SEAT union asks for advisory spots on board for drivers, customers
Norwich — The president of Southeast Area Transit District drivers union said SEAT employees are "the eyes and ears" of the public transit district and requested that they be represented in an advisory role on the district's Board of Directors.
Jaroslaw Pizunski, president/business agent of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1209, presented to SEAT board members on Wednesday a proposal to add an advisory slot on the board for a labor representative and another advisory slot for a bus rider. Currently, the board is comprised of local officials from SEAT's 10 member towns.
Pizunski highlighted in a letter to the SEAT board that the transit district is currently facing tough decisions due to uncertainty over the state budget. SEAT General Manager Michael Carroll said at Wednesday's meeting that SEAT is currently in "wait and see" mode, as the state budget, which will determine what service cuts the district needs to make, is in the hands of the legislature.
"If given an opportunity to serve on the board, a Labor Representative could educate other board members on real world issues, such as the impact of certain actions on riders and surrounding businesses," Pizunski wrote.
"Bus riders, who take nearly 1.2 million trips on our system each year, know firsthand the areas where SEAT needs to improve," Pizunski added later in the letter. "They can offer invaluable experience as the Board of Directors crafts policies shaping SEAT's future."
Pizunski, joined at the meeting by union presidents from other parts of the state, told the board that while he can speak during public comment at the beginning of the meeting, he can't respond to issues as the board discusses them.
"At this point, we're going to take it under consideration," said SEAT Chairman Ronald McDaniel, the mayor of Montville. "We've certainly been open and transparent to any issues that come from the union and ridership."
SEAT General Manager Michael Carroll said that he and McDaniel will take a look at the possibility of customer advisory committees for customers to share their recommendations and observations. He and McDaniel are expected to further discuss the idea and return to the board with information.
Carroll also said that a committee representing the management team and union members meets on a regular basis. He added after the meeting that the mechanisms are in place to keep open the channels of communication, and he can share the union's recommendations or concerns with the board, as appropriate, while union members can attend the public board meetings.
Carroll said there are additional possibilities such as moving the public comment period, now at the beginning of the SEAT meeting, to another part of the meeting.
He said the request for advisory positions would require further legal review.
Pizunski added after the meeting that he would like to communicate directly with mayors and first selectmen of the towns. For example, he would like to discuss grants for bus stops and bus shelters, since most of the complaints he hears from customers are about where they get picked up or get dropped off.
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