Dutchess LOOP workers seek more benefits

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/DC_LOOP_bens-10Jul07.html

Dutchess LOOP workers seek more benefits

Tuesday
July 10, 2007

Poughkeepsie -- Dutchess County LOOP Teamster drivers and mechanics laid out their demands to county lawmakers during Monday night’s monthly session, and asked for some help in getting what they feel they deserve -- higher wages, a better pension plan, and more health coverage.

Several bus drivers and union representatives expressed their concerns that they are working too many hours, and not getting paid properly for overtime due to a loophole in the system.

Teamsters’ representative Jerry Ebert asked the legislature for a little help.

“What I’m asking you to do is take a clear look at the ten contract goals we’ve set. They don’t add up to hundreds of thousands of millions of dollars. A lot of these things are basic things. So when we talk about the things we are looking for here, it’s not a lot.” Along with a 60-cents-per-hour wage increase, the Teamsters are also asking that the Loop pay a higher share in their medical costs, add two holidays (Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday and Veterans Day), add one more sick day to make eight for the year, add one personal day to make six for the year, and raise their pension portions and tool allowances.

Ebert said so far he hasn’t received much help from the county executive’s office, which is why he turned to the legislature for assistance.

Dominic Mitchell is a long-time LOOP driver. “If everything is growing up around us, why can’t we grow, too?” asked Loop driver Dominic Mitchell. “I want to stay in this county, but in order to do that I need to make enough to stay in this count.”

The union contract with the LOOP operator expired back in January. More than 75 drivers, mechanics, and call-takers are members.