Page2 Archives -Vol.1

A second meeting with the Winchester Board of Education was held on Wednesday, February 6th, 2002. An updated report was presented concerning matters discussed at the November meeting.

Air Conditioning in Type 2 Vans: It was confirmed to us that this issue has been studied and that Laidlaw is aware they must install these A/C units before May of this school year.

Student Discipline Code: At the February B/O/E meeting our proposal for a new discipline code was presented. The board will review and advise us of their findings.

Making Oak Street ONE WAY:Members of the B/O/E report they have received very favorable feedback from the police and fire departments, school officals at St. Anthony's and the public. We are hopeful that this extremely positive action will happen before school begins next fall.

Transfer Bus to Regional 7: This problem of having as many as six Winsted buses run late whenever they arrived a few minutes behind schedule has been resolved, at least for now. The transfer bus to Regional 7 is now leaving at a later time. Special thanks to Cindy Resha for her efforts in this matter.

Other News of Importance to Winsted Drivers

New Driver Meeting A first ever Breakfast Meeting was held at McGrane's Resturant for all drivers hired during the past four years.
The purpose for this breakfast was to afford "new" drivers an opportunity to meet with their Union Stewards and learn why a union was voted into this terminal, what the union has accomplished, where it has failed and the goals it hopes to attain. This was also a time for drivers to express their concerns. They were encouraged to speak openly and candidly. To their credit they did voice many things they are unhappy about. Primary, was a feeling like outsiders. They explained that we senior drivers do not seek their input and often just ignore them. Another concern was they feel we do not always represent their interests. With very few exceptions we agreed that these drivers are on solid ground in their views. Before the meeting concluded, it was agreed that the union needs to improve their relations with drivers. In what is considered by many as a positive beginning, it has been decided that there will be regular meetings of all drivers to be held at least once every other month.
These meetings will serve, among other things, as a means of keeping everyone abreast of what is happening at the terminal and within the school bus industry. It will also be a great way to introduce new hires into our terminal, and to help them feel they are welcomed and appreciated by all drivers.
Other Important Items to Remember

Injuries on the job or job related:
Please, and we can not state this strongly enough, if you are injured, no matter how slight it may seem at the time, report it immediately to the terminal manager. It is also a good idea to report it to a fellow driver, just so you have a witness that it was reported.
You should also ask for a copy of the company report on the injury for your files in the event that it is necessary to sue for damages.
Ask for these things when it occurs NOT two or three days later.
What may seem like a minor injury to you at the time could become a serious injury over a period of time and the longer you waited to report it the less likely you will be to receive workman's comp. At the time of an injury, ideally, you should make a brief written report. Give a copy to the manager, a copy to someone you trust, a copy for yourself and ask to have one put in your employee file.
Union Stewards:
Remember that by law if you are being questioned about your behavior or being disciplined for any job related action that you have the right to ask that a union representative be present during this action.
Important to remember, the company doesn't have to ask if you want a union rep present, but you have the right to request their presence.
There have been and there still are a number of other important issues that need to be resolved.
Working conditions here can only improve if you, the individual, are willing to support what you know is right.
When we speak as one, we can and have accomplished much. The time from now and until we get our new contract will be a most important period for a strong unified effort by the drivers.
Don't let yourself and your fellow drivers down, help us stand as one. This is the time to be strong. We have put things in motion, now we need you to help carry the effort forward.

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