We have all discussed and debated the question of whether to merge the seniority rosters of Carolina, TNM&O and Vermont for the past few months. Now it is time for the vote. Ballots were mailed on Friday, May 23rd. For drivers, the question on the ballot is, “Shall the driver rosters of Greyhound, Carolina, TNM&O and Vermont be merged?” For mechanics, the ballot question is, “Shall the mechanic rosters of Greyhound and Vermont be merged?”
Polls are open now. The vote is being conducted in the same way as voting on the contract last year: by telephone or on the Local 1700 website, www.atu1700.org. Polls close at 9:00 pm EDT on Tuesday, June 3.
For the 95% of Greyhound drivers who are unaffected by these proposed mergers, there is one important reason to vote even though it may not seem as though this question involves you at all. That is that by merging the driver rosters along with the work, we all gain unity and strength when we face the company again in negotiations. No longer will the company be able to threaten to use their subsidiary companies against us. When we work together, we will have a chance to make major gains for all who work for Greyhound.
There are seven locations where rosters will be merged if the proposal passes. They are Charlotte, Fayetteville, Richmond, Albuquerque, Amarillo, El Paso, and Grand Junction. For Greyhound drivers in these locations, merging the work and the rosters will result in more work choices. The three subsidiary companies bring a total of 137 new jobs to the Greyhound system. If the rosters are merged, all the work will be available for everyone to bid on the upcoming June 24 bid.
If we do not merge the rosters, Greyhound drivers will not be able to bid on any of the new work.
If you have not received a ballot by Friday, May 30, please call the union office at (212) 721-2077.
Remember: Every new member makes us stronger. Vote to build unity and strength for the upcoming struggle for better wages and conditions.
Vote YES.