Welcome to the
United Transportation Union
UTU Local 610
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
“Making a Difference”
Working for our membership every day!
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What is a union?
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How the UTU is organized.
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Things every union member
should know
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Grievances and Representation
Rights
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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
President
Tom
Desert
Vice
President
Vacant
Secretary-Treasurer
Carroll
Mc Bee
5206 Talbot Place
Arbutus , Md. 21227
410-247-5371
Board
of Trustees (3)
Bruce
Davis
Charles
Pridgeon
Ray
Jackson
Local Committee of Adjustment
Local
Chairperson
Local Chairperson
049- A
049- C
John
Campbell
Kenny Mc Bee
P.O.
Box 44055
1739 Elm Ave.
Nottingham , Md. 21236
Relay , Md. 21227
443-831-2038
410-247-7584
Secretary
to the Local Committee
Vacant
Other positions of note:
Legislative
Representative (Safety)
Tony
Davidson
410-795-6677
Delegate
to the International Convention
Tony
Davidson
