OPERATORS-PLAN TO BE AT THE NEXT BOARD MEETING

Employees of Trimet will be going to the December 14th board meeting to express to the directors that management has not upheld its responsibility in creating a safe working environment; 

schedules that work so that operators are not under undo pressure, equipment that meets basic standards of safe operation, and work schedules that do not create exhaustion

While McFarlane preaches safety, he has done nothing to address the systemic problems associated with safety. All of McFarlanes safety measures revolve around safety training for operators. He has ignored the operational issues that have created an unsafe work environment.

We intend to give the board of directors examples of some of the unsafe conditions under which we work under.

The current contract states:

Section 15 — SAFETY

Par. 1. The health and welfare of employees is a primary

concern of both the District and Association. Both parties

recognize the importance of achieving and maintaining a high

level of safety in all operations of the District. Both parties

also recognize the importance of reducing on-the-job injuries

and controlling property damage and production losses.

Both parties recognize the value of safety rules and practices,

as well as preventive and corrective safety measures.

Therefore, the District and Association, in recognition of their

common commitment to promotion of safety and reduction

of losses, will jointly support efforts to implement policies,

practices, procedures, and protections during the duration of

this Agreement to bring this about.

The management has failed to deliver a safe working environment for its employees.