Got Written Up? Here's What To Do

So the manager or coordinator handed you a piece of paper about "Rule Violation."

Welcome to the CTA: You are not rewarded for going good work. But you sure are made to feel like a criminal when you make a mistake!

You may be tempted to "text" or call the union president or myself. That's a bad idea. Use email and text/voice.

Text messages and voice calls can be easily overlooked, deleted or manipulated by the recipient. Use email. Use email. Use email.  

PLEASE CAREFULLY FOLLOW These instructions if you are being written up: 

1. Immediately compose a NEW email message and do the following: 

2. ATTACH a photo OR scan of the writeup and all relevant paperwork (make it flat and straight). 

3. YOU ARE PLACING MY EMAIL ADDRESS AND THE UNION PRESIDENT EMAIL ADDRESS INTO THE TO: FIELD OF A NEW EMAIL MESSAGE: 

To: pmccoach@atu308.org, ericbasir.308@gmail.com (and/or other trusted union steward)

4. EMAIL SUBJECT FIELD: Writeup for YOUR NAME on MM/DD (Month and Day) at TIME and LOCATION.

Body: President Pennie I need representation on [DATE OF PUNISHMENT] And [TIME OF PUNISHMENT] at [PUNISHMENT] [LOCATION]. 

Can you please send Eric Basir (and/or other trusted union steward) to help me? 

5. AFTER you send it, immediately send her a text message 708-426-4874: 

Dear President Pennie McCoach: I sent an email message requesting union representation

The union president DOES NOT share information about your communication with me. In fact, she keeps as much information from me as possible—and discourages members from communicating with me. Also, it is your RIGHT to choose who represents you. Not hers. This NLRB case from July 31, 2003 proves it! Nor can she retaliate against you for requesting a specific representative!

So you will need to keep me updated. 

Until she responds to you, text her EVERY DAY, asking to confirm if you will have representation. 

The day before the meeting: If you have not received confirmation, text ME and let me know that you got no response. 

She likes to schedule me at the last minute or send others who are more loyal to her. 

If you are written up, grieve it! Use the appropriate form.

Remember: We, the union officials work for YOU. 

We are NOT your boss. 

If you haven’t done so already, take a minute to register for my virtual union hall so you will not be left in the dark about what is going on and have a voice in what I do on your behalf. It is not on Facebook nor will anyone know you are registered. By the way, if you register today, you will get immediate access to the latest Online Steward Class.