RANTINGS BOOKS 1+2

RESPONSE TO THE LIES OF KATU AND JOHN CHARLES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpQ-Xhv7t2I

FRIDAY JULY 17, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNmf4i-YDTI

SUNSET BOB FOR KOIN 6 ON THE HEALTH BENEFITS CONTROVERSY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06UC31fhS5k

DRIVERS DISCUSS THE MEDIA STORY ON BENEFITS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGSHxs_x6Bw

DRIVERS DISCUSS THE VARIOUS BENEFITS AT TRIMET

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48BUuAUBStw

ATU 757 PRESIDENT JON HUNT RESPONDS TO THE HEALTH CARE CONTROVERSY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZuU09NDaN4

JEFF ACKERSON ON THE HEALTH PLAN UPROAR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMlNkTxBN0s

WHERE IS ATU 757 IN ALL THIS MESS?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzpPoJ9bDsI

IS STEVE BANTA GUILTY AS CHARGED?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF6A9Qokmeg

ONE OF TRIMET'S MORE ARTICULATE DRIVERS BLAMES MGMT FOR THE HEALTH STORIES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3BgWE-oPOY

THE PATHETIC MARY FESTCH OFFERS NO DEFENSE OF OUR HEALTH PLAN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-ibO6EmN5g

DRIVERS DISCUSS THE ATTEMPTS TO STRIP OUR HEALTH CARE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC6HdRcP068

SUNSET BOB HOSTS ROUND TABLE ON TRIMET HEALTH BENEFITS

http://vimeo.com/5674113

I am sure that you have all heard about the recent news coverage taking aim at the health care costs of TriMet union employees. It is never pleasant to have your compensation discussed on the 11 o'clock news. I imagine that some of you may have received criticism from individuals who have heard these stories and are convinced that what you have is unfair.

I am disappointed that the story has been misleading to so many. Rather than go into details about how the story fails to look at the entire picture—and, in fact, it fails to ask the real question about the state of health care in America—I want to give you this message:

We are proud of our employees. We are proud that we have been able to provide them with good medical benefits. We will not bargain our contract with ATU through the news media. The process will happen as it should, at the table with the union and the District bargaining in good faith.

In the coming months, as negotiations begin in earnest, there may be those who will suggest that TriMet employees do not deserve a respectable health care plan. We disagree. We will work with the ATU to arrive at a contract that meets the needs of our employees, and that is responsible and achievable in today's financial climate.

I encourage you to remember that when someone accuses you of being undeserving of something, to carefully consider your response. Nothing will prove your value more than maintaining the respectful manner of a skilled professional. Thank you for your hard work and continued commitment to your customers.