Grievance awarded to ATU!

4/21/09 - ECAT Director of Transportation Pete Cleghorn ruled today on 4 pending grievances.  A customer complaint lead to a 3 day suspension, 90 day probationary period, retraining, and mandatory EAP for long time Bus Operator Lee Williams III.  Union President Mike Lowery, Vice President Larry Smith, and Chief Shop Steward Queenie Brown represent Operator Williams in the first step of the grievance process.  The Union provided evidence that showed that the Company did not follow the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in notifying the Union and Operator Williams that he was being investigated.  Lowery also showed that Operator Williams actually picked up the passenger and did not violate any Company policies.  Cleghorn ruled today that the Company did violate the CBA and that Operator Williams would have all discipline removed from his file and he would be paid back his 3 day suspension.

Other pending grievances - Cleghorn denied grievance for Trolley Operator Michael Thomas and after further investigation the Union will not pursue this grievance.  Also Cleghorn ruled on a grievance for Operator Rosyln Malone and he denied her grievance for being passed up for extra work.  The Union has not yet determine if the Union will move this grievance to the next step of the grievance process.  The last grievance was for Operator Patricia Scott.  The response from Cleghorn did not officially answer the grievance.  The Company wants to consult with the corporate office.

 Lee Williams III - "I'd kiss Mike (Lowery) but I'll just say thank you and if there is anything I can do for the Union, just let me know". 

Lee Williams III is a long time bus operator with ECAT with about 11 years of service and he is also a faithful long time ATU Union member.