ATU Local 1700 finances improved greatly during 2008, and we hope to continue this improvement and the stability it brings. Greyhound's new owner, First Group, implemented several significant changes that will be very positive for the local in the long term.

The company merged Vermont Transit, TNM&O Lines, and Carolina Coach into Greyhound and into the Local 1700 bargaining unit.

Greyhound began to directly employ service workers whose jobs were subcontracted for many years. Local 1700 represents these employees in the ATU maintenance locations.

First Group also added a new Greyhound brand, Bolt Bus, whose drivers are also represented by Local 1700.

Back Dues

When a Local 1700 member is off the job for less than 12 months, the ATU International charges us the full per capita tax (now $10.80 a month) for each month the member was absent. According to Local 1700 bylaws, most members who are out of work more than two months may remain in good standing by submitting the ATU per capita tax plus $1 to the local.

But members rarely take advantage of this bylaw provision, and must pay back dues when they return to work. Members who were off from one to 12 months and returned during 2008 will see their back dues deducted from their paychecks this summer.