Dear Senator Gorseck,
First and Foremost…..thank you for sponsoring SB 690. Below are some emails from an earlier bill, requesting the same….repeal the ‘no strike’ law for Transit Workers. HB2196 was never pushed through. How can you and/or we make sure that doesn’t happen with this bill??
As a transit worker for over 25 years, I believe it is crucial that we get our “right to strike” back. Teachers still have it. We should as well.
If in binding arbitration, the arbitrator could take from one “final offer” and the other, and combine for a fair contract, it would be good. However, this is not the case. The only binding arbitration we have had for a contract, was awhile back. The arbitrator mentioned several times in the decision, that the employer (TriMet) was most likely breaking the law. However, he still sided with TriMet, over ’retiree benefits.’ ONE thing!! It was unbelievable. Our union has seemed weakened ever since.
TriMet today, is out of control with discipline, forcing 20+ year employees to retire, no “progressive discipline,” for anybody. Immediate suspensions and/or terminations….in spite of what the contract states. Transit Worker Assaults are unreal. Our company suspends and/or terminates people who DEFEND themselves. We are “sitting ducks,” and the “public” knows it.
Our union is weak without the “right to strike.” We need laws protecting us. We cannot depend on Management (PUBLIC EMPLOYERS) doing the right thing. We cannot depend on the union leadership to protect us. We need laws like this to PASS! Going on Strike, would never be taken lightly. We would still need to vote to strike. We just need that option back!!
Please, if there is anything I can do….who to email, who to call. Please let me, and all on cc list know. Please do not let this be pushed aside this time.
Sincerely,
Dee Williams
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