United Transportation Union Local 161                         

 

To:     All Drivers                                                                    November 7, 2005

 

From: Paul Schneider, Acting UTU Chairman

 

Re:     Ski Season Letter of Agreement - Translation

 

It is that time of the year to think about ski season.  Let’s hope we don’t have a repeat of last year.  So far, it looks pretty good.  We have an early start on the snowfall already.

 

As per the contract, we will follow the bid procedures outlined in section 9.08.  This basically combines the regular schedule bids with ski bids.  The company is concerned about filling all the work.  The union is concerned that all drivers get work in seniority order.  We anticipate that the bidding process will not fill some trips up for bid.

 

We tossed around several ideas on how to meet our goals.  One was to remove the bid ceiling of 45 hours, but that would only help the top half of the drivers’ roster. Everything would have been taken before the junior drivers had a chance to bid.  Another was to forget about bidding the ski work and just assigning it off the charter board.  This would not be good for the drivers who wish to remain off “the hill,” nor, would it satisfy the customer need of consistently having the same driver for the season.

 

So, to make a long story short, which I don’t always do, the union and management together, came up with a compromise.  We will proceed as outlined in the contract, same as previous years.  We will bid both full-time and part-time drivers as usual.  Any drivers that wish to take their requests should sign up for them at THIS initial bid time.   They may combine with scheduled work, or bid all ski trips; whatever they choose.

 

BUT WAIT, THERE’S  MORE!!!!!!!!!   ;)

 

When the bidding process has concluded as per the contract, we will take the “leftovers” (anything not filled by the first bid process) and re-post them for a 2nd bid.  We will just go right down the seniority roster and ask if you want to add another workday to your previous bid.  Anyone who chooses ski work in his or her bid may bid OVER 45 hours.  The company is willing to pay overtime to get all the trips filled.  This should work for everyone’s benefit.  

 

Any questions or concerns should be voiced to Mollie or me.  This is a one time only deal for this ski season, so act now!   This procedure will not be a permanent part of our contract.  We want to see how it works first.  With your input, we will make this ski season a successful one for all of us.  Let me know what you think.

 

Thank you very much!