Chris Day has been calling out union clumsiness

This kind of sloppiness by our union is very disconcerting

Christopher R. Day
February 10, 2015
Amalgamated Transit Union, AFL-CIO/CLC
International Headquarters
5025 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Dear Sir or Madam:

I have attached a copy of an article printed in our local union paper "The Bulletin" Volume 116, Number 3. The article is titled "NOMINATIONS AND VOTE FOR ATU LOCAL 757 ELECTION COMMITTEE" and is posted to satisfy §452.56 of Department of Labor, 14.7 of ATU International Constitution and General Laws and Section 13 of our local bylaws requirements. Upon reviewing this notice I have found that the Nominations of candidates date of May 11th and the Ballot count on June 23rd is in violation of section 13 of our local bylaws. The amount of time between May 11th and June 23rd exceeds 30 days (the maximum time allowed).

 I have also noticed a statement about the election committee pay stating "It may happen that committee members will be required to perform limited committee work as unpaid volunteers." This statement can be viewed as to discourage members from taking part of election committee. Section 15 addresses Election Committee members pay and I have failed to find any reference towards some parts of an Election Committee duties being required to be volunteered. This is also a violation of state and federal wage laws along with setting a poor example to the employers who employ our members.

On February 9th, 2015 I sent an email to ATU757 President, Vice President and Financial Secretary about my findings and a request for resolve. On February 10th, 2015 I attended a continuation meeting at our local union office. At the start of the meeting the officers commented about my email and stated to the members at the meeting (about 10 members) that the vote count date is not correct and is currently being looked at and adjusted. I expressed my concerns about the requirement of performing duties off the clock. President Bruce Hansen explained that Election Committee members are paid their run pay no more no less. So of the committee member has a 9 hour run then that member is paid 9 hours whether that member works 7 hours or 10 hours. He claims it works out in the wash.

Our local bylaws is not clear about this yet it does indicate that if this is true our union is in possible violation of state and federal laws. It also discourages members from taking part in such an important role within our union. To combine paid and unpaid time opens the door for preference in treatment which puts the integrity of the Election Committee members in question.

This notice has brought forth the questioning of members being discouraged from participating and has created concerns about this election cycle being properly handled. Because of this I am advising the local and International that it is important to address this before any further damage is caused. This is in accordance with Department of Labor requirements that I exhaust all local and International grievances. This is notice that I am attempting to have the actions in question addressed and corrected by both local and International.

Sincerely,
Christopher R. Day
ATU757 Member