Hurricane Sandy Relief Forms on MTABSC

Brothers and Sisters; Since the Hurricane Sandy disaster hit our area, their has been programs put in place on the MTA BSC which allows members to donate time from their leave balances. These benefits haven't been widely known. I myself just found out from a struggling member that these programs exist in order to get through these difficult times. Below are the forms that you can obtain from the MTA BSC by Login in with your BSC # and password  and clicking Hurricane Sandy in the Employee News. The forms available are HR BEN 391A Request for Vacation Buyback                                                  HR BEN 392A Request for Emergency Leave                                                 HR BEN 393A Request to donate leave  

Putting Your House In Order

Brothers and Sisters; Over the weekend I had an interesting conversation with one of my brother operators from Gunhill Depot. The conversation was about putting your house in order. For about 30 minutes we discussed things like 401k's to working overtime. Then we discussed dues and the importance of a Union! The membership is the strength behind any union though it seems that many would want to do without one! For any member who has went on workers compensation or has been disciplined either wrongfully or out of progression knows why we must maintain our union. Many criticize for not negotiating a contract. Any contract! Our Union has said no to the pattern contracts that have been negotiated for other unions, while anti worker laws have been passed in neighboring states. What will it take for us to wake up and see what's really going on. Many befriend the senior vice president of the department of Buses expecting him to remember where he came from, you folks got it all wrong, he's about the best interests of business and efficiency. We on the other hand are about health and safety, enforcement of our collective bargaining agreements your families, and getting you paid for every piece of work or training that you do. If we truly stood together instead of the many rats that want to hold hands with the bosses including some Union Reps, we would be better off! Let's get our house in order and do this damn thing together. Thank you Brother Jackson for the encouraging words, I know that you are truly a union man who cares, and for that I have to go harder! Together we make a difference in all things! In Solidarity Donald Yates MaBstoa 

MaBstoa News

Brothers and Sisters; The latest blow to the labor movement comes from the announcement that the ATU Local 1181 has withdrew from their strike. The battle will continue through the Upcoming Mayoral elections where some have pledged to sign the job protections that School Bus Operators and Matrons currently enjoy. Contract Negotiations between TWU Local 100 and MTA NYCT has been put on hold until a New MTA Chairman has been selected and confirmed by the Senate.  Local 100 stands ready to continue negotiations. Lobby Day will be on March 12, 2013, Sign up with the chairs, or sign up using the Locals website. As a reminder, we have to go in numbers and pressure the legislature to negotiate and pass laws beneficial to Transit workers and their families. Black History Celebration will be on February 27, 2013 @ the Joseph P. Kennedy Center 34 West 134th St. (Harlem) 5pm to 10pm Quill-Connolly Day Celebration March 15, 2013 6:30pm to 9pm At the Manhattan Club above Rosie O'Grady's/52nd St. Between 7th & Broadway Free Food & Cash Bar Sexual Harassment- Be mindful that sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal and won't be tolerated. All Men and Woman are expected to act professionally. If their is an alleged incident, contact EEO. Michael J. Quill operators operating on the M34 will make Westbound reliefs at 7th Ave. and Eastbound reliefs in the middle of the block between 7th and 8th Ave. Manhattanville Operators should be mindful of running red lights especially on the M11. Complaints have been made, so be mindful of safe operation. Stay Tuned!