Neal Berlin on the state of the ATU757

This current contract negotiations will forecast the direction the Rank & File will face in the future.  There have been so many ‘Take Backs’ over the last three Union contacts their not much left to give up or defend by the Union.  A big win by the Union is needed for its members: pay raises, health benefits that are secure, retirees to receive grandfather protection, SIP reform( return to CSI) this just partial list to ensure a viable Union. I fear that this in not in the stars.  The result will be overtime an eroding support by current Union members to keep paying dues: for what?  To shout ‘ Solitary solidarity!’ will echo in an empty Union hall. The  doomsday clocks for this Union is three minutes before midnight.  To take comfort by wearing T-shirts with a Union slogan will do little more than be a future rag in the bin.  The demise of TriMets Rank & File morale has been managements strategy for the past 15 year plus.  It has been accomplished in not one big swoop but a little chipping away of any sense camaraderie by isolating different facets of the workforce.  I see our current Union leadership not able to turn the tide of this slow moving disaster that awaits for all Rank File.  Truthfully, I feel it is to late set a new course, no matter who is at the helm.  There have been many, myself included, that over years that have advocated a different course of actions ( many times unfortunately the Union took NO effective actions).  I take no great satisfaction in say: “ I told you so.”. I pray for a miracle that TriMet and the Rank & File return to days that cared about each other but also  the taxpayers who foot the bill for its very existence.  There are very few true miracles, even in the Bible, let all of us pray.