April 15, 2012

Dear Members,

Last night the Officers Elections were completed and the ballots have been counted.

<Click Here> for the official results of the BART Chapter Officers Elections 2012.

Many thanks go out the Election Team and to the volunteers, and a special thanks to the Election Team Chair- Gerald Baxter.  It was a long and difficult day, and we thank you for your strength and determination.

To all the Candidates, thank you for participating.  Win or lose, now we must come together to prepare for the 2013 negotiations.

Here is the list of the new BART Chapter Officers:
President-  John Arantes
1st Vice President- Rhea Davis
2nd Vice President- Robert Fernandez
Secretary- Carmen Williams
Treasurer-  Gialene Gaines
Sergeant-at-Arms- Larry Viera

Congratulations to all the winners.  I look forward to working with all of you.



Our Chapter Picnic was a huge success.  Over 300 members and their families turned out, along with 4 BART Board Directors.

The picnic was held at the Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area in El Sobrante.  Many thanks to our volunteers.

<click here for Picnic Flyer>

Over 340 picnic tickets were distributed (so a turnout of 300 was excellent.)  We planned for 60 children but got about 80 (which meant that we ran out of child goodie bags.... better planning next time.)

The face painting was a big hit.

The food was cooked fresh onsite by The BBQ boys of San Jose.  Chicken & Ribs for the Adults, and Hamburgers & Hot Dogs for the kids.

Thanks again to all the volunteers!

October 22, 2010

We've been getting numerous calls and complaints about SEIU 1021's endorsement of the October 23rd  'Justice for Oscar Grant Rally."

While we sympathize with the family of Oscar Grant and the tragic loss of a young life, as a BART Union our first and foremost concern is for the safety of our front line workers; who not only rely on the goodwill of the public, but also the support of the BART police from time-to-time.

We want our members to know that the BART Chapter leadership was never consulted about the rally, and only learned of it in the weekly email newsletter the 1021 NewsWire.

The BART Chapter has tried to maintain a neutral stance, not only due to complexity, but also because our own members stand divided on the issue.

We fully support every member's right to free speech, however, we feel that the sponsorship of the 'Justice for Oscar Grant Rally' and the endorsement of the Transport Workers Solidarity Committee should be an individual choice and that our Union dues should be spent fighting layoffs, and improving working conditions.

Feel free to email your comments and/or concerns and we will forward them to the appropriate person(s.)

We strongly urge all Union members to get involved.

May 2010

As part of the fiscal year 2011 budget surplus, we've gotten the District (with the help of several Directors) to hire full time the 4 part time Utility Workers that have been 'on the property' for almost 2 years.

<click here to read the letter that we sent to the board- requesting to get them hired>

Welcome to our New Union Brothers!