Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Local 72 Changes Labor Panel
Teamsters Local 72 is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with the NYSTA to change from the American Arbitration Association to the Cornell Labor Institute for processing of grievances. What this means for you is that grievances should be processed more efficiently and the amount of time from filing to decision should decrease dramatically. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Official Welfare Fund Announcement
The following announcement will be going out to the website and bulletin boards:
Local 72 is pleased to announce the following changes to the Welfare Fund:
(1) Step-children are now covered under the Local 72 Welfare Fund. Eligibility for coverage under the Fund is the same as for the NYSTA's major medical program. You will need to provide a birth certificate for the child and a marriage certificate between the member and the child's natural parent.
(2) The life insurance benefit has been increased to $15,000.
Both changes will go into effect as of March 1, 2009. We are able to offer these new benefits as a result of efficient management of the Fund and the extra allowance negotiated in the most recent contract. Please contact your Local 72 representative if you need additional information.
Local 72 is pleased to announce the following changes to the Welfare Fund:
(1) Step-children are now covered under the Local 72 Welfare Fund. Eligibility for coverage under the Fund is the same as for the NYSTA's major medical program. You will need to provide a birth certificate for the child and a marriage certificate between the member and the child's natural parent.
(2) The life insurance benefit has been increased to $15,000.
Both changes will go into effect as of March 1, 2009. We are able to offer these new benefits as a result of efficient management of the Fund and the extra allowance negotiated in the most recent contract. Please contact your Local 72 representative if you need additional information.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Local 72 Increases Life Insurance Benefit
Local 72 is pleased to announce that it has increased the Welfare Fund's life insurance benefit to $15,000. This increase will go into effect as soon as possible. Please contact us if you have any questions or need additional information.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Local 72 Welfare Fund Now Covers Step-Children
Effective March 1, 2009, the Local 72 Welfare Fund is pleased to announce that it will provide coverage to eligible members' step-children. The requirements for coverage are the same as the NYSTA's major medical program. You must provide an acceptable birth certificate for the child and a marriage license between the member and the child's natural parent. Please contact Local 72 if you have any questions or need additional information.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Welfare Fund Study
We are currently reviewing the financial impact of allowing step-children to be eligible for Welfare Fund benefits. Due to the modernization of the Fund's administration as well as extra money negotiated in the last contract, the Board feels strongly about providing coverage for all step-children of covered members. The same eligibility requirements for obtaining major medical coverage through the NYSTA would apply (a birth certificate for the child or children and a marriage license). We hope to have the results of the study by mid-February. We will certainly keep the membership updated. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Testimony of President Latko to NYS Commission on State Asset Maximization
Testimony of International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
Local 72 Martin A. Latko, President
to the New York State Commission on State Asset Maximization
Privatizing Infrastructure Is Not The Answer
December 2, 2008
Teamsters Local 72 represents approximately 3000 New York State Thruway Authority (“NYSTA”) employees that includes, among others, full-time and part-time toll collectors, maintenance workers and radio dispatchers. These employees are charged with the duty of helping to operate and maintain the New York State Thruway. Local 72 thanks you for the opportunity to address this Commission on this very important issue.
Privatizing public assets sounds good in theory. In practice, however, it simply does not work with respect to roads and highways. I respectfully refer the Commission and those interested in this issue to read the testimony given by PEF President Ken Brynien. The testimony can be accessed by going to: http://nysamcommission.org/pdf/testimony/110608/Brynien.pdf. Mr. Brynien accurately summarizes how privatizing public roads and highways has failed all across this nation. The conclusion reached by Mr. Brynien is that privatizing public roads and highways actually leads to higher tolls, higher taxes, fraud, corruption and financial disorder. Our research supports this conclusion and this is why Local 72 does not support privatizing any public roads or highways.
I have been part of many roundtable discussions and consortiums on the issue of privatizing toll roads. I have listened to person after person discuss how local governments are “exploring” this option even in the face of compelling data showing that privatizing does not work. I have personal experience on how privatizing is a failure with respect to the NYSTA. Local 72 employees used to perform many tasks that are now contracted to private firms. For example, we would replace bridge decks, paint bridges and paint-stripe the Thruway. These are all functions that are now contracted to private firms. In many of these cases, the work performed is substantially inferior and costlier as compared to the work performed by Local 72 employees, which makes sense since the work once performed by skilled employees with years of experience making a set wage are now being performed by the lowest bidder seeking to maximize profits.
Our employees work everyday on the bridge they used to paint and the road they used to stripe. Our employees have ownership over their work. Contractors do not. Our employees make a good wage with benefits and pensions. These employees live in the area they work, pay taxes and help the local economy. In many cases, private contractors do not provide any benefits to their employees and these employees do not live in or contribute to the local community.
When Local 72 employees do work, there only requirement is to get the job done right. The health and safety of the community is of paramount interest to Local 72 and the NYSTA. Profit is not an issue. For example, snow and ice removal is the primary function on Local 72 employees in the winter season. The NYSTA has a bare-pavement policy, which is exactly what it sounds like – plow until you have a road clear of snow and ice. You can have this type of policy when safety, not profit, is your primary goal. This fact is why, in most cases, important public infrastructure is operated and maintained on a not-for-profit basis. If these roads are sold to private corporations with shareholders and margins to consider, there will be no bare-pavement policy or other non-mandated safety precautions because there is no money in it.
New York State is in a time of financial crisis. We all realize that. However, now is not the time to think small. These ideas of privatizing public assets are nothing more than recycled band-aids or the proverbial finger in the leaking dam. New York needs to invest in its most important asset – the worker. Studies have shown and continue to show that Local 72 employees can do jobs better and cheaper than private companies. The NYSTA just held public hearings for a toll increase. While almost everyone objected to a toll increase, everyone who spoke about Local 72's employees had nothing but praise for the job they do. Local 72's employees are the best qualified to operate and maintain the roads in New York State and they should continue to do so. If privatized, tolls will increase nearly 400%, services will decrease, standards will decrease and taxes will probably go up as a result. More importantly, good, hard-working people who have given their life to public service and who have been keeping travelers safe, will be unemployed. Privatization is not the answer.
It is all too often and, I guess, too easy to finance the sins of government on the backs of working middle-class people. That is what is being proposed with respect to privatization. While the State would certainly reap a short-term financial gain, the common citizen would, over time, be punished. If, eventually, New York's roads and highways are privatized, tolls would skyrocket, services would decrease and the health and safety of New York travelers would be placed in jeopardy.
If you require any additional information, please contact me at (212) 691-4228 or local72@aol.com. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Local 72 Martin A. Latko, President
to the New York State Commission on State Asset Maximization
Privatizing Infrastructure Is Not The Answer
December 2, 2008
Teamsters Local 72 represents approximately 3000 New York State Thruway Authority (“NYSTA”) employees that includes, among others, full-time and part-time toll collectors, maintenance workers and radio dispatchers. These employees are charged with the duty of helping to operate and maintain the New York State Thruway. Local 72 thanks you for the opportunity to address this Commission on this very important issue.
Privatizing public assets sounds good in theory. In practice, however, it simply does not work with respect to roads and highways. I respectfully refer the Commission and those interested in this issue to read the testimony given by PEF President Ken Brynien. The testimony can be accessed by going to: http://nysamcommission.org/pdf/testimony/110608/Brynien.pdf. Mr. Brynien accurately summarizes how privatizing public roads and highways has failed all across this nation. The conclusion reached by Mr. Brynien is that privatizing public roads and highways actually leads to higher tolls, higher taxes, fraud, corruption and financial disorder. Our research supports this conclusion and this is why Local 72 does not support privatizing any public roads or highways.
I have been part of many roundtable discussions and consortiums on the issue of privatizing toll roads. I have listened to person after person discuss how local governments are “exploring” this option even in the face of compelling data showing that privatizing does not work. I have personal experience on how privatizing is a failure with respect to the NYSTA. Local 72 employees used to perform many tasks that are now contracted to private firms. For example, we would replace bridge decks, paint bridges and paint-stripe the Thruway. These are all functions that are now contracted to private firms. In many of these cases, the work performed is substantially inferior and costlier as compared to the work performed by Local 72 employees, which makes sense since the work once performed by skilled employees with years of experience making a set wage are now being performed by the lowest bidder seeking to maximize profits.
Our employees work everyday on the bridge they used to paint and the road they used to stripe. Our employees have ownership over their work. Contractors do not. Our employees make a good wage with benefits and pensions. These employees live in the area they work, pay taxes and help the local economy. In many cases, private contractors do not provide any benefits to their employees and these employees do not live in or contribute to the local community.
When Local 72 employees do work, there only requirement is to get the job done right. The health and safety of the community is of paramount interest to Local 72 and the NYSTA. Profit is not an issue. For example, snow and ice removal is the primary function on Local 72 employees in the winter season. The NYSTA has a bare-pavement policy, which is exactly what it sounds like – plow until you have a road clear of snow and ice. You can have this type of policy when safety, not profit, is your primary goal. This fact is why, in most cases, important public infrastructure is operated and maintained on a not-for-profit basis. If these roads are sold to private corporations with shareholders and margins to consider, there will be no bare-pavement policy or other non-mandated safety precautions because there is no money in it.
New York State is in a time of financial crisis. We all realize that. However, now is not the time to think small. These ideas of privatizing public assets are nothing more than recycled band-aids or the proverbial finger in the leaking dam. New York needs to invest in its most important asset – the worker. Studies have shown and continue to show that Local 72 employees can do jobs better and cheaper than private companies. The NYSTA just held public hearings for a toll increase. While almost everyone objected to a toll increase, everyone who spoke about Local 72's employees had nothing but praise for the job they do. Local 72's employees are the best qualified to operate and maintain the roads in New York State and they should continue to do so. If privatized, tolls will increase nearly 400%, services will decrease, standards will decrease and taxes will probably go up as a result. More importantly, good, hard-working people who have given their life to public service and who have been keeping travelers safe, will be unemployed. Privatization is not the answer.
It is all too often and, I guess, too easy to finance the sins of government on the backs of working middle-class people. That is what is being proposed with respect to privatization. While the State would certainly reap a short-term financial gain, the common citizen would, over time, be punished. If, eventually, New York's roads and highways are privatized, tolls would skyrocket, services would decrease and the health and safety of New York travelers would be placed in jeopardy.
If you require any additional information, please contact me at (212) 691-4228 or local72@aol.com. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Local 72 Committed To Fighting Privatization
As I discussed in my newsletter, the specter or privatization has reared its ugly head. With the State's finances in disarray, it only seems natural that they would try to turn to the private sector for an infusion of cash. This script is not novel. We have seen this played out before – most notably in Indiana. I think it is important to note that although the “feelers” for privatization have certainly been sent out across the State, Local 72 has emphatically rejected any overture that our roads and/or our people will fall under that black cloud.
Privateers and state governments target weak and novice unions who know little about privatization. As I said in my newsletter article, this Union and our General Counsel are experts on this subject and have been working with other unions for years on addressing and combating privatization. This issue does not allow for on-the-job training or a learn-as-you-go approach. We have a very specific plan and have developed several contingencies for dealing with this issue.
One of the main tools we will use is our political connections and influence. I have already been named by AFL-CIO President Dennis Hughes to a special ad-hoc committee charged with the duty to make a report and recommendation to the State regarding privatization. Local 72's influence on this committee will be vital to educate State leaders about why privatization of vital State infrastructure must be rejected. I have led numerous roundtable discussion on privatization and we are a member of the Teamster's Toll Road Consortium, which gives us broad national strength on this issue. We also have many other plans and strategies in place. For example, our General Counsel is in the process of formulating litigation and/or lobbying strategies should the need arise. The bottom line is that we are prepared to deal with this potential crisis. We have the leadership, knowledge and strategy to keep the private market away from our jobs.
As with any issue like this, the rumor mill is churning at full-speed. Don't believe what you hear unless you hear it from us. This letter is going on bulletin boards, the internet and we are starting a blog on this subject. You can use the blog to ask questions and get quick, accurate answers. This electronic dialogue is the best way to keep the membership informed and we strongly suggest using it. You can view and post to the blog at: http://local72.blogspot.com/.
We are committed to you and this Union. We will fight for you every day, however, we need this Union to be unified. We are never above criticism and we welcome suggestions to make this Union better. However, at this critical time, it is important to pull together and support each other. Together we cannot fail. Focusing on trivial nonsense that divides us only gives opportunity to those who want us to fail. You may disagree with this Board, but you can do so without being disagreeable. At the end of the day, we are all union brothers and sisters.
Fraternally yours,
Martin A. Latko
Privateers and state governments target weak and novice unions who know little about privatization. As I said in my newsletter article, this Union and our General Counsel are experts on this subject and have been working with other unions for years on addressing and combating privatization. This issue does not allow for on-the-job training or a learn-as-you-go approach. We have a very specific plan and have developed several contingencies for dealing with this issue.
One of the main tools we will use is our political connections and influence. I have already been named by AFL-CIO President Dennis Hughes to a special ad-hoc committee charged with the duty to make a report and recommendation to the State regarding privatization. Local 72's influence on this committee will be vital to educate State leaders about why privatization of vital State infrastructure must be rejected. I have led numerous roundtable discussion on privatization and we are a member of the Teamster's Toll Road Consortium, which gives us broad national strength on this issue. We also have many other plans and strategies in place. For example, our General Counsel is in the process of formulating litigation and/or lobbying strategies should the need arise. The bottom line is that we are prepared to deal with this potential crisis. We have the leadership, knowledge and strategy to keep the private market away from our jobs.
As with any issue like this, the rumor mill is churning at full-speed. Don't believe what you hear unless you hear it from us. This letter is going on bulletin boards, the internet and we are starting a blog on this subject. You can use the blog to ask questions and get quick, accurate answers. This electronic dialogue is the best way to keep the membership informed and we strongly suggest using it. You can view and post to the blog at: http://local72.blogspot.com/.
We are committed to you and this Union. We will fight for you every day, however, we need this Union to be unified. We are never above criticism and we welcome suggestions to make this Union better. However, at this critical time, it is important to pull together and support each other. Together we cannot fail. Focusing on trivial nonsense that divides us only gives opportunity to those who want us to fail. You may disagree with this Board, but you can do so without being disagreeable. At the end of the day, we are all union brothers and sisters.
Fraternally yours,
Martin A. Latko
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
