A Letter from the President on ASE Testing

      Since the inception of ASE testing for Bus Mechanics in 2000, the union and management have had many discussions of the usefulness of ASE testing for promotional purposes.

      With the creation of mass transit tests, the union believes we have an opportunity to move forward in a way that is beneficial to our members. The new test will measure the skills you need to be a good bus mechanic. They have been developed in cooperation with the ATU International.

   An important component of the ASE program is training. Management has agreed to enhance training. These measures include:

1. The learning labs at the garages will be refurbished and made accessible to our members.
2. A learning lab will be established at the union hall to assist our members’ preparation for the tests.
3. If an employee takes an ASE test and fails it, management will, upon presentation by the employee of the test results, reimburse the employee and map out a training program to help him pass the test in the future.
4. Training classes will be conducted to develop the skills necessary to successfully complete the tests.

   To guarantee the success of the program, a Joint ASE Committee will be established. This committee will be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the functionality of the learning labs, to assess the effectiveness of the BMNT training program, and to recommend improvements in the overall training.

   The union is committed to making this program work. 

      Fraternally,

      Michael Golash

Summary of Changes:

The Parties have reached tentative agreement on amendments to the Bus Maintenance Restructuring Agreement set forth on Appendix D to the 2001-2004 Collective Bargaining Agreement. The tentative agreement reduces certifications for the majority of positions within BMNT. It also allows employees to mix certification between Medium Heavy Truck, School Bus or (as they are developed) Transit Bus certifications for the positions that are applicable to these certifications. The tentative agreement also states that internal testing, both written and practical, will be given for Machinist positions within BMNT. The changes include:

1. Eliminate master certification requirements for most positions.
2. Eliminate HVAC certification for majority of positions.
3. Make Heavy Truck, School Bus, and Transit Bus certifications interchangeable for current employees.
4. Eliminate ASE for machinist positions.
5. Restructure SVMT promotion progression.
6. Eliminate CNG certification in SVMT.
7. Maintain 50% rule for specialty positions to allow for additional testing cycles and counseling.
8. Adjust internal certifications to better fit job requirements.
9. Continue reimbursement for re-certification and one time for employees who fail.
10. Leave existing language as it relates to joint management union meetings to address future concerns.
11. Eliminate recertification for employees once they obtain AA status.
12. For one year, individuals wanting to promote from D, C, and B will be allowed to take internal test. To make promotion permanent, they must pass required ASE tests within two ASE testing cycles.
13. Develop joint ASE committee to oversee learning labs and training.
14. Introduce Transit Bus certification for promotions for new hires effective January 1, 2007.