this. We must reestablish direct control over health benefits. In contract negotiations, Local 100 is proposing just that. AFTER THE CHANGEOVER HOW TO PROCEED Health Benefits: If you have problems with your health benefits after the changeover, contact the BSC. If you have problems with the BSC, call the Union's Member Services Department at (347) 643-8062. Paychecks: If you have a problem after the changeover, go to timekeeping. Your timekeeper will not change. If you do not get satisfaction, call your Union Rep. MTA Business Service Center Website: mtabsc.info Hours: 8:30am to 5pm, Mon.-Fri Email: bscservice@mtabsc.org Phone: 646-376-0123 Fax: 212-852-8700 Mail: MTA Business Service Center 333 W. 34th Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10001 Walk-In Center: 180 Livingston St, Brooklyn, NY