Additional Benefits for Laid Off Members
Per a decision from the Executive Board of ATU Local 583 we will be extending the benefits for our laid off Members that have had their rehire status extended to December 31, 2021.
June 1 – December 31, 2021 laid off Members can access additional benefits of:
Option 1: $350 for prescription benefit reimbursement. Simply drop off or mail your original receipts and include your full name, employee number and mailing address for reimbursement.
Option 2: $50 per month reimbursement towards a Blue Cross or similar benefits package. Drop off, mail or email proof of payment for your benefits package to finsec@atu583.com.
Receipts received in the current month will be reimbursed the following month by cheque.
If you have any questions, please call 403-258-1258 Ext 4 or email Harry Lew at the email address above.
Bringing an Issue Forward to the Union
One of the most effective resources we have for finding out what’s happening on the floor is directly through you, the Membership. When you are bringing something to our attention please try and note the important details: Who, What, When, Where, Why. This will go a long way in helping us bring the issue to management’s attention (if needed) and getting a resolve.
City of Calgary $200 Million Surplus – Now What?
As many of you will have seen, the City of Calgary has announced a $200 million dollar surplus. This is largely due to federal and provincial support. As reported by CBC (LINK HERE) – the $202 million dollar transfer from M.O.S.T. (Municipal Operating Support Transfer) was for general operating costs and transit operations. The latter of course being of great interest to Local 583 and our Members.
President Mike Mahar has previously noted that the union believes the City of Calgary needs to commit an appropriate portion of that money back in public transit, specifically to staff it properly to protect the public/Operators. Proper staffing would of course alleviate a lot of the public health concerns about overcrowding and close contact with other passengers. We do likewise, wonder why public health regulations surrounding COVID have kept the vast majority of us apart for over a year, but the province deems it safe for dozens of strangers to pack into buses, with or without masks
We will continue to push for the appropriate allocation of these funds.
Monthly Financial Reporting for ATU 583
Something of interest for members is our monthly financial reporting and how it works.
Under “normal” circumstances where we are safely able to hold monthly regular meetings, this is a report the Financial Secretary Treasurer gives at the end of each meeting (morning and evening). Members present, then discuss and vote on accepting the financials.
When meetings are suspended for whatever reason, the Executive Board is responsible for the business of the Local. In that case the FST presents their report to the Executive Board and they act on behalf of the Membership.
The financial reporting includes vouchers which are itemized as well as a financial statement with a broader spectrum of expenditures.
Additionally, ATU 583 has audits completed twice a year which are then sent to the International for approval. The International has just reviewed and accepted our audit ending December 31, 2020.
Boomgroup Discount Cards
Did you know that we are in the final months of use for our current Boomgroup discount card? The current cards expire 12/31/2021.
This card is a free membership perk we sent out to all members in good standing.
Be sure to take advantage of all the great deals by going to boomgroup.com – you will need to sign up if you haven’t already so have your card or key-tags handy.
Some available offers include: 15% off admission to the Calgary Zoo, $10 off any tire service at Mr. Lube, savings on home/auto/pet insurance and more!
Renewal of these cards goes to the Executive Board and is based on overall usefulness to our Members. This is based on a number of factors including feedback and numbers we receive from Boom on activated cards.
Changes to the Employee Family Assistance Program and caring for your Mental Health
In case you weren’t aware there is a new provider for the City of Calgary’s Employee – Lifeworks. They can be reached by calling 1-877-700-1424 (24 hours a day) There are also online resources available which we will link on our website atu583.com.
Taking care of our mental health is more important than ever. We understand it can be difficult to take that first step, which is another reason reaching out through EFAP can be so helpful. All information shared with them is confidential. Though they are a benefit through your employer, all of the conversations and information therein, are private.
CT employees can also access these benefits for their family members who may also be struggling or just need some advice.
Regardless, we encourage anyone who feels they need some extra help to take that first step and call or check online for resources that best fit your individual needs. We have also put out a blog post on our website linking outside resources, which we will link to again for convenience. LINK 1 LINK 2
Additionally, if you should want to speak to an Officer about an issue you have been having you are welcome to reach out that way, as well. Please give us a call at the office if you decide to take that route.
Member Safety – Our First Concern
We have seen far too many assaults by the public on our Operators. The increased stress brought about by COVID 19 and changes to service have increased frustration by both our members and the public. The current rule book states to request a fare but not to the point of confrontation. Of course, that is an impossible point to predict and always leaves the employee more vulnerable because of it. In fact, all to often rule enforcement leads to our members being disciplined. When ever possible, if there is a need to enforce a rule, call Control and follow their instructions. Enforcing some rule is simply not worth the danger of a possible confrontation with a passenger.
If you have been assaulted, please report it as a Code Blue, and give as much information as possible. Support and help are available from both the Union and from the employer. Please take advantage of all support offered. Also, when asked, state that you want to press charges against the assaulter. Only by actually stating that you wish to press charges can an investigation begin. ATU will help you through the entire process.
As always if there is an item of interest that you would like the Local to discuss in an upcoming issue of Monthly Insights, please reach out to us at jacinda@atu583.com
COPE 387 /jr
