#8 - I love Synchronicity ....

LTD just announced two vacant positions.  This time it just happens to be one of those times of Synchronicity.  LTD is hiring two positions:  one union, and one non-union.  The interesting thing is, if you look at the announcements closely and do a comparison, you will see that the difference between these jobs is not very different in their requirements or the job.  In many ways they have similarities.  In fact some might say that they are more alike than they are different. That, in the job duty description, and the essential function requirements, these jobs would be considered equally difficult and challenging.  The union position probably requires working nights, (something that usually merits more pay) and doesn't have Saturday and Sunday off, which is often preferred.  Yeah, that admin job is certainly tougher by a long stretch.  Thank goodness the District has fairly recognized this hardship of preferred schedules, not working nights, and getting unbelievably rich, and healthy retirement benefits
Please study the chart below for a side by side comparison of these jobs as posted on the LTD Web site at www.ltd.org. You don’t have to be too clever to see that these jobs are similar enough not to merit the huge difference in pay and especially in benefits.




Union Position
Guest Service Representative

Non –Union Administrative Position
Administrative Secretary

Union Job
The essential functions of this position include:• Providing route and schedule information via the telephone, or personal contact• Selling and distributing the fare instruments• Maintaining the fare inventory and the cash fund• Answering questions regarding District services• Providing assistance with the special District programs, and• Processing Customer Service Forms

Non-Union Job
The essential functions of this position include:• Typing, proofreading, editing, and formatting a wide variety of documents such as correspondence, contracts, agreements, reports, bid proposals, grant applications, minutes, and other technical information;• Designing and preparing presentation materials for Board of Directors and community meetings;• Designing, editing, and producing LTD marketing and other materials such as posters, flyers, coupons, promotional pieces, organizational charts and maps, using various graphic and desktop publishing software;• Arranging for staff travel and related registrations for conferences, legislative lobbying, and other business-related trips;• Coordinating and participating in a variety of meetings for and with LTD staff, including recording, transcribing, and distributing meeting minutes;• Providing back-up support to reception as well and the Executive Secretary; and• Providing exceptional customer service to staff and the public.

Union Job
Qualified candidates must have the ability to:• Account for the cash and the inventory in an accurate manner• Read and interpret the written District documents, such as route and schedule information and policies and procedures• Relate effectively with the public in a variety of circumstances, and• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing

Non-union Job
Qualified candidates must have:• Knowledge of advanced principles of business English, including word usage, punctuation, and grammar;• The ability to type at least 60 words per minute;• The ability to use a personal computer in a LAN environment, including advanced word processing skills using Microsoft Word or Word Perfect and a working knowledge of other computer software such as graphic arts, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, and database applications;• The ability to take and transcribe detailed meeting minutes; and• Time, priority, and project management skills.

Union Job
Qualified candidates should have:• A minimum of two (2) years of work experience that exhibits direct sales to the public and dispensing information• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet programs• An associates degree from a recognized college or university in a related field or any equivalent combination of experience and education, and• A valid Oregon Driver’s License
Bilingual communication abilities are preferred.

Non-Union Job
Qualified candidates should have:• One year of secretarial training in an approved school or training program, including computer skills, business English, and priority management; and• A minimum of five years of secretarial experience with increasing responsibility in a customer service, team oriented environment. 

Union- Compensation starts at $13.15 to $17.48 per hour

Non-Union - Compensation starts at $14.07 to $18.76 per hour


Union - Compensation is $2,279 to $3,030 per month

Non-Union - Compensation is $2,439 to $3,252 per month


Union - Maximum High Pay per Year – $36,360

Non- Union - Maximum High Pay per Year – $39,024 (7.3% more)


Union - Good Benefits (for now)

Non-Union - Extremely Rich Benefits


Union Plan
Family Health Plan
Family Dental Plan
Family Vision Plan
$30,000.00 Life Insurance
Very SHORT Term Disability Insurance
Defined Benefit Plan (much less than Admin)
Inflexible leave plans

Non Union Plan
Family Health Plan
Family Dental Plan
Family Vision Plan
$50,000.00 Life Insurance
LONG Term Disability Insurance
Very excellent Defined Benefit Plan
6% Defined Contribution Plan (Employer Paid)
Flexible leave plans

So there you have it, even more proof of the disparity of pay and benefits between union and non-union employees at LTD.  The District paid off these admin employees not to join a union a few years back, and you know what, they did ok just making the threat to join a union.  I guess Will Mueller is wiser than some give him credit for.

So where does that leave us?  We can continue to sit with our tin cups out, and say "please massa be good to us po’ folk drivin’ them buses and fixin ‘em good so they run.  We be so sorry that we can’t fix them AVS buses.  But we can’t hep’ that you went south and bought FUBAR buses."  This is what the bosses expect. They want us to roll over, and give deep appreciation for their generosity.  But remember, according to Pangborn, trained monkeys could do our jobs.  And don’t forget, Mark Johnson made real clear a year ago loudly to one of our brothers, that some of us were just lucky to have a job at all.

Best of all in the last issue of "the inside lane," (May 2004), Ken Hamm gives us a "heads up from our General Manager."  After explaining the road map for negotiations, employees are directed to Mary Neidig or Mark Johnson for answers to our questions, and not any of our union officers.  Yes the one-way propaganda war has begun.

All I ask you to do its stick by the union.  All you have to do is look at the differences in fairness between us and our "fellow workers" in admin, to see the level of unfairness and inequality we have at LTD.  The proof is out there.  The documents of LTD prove it.  All through the boom years of the 90’s we fought tooth and tong for anything from LTD, and our battles were tough.  We see the reason is because they saved all the money for BRT and none for the rainy day when employees would need to keep up.  As for me, I am solid for the Union, and I am ready to back up our words with the collective action our Union.  Rally, brothers and sisters rally, for the dignity of your jobs and the work you do.
Solidarity Forever,
Joe Hill
Joe Hill #8                              You can respond to Joe Hill directly at Joehill_1915@hotmail.com