The Informer
June 2011
This edition published
by Submisions for Oct. edition to: |
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The InformerJune 2011 |
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The Informer Newsletter Member Services Executive Members Committees Other Services Downloads Communications etc Items of Interest |
Have a Great Summer!
No contract since January, region could lock us out, negotiations are on-going? Is he nuts? Have a good summer, that's exactly what I said. The only thing that has changed over the last three contracts is that the region feels because of the economy that they have a stronger position. Remember that the same negotiating team that has given us better benefits and increases in pay is hard at work for all us now. This will be their third, no sorry four contract, so they know what is going on. What really gets me is when I hear fellow brothers and sisters telling our new drivers just bad information, because they don't know anything; they are just making it up. There's a news blackout so how do they know? The next time you come up to one of our members of the CAW4304 negotiating team give him a pat on the back or thumbs up good job. You know when the home team is playing whether it is hockey, baseball or whatever when the crowd is roaring behind you the team knows they have their support and in general always win the game. So to all you newbie's, come to work do your job and the only thing you should be concerned about is whether it is going to rain this weekend! Your union is working hard for you!
Acting United
What is the most potent strength of unions? It is their ability to become united around a single cause. This is the biggest paradox facing unions all over Canada. In this pluralistic society, the degree to which union members can be united around a single cause is steadily being eroded, and, with it, our strength and influence. We saw what could be achieved by the power of unity when we witnessed the recent uprisings across the Middle East. The sheer strength of people power demonstrated during these last few months in Egypt was breathtaking. All levels of society in that country united to bring down one of the region's most powerful dictators. If an entire country is able to unite as the Egyptian people did, they are almost unstoppable. When the labour movement was in full swing during the 50s and 60s, our society was much more homogenous than it is today. Most people all watched the same TV shows, spoke the same language, and often went to the same church. People were also much more connected with their neighbours, and were more apt to help each other out. Getting them to join a union was not difficult at all, because everyone was doing it. In fact, it seems this is how our company was first unionized. Today, though, our social structure is vastly different. More and more, everyone just looks out for themselves. We seem to value the rugged individualist more than anything else. The union mantra of "an injury to one is an injury to all" often rings hollow today. The tendency when someone is disciplined or fired is to say "They probably deserved it.” We are often not as willing to go to the wall for something that does not directly concern us. And therein lies our weakness. At this point, you may be asking what we could possibly do to begin to reverse the draining of strength from within our union. May I suggest that this can only be done through a series of small steps. Sometimes it is small things done by a large group that reverses a trend. We are not looking for a dramatic about-face within our membership, but rather a gradual move in the right direction. I'm not one to get all philosophical without suggesting some concrete steps that each of us can take to improve the strength of our Local. Bemoaning the selfish attitudes of those around us won't help in the least. But taking one positive step ourselves will have a huge impact in the long term. So let me suggest something that you can do right now while you're reading this article.
You've all heard of mass e-mails, but have you heard of mass text messaging? Grab your cell phone right now and let's get started. Through our Union's Twitter account at twitter.com/caw4304, our executive can send each member with a cell phone an instant text message. All you have to do is send one text message to Twitter, and you will be signed up.
Tweets can contain links to web pages or links to photos. If we need to communicate a private message to our members only, we will link to our secure area where you will have to log in to access the message. If you don't have a data plan on your cell, just go to the Union website on a computer, click on the Twitter logo, and then follow the links. The second concrete thing you can do today is to approach two or three fellow Union members and ask them, "Have you signed up to follow the Union's Twitter account on your cell phone?" If the response is negative, ask them if they would like you to show them how to set it up. This is the other great strength of any organization -- the willingness of the rank-and-file to connect with each other and encourage each other. We so often go around in our own private little bubbles and never have the courage to reach out to each other.
Wayne Bell RetiresBy John A. McDonald
Thirty-two years ago, on Feb. 12, 1979, Wayne Bell decided to follow his brother Warren's example and become a bus driver. In fact, as a small child of five years old, he used to line up chairs in his mother's kitchen and pretend he was a bus driver! He even had pieces of paper to hand out as transfers to his brothers. Now he has again followed Warren's example and decided to retire. Wayne actually retired a month early in order to vacation in Europe. A couple of days after retiring, he flew to Cyprus, to the northern area of Kyrenia in the Turkish part; then to Istanbul where they have friends; then two weeks in Budapest. They were gone for 31 days. His blog is here: http://wybell.blogspot.com. Wayne plans to travel extensively in retirement. Maybe Costa Rica will be next. One of the reasons Wayne was anxious to retire was because of his many hobbies. He recently purchased a saw for the work shed so that he can get back into woodworking. He also wants to start working with stained glass again, having received training at Conestoga College. Besides that, he has 2-1/2 acres of land to tend. His partner also just retired the previous week. Wayne remembers when he was first hired that not two weeks later, they pulled the buses off the road due to a severe snow storm. To date, this is the only time he remembers that this ever happened.
Each time I interview a retiring driver, I try to learn from their wisdom after so many years behind the wheel. Bus driving, Wayne explains, is primarily a public relations job. That should be the Region's number one hiring criteria. Wayne tried to greet, or at least smile, at everyone who boards his bus. After all, it doesn't cost anything to smile. He also tried to be as accommodating as possible, answering all their questions. Wayne went that extra step by trying to kneel the bus as much as possible. If he saw anyone with a cane, a walker, or even a bundle buggy, he kneeled the bus. It only takes a few seconds, so I've started doing the same thing, and people really appreciate it. Wayne said he will miss the daily interaction with the drivers and the passengers. But after 32 years he said it was time to move on. He is absolutely thrilled to be able to retire, and can't wait to launch into the next phase of his life. Wayne has always been one of those people who wasn't content to just show up for work each day. Always happy to help, Wayne was even able to donate his unused sick days to Millicent Davis, who has just fallen ill again. Over the years, he has contributed greatly to this Local by starting this very publication, and also launching our website, etc,. as was mentioned in the last Informer. They don't make them like you anymore. We will miss you, Wayne.
Training with 3D Technologies
Since the motion was passed at the April union meeting, I have been on training with 3D Technologies with the main purpose of supporting and improving the “Members Only Site”. I'd like to report that my training with 3D Technologies was very productive. Apart from being informed on the workings of MySQL and PHP as used by WordPress, we upgraded WordPress to the latest new version, made a fresh backup, implemented a search by badge number, and finally discussed a solution to capture car arrangements. Since then, I re-created the whole newMembership system on my Linux desktop (that means the backup works!), and am now doing the same on my portable notebook, where I can make changes, and test before deployment. Please check out the search by badge number under Membership Directory (https://www.caw4304.ca/newMembership/?page_id=9) and let us know what you think. As always comments are most welcome and so are requirements, requests and questions. Email me at hermanvanderw@gmail.com
Coaches Corner
Baseball season is upon us again. Games are played on Wednesday nights at Southwest Optimist (SWO) Fields, which is located at the corner of Homer Watson & Pioneer Drive (on the Route 10 / 110) in Kitchener. The games start at 6pm and / or 7:30pm (with 7:15pm starts in August to accommodate the earlier sunset). Dates and times for the games are posted at the Strasburg Garage. This year’s teams are:GRT LINE DRIVERS: (with coaches Sarah Eckert & Richard Fondacaro) GRT ON DETOUR: (with coaches Mike Hogue & Sarah Eckert)
Special thanks to our Spare players, who will be assisting when needed: Come on out and support / cheer for your co-workers. Free parking, free entertainment and lots of free laughs! Let’s Play Ball!
Workplace Violence & HarassmentA case study
Legislation is periodically reviewed and updated by the various levels of government responsible. Be it at a federal, regional or municipal level, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is not exempt from revisions to meet changing circumstances. On December 10, 2009, Bill 168 became law and the OHSA had specific additions made regarding workplace violence and harassment. These are sections 32.0.1 to 32.0.7. These policies are to be prepared, reviewed annually and posted by employers (S 32 (1) (a b c)). All employers, supervisors, and workers are expected to comply with these regulations. In order to comprehend how these policies are reflected in the workplace, a review how the OHSA views harassment and violence is first needed. The OHSA defines examples of psychological of harassment as: the spreading (or permitted spreading) of rumours, mobbing, shunning individuals, belittling comments or behaviour or even showing favouritism among employees. The OHSA also defines physical violence as physical force, which could injure a worker. Other examples include attempts to use force against a worker, or statements, which may be reasonably interpreted as a threat to use force, which could cause bodily injury to a worker. Exemplar cases require further examination to demonstrate how these policies are enacted (or not) in the Grand River Transit system. A recent incident in the North division of Grand River Transit provides a useful illustration of how the OHSA is sometimes disregarded. A female bus operator in the common lunchroom saw the photo of a ‘pinup girl’ on the bulletin board. As is typical with these pictures the subject was scantily clad and striking a provocative pose. The female operator approached a male supervisor with her objection, saying the photograph should not be on display in the common area and immediately removed (S32.6 and S32.0.1 (1) (b)). It was clear that the female operator had followed the provisions of OHSA S28 (1) (d), for an employee to report contraventions of the OHSA or its regulations. After following this policy accurately, it was clear that her rights as an employee were not respected in the workplace. According to S25 (2)(a), employers have an obligation to protect workers as well as an open-ended obligation to protect the health and safety of all workers. They are also to appoint competent persons to be supervisors to oversee the workplace (S25 (2) (c)). The supervisor, normally competent with other duties, here failed to even attempt to see the offending picture, or worse to acquaint himself with the legislation for verification his duties and responsibilities.
If a proceeding had begun based on the first female operator’s objection and his subsequent lack of action and disregard for her objections, he would not have had any real defence. The solid ground he thought he was on could easily be proved otherwise. Penalties under the OHSA for a person who contravenes the provisions can be up to $25,000, or a jail term of not more than twelve months (S66(1)). It is most probable that the penalty the male supervisor would have faced would have been a severe warning. In addition, both Grand River Transit and the Region of Waterloo could be successfully prosecuted for the failure of the male supervisor. S50 (1) (d) prohibits a person acting for the employer (the male supervisor) to intimidate or coerce a worker because the worker acted in compliance with the OHSA. On the up side, the Regional Internal Responsibility System (IRS) would realistically be the mechanism to deal with the failure of the supervisor and the culpability of GRT to make certain all workers (not just managers or supervisors) understood the requirements of the Anti-Harassment and Anti-Violence policies. In other words, a public relations disaster for GRT would be avoided. GRT could claim that the original person who posted the offending picture did not feel that he had done anything improper and had not considered the action a form of harassment. This would be summarily dismissed, as it is the duty of a worker to work with full compliance with OHSA and regulations. The worker in this case certainly violated the provisions and his responsibility (S28 (1) (a)). A this case clearly demonstrates, the awareness of Anti-Harassment and Anti-Violence regulations is needed; especially as 24% of workplace violence is in the form of sexual assault with 93% of the victims being female. On a related but different subject of violence, GRT has been thus far negligent to install cameras in the buses. The excuse put forward claims that Privacy Right legislation may dictate that cameras cannot be installed or used on the buses. This notion has seemingly gone to the Regional lawyers for a ruling. It is evident that S2 (2) absolutely gives primacy to the OHSA over other legislation, stating that “ Despite anything in the general or special Act, the provisions of this Act (OHSA) and the regulations prevail.R.S.O.1990,c.0.1,s 2. The provision in the OHSA, which would allow the installation and operation of cameras in the GRT buses, is found in S 25(2) (h), explaining to “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.” The operators of GRT do need a video system to make the employer compliant, and act as a deterrent for mischief makers. Above all, if some action is needed for a court action, the video recording is irrefutable proof the operator was a victim of workplace violence.
A Celebration Of LifeThe Final Chapter
By Wayne Mastromatteo I had reservations about writing this article. In the end, I decided that you, the faithful readers who have been following my son’s story, should know the outcome of Andrew’s battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Today, with heavy heart, I will tell you the final chapter in the story of my son’s life. As you may be aware, I first wrote of my son’s fight with this horrible cancer in the Cambridge Times on October 01, 2010, the day he was married. The Article was titled: “A Celebration of Life”. As mentioned in the article, after routine blood work for a tooth extraction, the results came back that Andrew had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a cancer of the blood. This diagnosis came just days after his partner, Terra gave birth to a beautiful daughter named Lilly on July 17, 2010. A Recap of Andrew’s Story Andrew came into our life when my wife Lois and I became foster parents. When he arrived at our door on September 23, 1988, Andrew was only 17 months old. We had two daughters, Gillian and Erin and they instantly took to Andrew. Before long, our family made a joint decision to adopt little Andrew and give him our family name. After moving to Alberta, the final adoption papers were signed in May of 1990. Our property was almost 3 acres, so Andrew had room to roam. Andrew was first diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when he was fourteen years old. We were living in Tweed, Ontario at the time, after moving back from Alberta. My son began treatment at Kingston General Hospital. When we moved to Cambridge in July of 2001, Andrew continued chemotherapy and radiation treatment at the Hamilton Health And Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital. After two years of fighting this disease, Andrew went into remission. Andrew tried to live what was left of his teenage years to the maximum. When he hit his early twenties, my son met a wonderful girl named Terra. Terra would be the stabilizing force Andrew needed to start taking greater responsibility. My son wanted to be a family man and life looked promising when Andrew and Terra decided to live together. Later, my son proudly announced that I was finally going to be a grandparent, as Terra was pregnant. Andrew had started working through a Temp Agency and was taking his responsibilities seriously. One day as I drove him home on the bus, he said; “Dad, I’m a family man now and I have to provide for my family”. I knew then that my son had arrived as a responsible adult.
CHAPTER TWO The Enemy Returns
After going to the dentist for a tooth extraction in July of 2010, Andrew was given the news that the blood work revealed that the leukemia had returned. After a seven year remission, my son, now 23, began chemotherapy and radiation treatment at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener. For a brief period, my son went into remission. On September 22, 2010, with Terra and me at his side, Andrew was given the news that his disease was fatal. The Fundraiser With fate dealing Andrew such a horrible hand, it was decided to have a fundraiser to help my son and his young family. Andrew’s mother Lois and his sister Erin were busy organizing a fundraiser at the Newfoundland Club for Friday, November 05, 2010, while I concentrated on writing an article for the Cambridge Times. The contributions received from all sources had a positive impact upon the precarious financial situation my son and his family were in. Besides financial aid, there were many items donated by sponsors, among them diapers, to help Terra with her baby Lilly. I can’t thank the readers, sponsors and other contributors enough for their generosity. Without your help, I don’t know how the kids would have gotten through it. Later, I wrote a thank you letter that appeared in the Times on November 25, 2010, called “An Update On Andrew”. In that letter, I mentioned that after receiving that horrible news on September 22, 2010, I was able to get in touch with the Children’s Aid Society in Toronto. Upon explaining the urgency of my son’s situation, they referred me to the Adoption Medical Search Department who located Andrew’s three biological siblings. It was the hope that any one of the three would be a candidate as a bone marrow transplant donor. Family Reunion A meeting was set up and quite a few of Andrew’s blood relatives traveled to Cambridge for a very emotional meeting, just days after they were contacted. For the first time, Andrew was able to meet his older brother John and two younger sisters, Jackie and Katie. They were all tested and Andrew’s youngest sister, Katie was a match to be Andrew’s transplant donor. It seemed so redundant that since Andrew had relapsed, there would be no transplant unless the cancer was to go into remission. Andrew, the family man wouldn’t give up hope and vowed to fight on.
THE FINAL CHAPTER New Hope!
Andrew continued his chemotherapy treatments in Hamilton through the fall of 2010. Just when all seemed lost and despair had tightened its grip on everyone, Andrew’s cancer suddenly went into remission. A meeting was set up with the Transplant Team at the Juravinski Cancer Hospital in Hamilton on Monday, December 20th, 2010. Katie and her husband Kyle, Terra, Andrew, his mother Lois and I were in attendance along with the Transplant Team. Information on the transplant procedure and on-going treatment was explained. Andrew was also told that he was going to be very, very sick for the next couple of months or so. Andrew was admitted to the hospital on January 20th, 2011 and the bone marrow transplant took place on January 27th. The bad news was that Andrew would have to stay in hospital until I brought him home on Tuesday, March 01, 2011. But at least my son had a fighting chance now. There were dreams that dared to be dreamed! Andrew would now have the opportunity to celebrate Lilly’s first Christmas with Terra. Things were going to be just fine. Life was going to be enjoyable again. There would be a future. Andrew continued his treatment, traveling back and forth to Hamilton on a regular basis. He would go maybe two or three times a week receiving treatment of chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions. Although he was very sick, my son was able to be at home with his wife and little daughter now. Andrew cherished every moment. Now little Lilly would be able to know her father! Black Friday On Friday March 18, 2011, I was on my way to work when my cell phone rang. It was a pleasant sunny afternoon. Andrew was on the line and he was crying. With a quivering voice, my son said, “Dad, I have relapsed, the cancer is back.” I tried to console him, but we both broke down when I asked him what the Doctor had said. Andrew simply told me that he was dying. I didn’t ask him how much time he had. I would do that when I talked to the Doctor privately. I was able to talk to the Doctor the next time I took Andrew to the Juravinski Cancer Hospital. Andrew was receiving some blood and platelets. Privately, I asked him how long my son had to live. I was told it could be days or weeks. I kept this information to myself. The Doctor and I then went back into Andrew’s room. It was decided that as there was nothing more to be done, Andrew and Terra should consider having palliative care given to my son at home. A nurse would continue to come to the apartment every day. I brought Andrew to the Juravinski Cancer Hospital one final time, on March 31. After that, he’d stay home.
Lisaard House
Andrew remained at home for about a week. He was getting sicker and weaker each day. With the baby to look after and trying to take care of her husband, Terra was totally exhausted. Finally it was decided that Andrew would go to a place that offered around-the-clock palliative care. On Friday, April 08th my son was moved to Lisaard House on Speedsville Road in Cambridge to spend his final days. I would take the day off to be with him there. A Gathering Of Family & Friends For the next couple of days, family and friends came to visit Andrew. Lisaard House is such a beautiful place. The staff was wonderful. At first, a couple of visitors were allowed in his room. However, with the number of people popping in, Andrew was wheeled into the beautiful solarium room. He was very tired, but enjoyed having everyone around him. He could see the sky, the trees and the variety of birds as they flocked to the feeders. Andrew was also wheeled outside the main entrance to enjoy the fresh air. That weekend was the last any of Andrew’s friends or most of the family would be able to see and talk to him. Goodbye, My Son I went to see Andrew on Monday morning, April 11, 2011, arriving at 10:45. I was advised by the nurse that Andrew had a seizure at about 10:00. I don’t think he was conscious although the nurse said that Andrew could probably hear me. His breathing was rapid and shallow. It didn’t look good, so I called his mother Lois, his sister Erin and Terra. I told them they should get here as soon as they can. Andrew’s breathing began to slow very noticeably just before Lois and Erin arrived. When they got there, we gathered around him. With Lois and Erin on one side and me on the other, we held his hands. Silently I prayed that God would take Andrew. Within a short time, Andrew was gone. I will tell you that he went very peacefully and I honestly believe that we felt a presence and a peace in the room at that moment. Then we began to cry. My son’s funeral service was held at the Dale Lounsbury Funeral Home on Saturday, April 16, 2011. Over 300 people attended. The Present I think of my son every day and each day the pain doesn’t seem to get any easier. Parents are not supposed to live longer than their children. Once in a while, I get people on my bus that still ask about Andrew. I try to stay composed, but hidden by my sunglasses, tears are forming and it is all I can do to keep from breaking down. I am crying on the inside but somehow I will get through my shift. How I miss you, son. You will always be in my thoughts and heart - forever!
Wayne Cooper Retires
By John A. McDonald After 36 years, the decision to finally retire wasn't an easy one. Wayne really loved his job as a Transit Operator. So, as one of the last of the over 35-year veterans, I asked him what the secret of his contagious joy on the job was. Wayne said that the number one thing you need to succeed as a bus driver is to enjoy the people. You have to be friendly with the public. You meet many of the same people every day. Wayne knew hundreds of his passengers, many for over 30 years. He greeted everyone that boarded. His wife of forty years, Valerie, said that the number of people who come up to greet him when he is doing one of his car shows is amazing. Number two, you have to enjoy driving. He loved the new buses with their great visibility. But at the same time, Wayne said one also has to learn to control the stress of rushing around trying to stay on schedule. When an anxious passenger complained about the bus being late, he just told them that when he gets there, he gets there. Wayne's advice is to just drive steady, and it will all sort itself out. With a 36-year safe-driving record, he also had a few driving tips. The most important thing is to stay alert by always getting a good sleep. He never got less than six hours sleep. Wayne doesn't plan on getting another job when he retires, unless this coming winter is boring. He says that everyone needs to keep busy, but that shouldn't be a problem for him with his many hobbies. He does home renovations for some of his three children, which can be almost like a second job. This summer, he plans to go camping, and spend more quality time playing with his three grandchildren. Then there are always the various car shows he takes his antique car to. And he still plays baseball after 32 years on the Elmira Centre Town Ball Team. His health drink business, Mona Vie, is going well, with about 200 people in his down line. Wayne is one happy guy as he heads off to enjoy a well earned retirement. But while he doesn't have to worry about getting bored, life in Transit’s lunchroom may be a little less lively without his practical jokes and buoyant personality. All the best, Wayne!
Environmental IssuesBy Laszlo Bori
Roger Pielke a professor of Environmental studies at the University of Colorado was conducting his own atmospheric tests. He wanted to compare his findings with that of the researchers at East Anglia University. He was denied access to their research. He pushed and pushed, and finally he was told by the University of East Anglia’s Climate research unit, you can’t have any data, just “TRUST US”. He was not happy and pushed even harder for facts. Others got involved and eventually someone hacked into Professor Phil Jones’ computer, he is the director at University of East Anglia’s climate research unit. They found hundreds of E-Mails to scientists asking them to push the issue of Global Warming, regardless of the data at hand. They found over a 1000 requests from skeptical scientists and Environmental groups around the World, and each request was turned down. Why was everyone turned down? The data and the report on which the entire Global Warming theory is based, DOES NOT EXIST. The London Times stated; “ The trustworthiness of the scientific community’s global warning data pool is being called into question as the scandal over climate data continues to unfold”. The United Kingdoms Freedom of information Law was used to force the University of East Anglia’s climate research unit to present the data to the World. Their response was, “we do not hold the original raw data, but only the value added, quality controlled and homogenized data”. In other words they have nothing, it’s gone. Mr. Willie Soon, a physicist, astronomer, and climate researcher at Harvard University-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, who was rebuffed by the C.R.U. of East Anglia University, and had his huge stash of foundational scientific studies thrown out, decided to speak. He stated that the C.R.U. is systematically suppressing dissenting opinions of climate change, by snubbing and threatening fellow scientists.
How does this affect us? Our unthinking illogical Government fell into this Global Warming trap and has decided to clean up our air, and cool off the Word. They are shutting down the coal fired generating stations, cutting back on Nuclear power, giving the Koreans $7 Billion of our money for expensive and inefficient wind turbines. Our own Government thinks that Canadians are too stupid and backward to build our own inefficient wind turbines. The cost of hydro is sky-rocketing. Soon people will not be able to afford electricity and many will freeze in the winter. The Governments actions are affecting the cost of food, fuel, housing and jobs. So while we suffer, because our own government can’t think logically, the third World countries, that have no intention of cleaning up their act, are laughing at us. While they keep growing and producing, we are loosing industry, jobs and our standard of living is going down while our taxes are going up and up to combat this imaginary Global Warming. Bereavement Committee
I am starting this article with a huge thank-you to all of the volunteers that have helped make our Euchre Sundays, and the raffles a success. We raised a total of $617.35 for the 2 Euchre days, and raised a whopping $820.00 for the lottery ticket board. Congrats to Eileen for winning the lottery tickets. Thanks to all of our ticket sellers, Terri. Pam, Darci, Carol, Carl, Dan, Wendy, Sjean, and Lakeshore Linda. We are going to have our last Euchre party on Sunday June 5 th at the hall on Wabanaki, and re-start the Euchre on Sunday September 11 th. Notices will be posted as a reminder for the fall. We will be doing a couple of raffles throughout the summer, on things like; crochet blankets, quilted wall hangings, and probably another lottery board or two. We do hope to see more of you come out and support our committee. I heard from Mike Davis’ family at his funeral, and they were amazed at the support and help they received from us......that is why we have this committee, and why we do what we do. Even if you decide that you don’t want to play Euchre, we can still use your services as a volunteer to sell tickets. If you are interested let myself or Pam know and we can put you to work!! Everything we have at our cards is donated, including drinks, food, desserts (fresh sticky Bundt cake...still warm!!), and can always accept more. There are too many people to thank for the donations so far, but we do appreciate the support. We are currently sitting at approximately, $7000.00 in our account, but will still be fund raising to keep the balance close to but below $10,000.00. We are also bringing forth a motion to lower the amounts of payout. They are as follows: - $1500 currently down to $1000 for an active member Thank-you to all who have supported us and this committee. Remember that this committee is from us to us only...no support from management. We are proud to represent this committee when we talk to families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. The appreciation and feedback is just overwhelming. Thank-you, and please keep supporting our committee.
Who Are You?
Drip, drip, drip, you lay your head on your soft feather pillow and await the sweet deep sleep you rightly deserve. Instead of Mr. Sandman's sprinkle of deep restful sleep, all you hear is the constant drip, drip of the broken shower tap in the bathroom. You now have a choice fix the problem or ignore it. Either choice will have consequences. You are by now thinking what does this have to do with Transit? Well by now most of us drivers have taken the Smart Driver Course, and by now most if not all of us have forgotten the myriad of numbers thrown at us by the supervisors. Not to belabour those numbers let me quickly jog your memory, let's use the 2008 numbers for that year. Service Year 2008 - 558,600 hours of service. If we idled just 5 minutes for every hour of service we idled for 2,793,000 minutes or 46,550 hours, or 1,939.5 days OR 5.31 YEARS. That's right, over 5 years of idling air pollution. What impact does 5.31 Years of idling air pollution have on our environment? I really don't know (it can't be good) some could argue very little when compared to the millions of vehicles on the road. But like that broken faucet drop by drop, hour by hour air pollution if left unchecked will soon fill and overflow our earthly tub with disastrous results. How responsible would a homeowner be if instead of having the faucet repaired, instead just moved to the bedroom down the hall so he wouldn't hear it? You have a choice - turn off your bus when you have a layover or lock your idling bus and go for a walk which is like going down the hall to a different bedroom. Of course it may be impossible or unreasonable at all times to turn your bus off, on the other hand there are times when it is practical and responsible to leave your bus off leaving one less carbon foot print on the environment.
Just try it, break your old habit and enjoy the peace and quiet and who knows you may even enjoy a more restful, satisfying sleep at night knowing that you did your part and gave others a longer, healthier life. After all nobody likes a drip!
Night out at Grand River RacewayBy Tony Brooks On May 18 a group of the GRT family had a night out at Grand River Raceway. We all had fun with good food and great racing. Race 6 was named after our group THE GET AROUND GANG. This allowed our group to get our picture taken with the winning driver and horse. This is a good ideal and an inexpensive night out and highly recommended for a night out.
Left to right , Glen Traquair, Brad Quirke, Robbie Brooks, Doug Stains, Peter Bedinger, Tony Brooks, Anthony Schwander, Jim Kufske ,Andy Hainsworth, Howard Parry + Driver Bob Mc Clure.
Scheduling Committee MotionBy Paul Wagler The KWSA scheduling committee presented a notice of motion at the last union meeting that will be voted on at the next union meeting on June 15. The notice of motion is “Starting with the fall 2011 sign-up, increase the number of all weekend off groups in the KWSA to be the same ratio as the number of all weekend off groups in the CSA”. In Cambridge there are currently 2 all weekend off groups for a total of 6 drivers. With a total of 88 drivers in Cambridge this is 6.8% of the total number of drivers that have every weekend off. In Kitchener there are 3 all weekend off groups for a total of 9 drivers. Kitchener currently has 255 drivers with 3.5% getting every weekend off. So our proposal is to add 3 more groups, 9 drivers, that would get every weekend off bringing the total number of groups will all weekends off in Kitchener to 6. The would give 7% of Kitchener drivers every weekend off which is almost equal to the 6.8% that get every weekend off in Cambridge.
We encourage you all to come out to the next union meeting on June 15 and cast your vote on this motion. If you have any questions or concerns with regards to this motion please feel free to contact any of your KWSA scheduling committee members – Warren Schnurr, Jose Fonte, Paul Wagler. You can reach us by email at scheduling@caw4304.ca
Picked up in Passing
As the summer sign up approaches and summer itself comes also, I have some items to let you think about during this time. Enjoy yourself . Life is like a yardstick I was once told , there are so many inches or millimetres on it, whichever you chose. Each of you has used up to a certain length of this stick depending on your age the stick has only so much length left. So do not get caught up in the day by day politics, rumours and gossip. Come to work and be a professional. Do you job and let the other people worry about the small stuff. That will get ride of a lot of stress , the number one enemy of bus drivers. Your plate is already full to drive safely and remain accident free. Don't worry about things you have no control over, the contract will get settled, people will come and go, routes will change and you will go on that long deserved holiday and even if it calls for rain, so be it. Your fellow drivers have taken time out of their lives to each write a story. Some are to help educate you, some to say goodbye, join the gym, play ball, and some are for closure you will have plenty of time to read them. Everyone has a story so if you have something to say , you will have lots of time to write us a story for the next Informer. About twenty five years ago my wife and I were in a waiting room in a hospital in Baltimore Maryland , waiting for a surgeon to come and give us the news about a serious life and death surgery my son Brent was having. A man was sitting across from us and couldn't help notice that we waiting for the doctor and the outcome was either going to be good or bad. He came over to us and said ``I do not want bother you or your wife I have something to give you if you would be so kind to just take this card and when you have time read it.`` I took the card to be polite and shoved it in my pocket and forgot it. My son Brent came through the operation and he is alive and well. Just take some time when things are bad and read this card that I copied below. Please feel free to cut it out of the Informer and put in in your wallet or somewhere you might come across it. Have a safe and happy summer from operator #242.
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By John Mac Kay
By John A. McDonald
Start by composing a new text message. The phone number you are sending it to is 21212. In the message area, type follow caw4304. Now press SEND, and you're all set. You will get three text messages in response, the last of which is the latest tweet that we have sent out. If you have a text plan on your cell, there is no charge at all. As I write this, the last tweet let people know that the location had changed for the May Union meeting.
By Sarah Eckert
GRT 3 (aka “The Offspring”): (with Coach Harold Ziegler)
Later, another female operator came into the common area and was likewise offended and took it upon herself to tear down the insulting picture. If the male supervisor believed his non-action and the second female’s action resolved the matter, he could be in for a rude awakening. He clearly did not investigate the matter as is required (S32.0.6 (2) (a b)). Apparently, he felt that since the offending photograph was now in the trash, the matter was finished.
Global Warming, or Climate Change is nothing more than a scam, created by a bunch of scientists trying to make a name for themselves, and a lot of money. The University of East Anglia’s climatic research unit is the World’s leading body for reconstructing past climate and temperatures. They sounded the alarm back in the 1970’s, creating a World wide panic. It was their work that led to the U.S. clean air act and the Kyoto Accord climate change treaties.
At present the C.R.U. at East Anglia are being investigated to see what their varying roles in this scandal may have been. Whether any of them will go to jail or even have their positions revoked is unknown. What is known, is that the data used to promote Global Warming was thrown away, by the same people who discovered it.
By Russ Davis & Pam Martin 
It's true we have taken our environment for granted too long. Now is the time for all of us to be responsible, forward, progressive, professional drivers and do our part to protect our fragile environment. If not for yourself, for your children and your grandchildren.
The reason that we are proposing to do this starting with the fall sign-up is because with the expansion that is happening starting with the summer sign-up and continuing in the fall these extra weekend off groups can be added with minimal impact on lower seniority drivers. With the projected number of drivers that will be added in both Kitchener and Cambridge by September the ratio would be very close to the same in both places with Kitchener having 6 all weekend off groups and Cambridge 2 groups. Our goal in this is to have a driver’s seniority have the same benefit in Kitchener as in Cambridge.
By John Mac Kay
