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Welcome to the United Transportation UnionUTU Local 610 BALTIMORE, MARYLAND “Making
a Difference” Working for our membership every day!ü What is a union?ü How the UTU is organized.ü Things every union member should knowü Grievances and Representation Rightsü Who to call when you have a problem.
What is a union? A union is a group of workers who join together to achieve certain goals and objectives.
They may want to improve wages, working conditions, and benefits. Workers also want a way to ensure
fair treatment from employers in matters of job assignments, layoffs, promotions or other matters including protection from
discrimination and favoritism. Employers like to tell individual workers that they are already protected by employment law, but just
try to pursue an unfair termination or bring a case before a government agency on your own. It just doesn’t happen without
help. Belonging
to a union provides you that extra protection that can only come from being covered by a collective bargaining agreement negotiated
with the help of experienced labor negotiators. Membership in the United Transportation Union gives you that added security and
keeps the power where it belongs — with the members. Members elect officers to coordinate Local affairs
and delegates to act on their behalf in International elections and on changes to the International Constitution. As a UTU member,
you help secure a voice at work through elections and Local voting on referendum and contractual issues.
How is the UTU Organized? The UTU has three
levels of operation. The Local level deals directly with claims and grievances for violation of the collective
bargaining agreement. The intermediate level which includes the General Committee of Adjustment (contracts & discipline)
as well as state legislative boards (safety & legislation). The International is the administrative level, responsible
for execution of UTU policies and efficient operation of the union. Does
the UTU have political influence? There are few organizations with more political clout than the UTU. One of the
reasons for that is our commitment to first-hand activism. State and national decision makers know us because
our officers meet them face-to-face as professionals who understand the political process. We back that up with voluntary,
grassroots support through the UTU PAC fund. Your letters, phone calls, and emails tell legislators that
the UTU is alive and well and voting for its’ interests. We ask those we support to do the same. You also elect
a Legislative Representative for Local 610 who handles your political and safety concerns in conjunction with the State
and National Legislative Director.
Your Union
and the Law The law
provides for workers to self-organize,
to form, join, or assist labor organizations; and to bargain collectively as well as to act together for purposes of mutual aid or protection.
It is against the law for your employer to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed
them under law. The union contract under which you work addresses matters of employment including:·
Seniority· Wages· Grievance handling· Personal leave The contract is important because it is a legal agreement between all workers in your bargaining unit
and the company, including you. The contract protects workers and without it you can be treated unfairly
and arbitrarily disciplined. Under your contract, the company is required to afford you “due process”
in resolving problems in the workplace. You have a voice in deciding your demands before the next one is negotiated and will get a chance
to vote on whether or not to accept a contract offer.
How can I participate in my union? Since members are
the union in the workplace, you have already begun your participation through membership in the UTU. Attending
local meetings, voting in all elections, and backing up your Local representatives are just a few of the simple ways you can
help. If
you have a greater interest or are dissatisfied with your elected leaders, campaign for that job in the next election.
The dates of these elections are found in the back of the union Constitution you receive upon joining. Filing grievances
against management for violating the contract are another way of ensuring union success. Remember, when
one worker is injured all are threatened. Proper enforcement of the collective bargaining agreement ensures that everyone
is treated equally under its terms and conditions. What
is a grievance and how do I file one? A grievance is a complaint that the contract has been violated by management. Your
Local Chairperson can provide you with a grievance form that asks you to record information that may be helpful to your claim.
It is the member’s responsibility to document the facts in writing so that your Local Chairperson (some
unions call them the Shop Steward) can represent your claim to management.
What is
a grievance and how do I file one? (continued) If you
think that your rights were violated and need advice, contact the Local Chairperson or a member of the Local Committee of
Adjustment whose names and numbers appear in the back of this booklet. Remember that grievances have strict time limits so tell your Local Chairperson
immediately if you feel that the contract has been violated. Working
together you can ensure your chances of a successful resolution of the complaint. Remember that not all
workplace complaints are grievances. When management calls... When the company calls you into their offices and you think the conversation is
disciplinary in nature or will lead to discipline or dismissal, nothing stops you from asking for your Local Chairperson or
other union representative to be with you. If the company refuses your request, just remember not to be insubordinate. Relate
only the facts. Do not make any written or verbal statement of guilt or innocence. Everyday conversations
relating to your job or work performance are not generally a problem. Consult your local representative as company rules and
union agreements may differ on your railroad!
UTU – Making a difference Q. What union do I belong to?A. The United Transportation Union, Local 610. We represent over 125,000 active and retired
rail, bus, and airline workers in the U.S and Canada. Q. What does the union do for me?A. We work to win major battles. We know if one worker loses then we all are threatened. We win rights.
Then we protect them. Q. Why should I be a member?A. If we were not united as workers, we would not have as much strength to win
a good contract, or settle grievances fairly. When everyone belongs it makes us strong and enables us to meet the company
on a level playing field. Q. Why do we need a union?A. Labor unions are an important part of this country’s history. They grew
from humble beginnings and many workers have sacrificed, even died, for the rights you now enjoy. While employers promise
fair and equal treatment, the reality all too often is that the almighty dollar comes before your job security, decent wages,
dignity and humane working conditions. Q. Who should I contact first if I have a grievance?A. Your first choice should always be the local chairperson, followed by the vice chairperson.
They know the most about the contract and are empowered by our union Constitution to handle contractual matters.
They can refer you to the proper person if the matter is outside the scope of their authority. (See page 8 for contact
information.)
UTU Local 610 Officers and Committee members Local
Officers
PresidentRon
Sisk
Vice President Vacant
Secretary-TreasurerTim Kolahuas Board of Trustees
(3) Jerome Hardin Jr , Drew Paren , Eugene Smith
Local Committee of Adjustment Local Chairperson 049- A John Campbell
049- C Tom Desert
Other positions of note: Legislative Representative Tim Kolahuas
Delegate to the International Convention Ron Sisk
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