dp142

There's been lots of movement with maintainers retiring and more planning on it near the end of the year. Even foreman are talking about going out between now and Christmas.

When bids come out it's for maintainers who are behind that person in seniority to give them a chance at a better spot. The person who gets the spot is chosen by seniority. Whoever would be next up that wants it.

To come over from Track other then taking a promotional exam every so often provisional spots are offered.

That may be happening less as provisional employees from other departments are placed in ours. Not sure of the number but we had about 12-15 Provisional Power Cable Maintainers placed in our department due to excess employees in Power Cables.

We just had our pick this week in Third Rail.

Talk of change over being in September.

Before that our last pick was Oct. 2013 with the change over in January of 2014.

All the jobs, wether regular Track worker, dual rate, specialist, etc. are picked by seniority and seniority alone.

You could have graduated from Apex with your very own set of welder / burner tools and done it for ten years on the outside and it wouldn't matter at the pick.

Sometimes you do get lucky at the pick and a dual rate spot is available when it's your turn in the pick room. You could pick it, pick it again the next 5 years if available and no full rate specialist job is and then get bumped out at the next pick should someone infront of you decide they want that job now.

Even with the 30 days to qualify rule, not many ever fail.

It's all about seniority.

The department for Track worker is M.O.W. (Maintenance of way)

Conductors and Train Operators are RTO (Rapid Transit Operations)

You can go from Track worker to Train Operator as a promotion from Track. If you don't like it you've one year to return to Track with your original seniority. Not the same job you picked though. That goes up for bid.

In order to go to conductor or another title outside of your department you have to resign (quit) from Track worker and go thru the ENTIRE hiring process over.

If you don't like the new position there are no guarantees of getting your Track workers job back.

It all goes by seniority. 

The pick is a funny thing. When I first started the general atmosphere was all us new guys would be going nights at the general pick.

As long as I was in Track I always got a day job in capital. Even when I left Track thru a promotion I was able to pick a day job within 2 years in my new title.

You'll hear countless rumors but none matter till you step in that room and it's actually time to pick. 

Take your time and look at all the sheets. you never know what you may find.

They used to have a copy outside the pick room, all the pages spread out on the wall, and a guy would come out and scratch out the jobs no longer available. Not sure if they still do it.

The majority or track workers either work 8am-4pm, 10pm-6am and midnight to 8am.

You might have an 11pm-7am shift in there along with a 4pm to midnight shift.

Many older guys prefer capital nights because of the steady over time.

I noticed some new Track workers in Westchester square yard up in the Bronx today.

Anyone from here part of that crew?

The start of the pick had been suspended until further notice.

No specific reason was given but it's believed to do with jobs being relocated from days to nights and work gang reporting locations being moved.

The day gang at 207st. Yard on the 1 line is being relocated to Westchester Sq. Yard on the 6 line.

Just a little word of encouragement- within the last two weeks 4 Track workers that I know of retired and another sadly passed away.
In a nutshell everyone just moved up 5 numbers.

Well I found this surfing about. It's a TWU100 memorandum in regards to the process of getting your own shoes and the requirements. It's from 2011, not sure if anything has changed, but again when I'm in school I'll ask the instructors.

 

http://www.twulocal100.org/sites/twulocal100.org/files/alternative_safety_boots_ohs_form_12_20_10_current.pdf

 

@dp142

 

It's just says metatarsal, no specific external or internal requirement, ( shrugs ) I'll ask around when class starts. But again my feet might like the transit issued boots, so I'll give those a go regardless. Thanks again for the info as always.

That's the exact memo I was trying to upload. Glad you found it and shared it.

In all honesty the issued boots were always fine with me. I'm not sure if they were good for my feet in the long run but they were comfortable.

The ones issued within the last two years were wide enough for my feet and I was happy with them except every time I took a step I could feel the edge of the composite or steel toe cut into the top of my foot. It's the only reason I went through the hassle of getting my own.

Track has a private FB page and guys post what they are wearing. Many are buying the Hytest boots which have the contract now but a better boot than the one issued.

I've the 2 page PDF file regarding the boots.

I'm unable to upload or even cut and paste a copy of it.

If anyone likes feel free to message me an email address and I'll send it to you if you know how to post it.

At one time we had the external metatarsal boots but they were getting caught on the ladder rungs on the bench wall and deemed a safety hazard. The specs however do not mention internal or external but I believe a memo came out stating internal. No one has external anymore but I'll try to get a copy.

As for the toe it can be either steel or composite. If you get hurt or killed you'll be blamed either way.
A 3rd Rail maintainer was electrocuted in the summer of 1998 when he fell on a uncovered live rail. Management went thru his locker and tried asking the wife if he had the second pair still in the box somewhere and blamed his death on him wearing his boots longer then he should have.

As for rails on your boots when I first started I walked right into a third rail (contact rail) that was being placed on the ground. They weigh 150 lbs. every 3' and are 39' in length. The rail landed on my boot with the steel toe. It wasn't dropped but lowered quick. The boot was fine and my foot swelled up like in a cartoon and hurt for a week.

I agree 100%....a few years ago, thanks to the NY Transit Museum, I was on a tour of one of the IRT shops/yards in the Bronx. While in the break room, I saw a sign of approved footwear for the Conductors, Train Operators and Train Service Supervisors, in which I briefly recorded the information. After doing some research, the only product the company makes to this date is this type.

 

In addition, a family friend of ours got me a pair of approved TA boots over 10 years ago. Although the manufacturer, Lehigh Safey Shoes doesn't make them anymore, I did some research to find a pair or two which, in my opinion, are the most similar to these. After briefly looking through over 400 different kinds, the ones that I felt were most similar can be viewed at http://www.lehighsafetyshoes.com/mens-safety-shoes/dickies-challenger-steel-toe-waterproof-boot/DW7525.html?dwvar_DW7525_color=01 and http://www.lehighsafetyshoes.com/mens-safety-shoes/knapp-backhoe-steel-toe-work-boot/KN5025.html?dwvar_KN5025_color=01.

 

Now since I have received about 3 different pair of boots from the family friend, I just want to emphasize some of the things, which, in my opinion, that they will look for immediately (in addition to the other specifications):

 

a) The boot has to be either 99% or 100% all black. The pair I got over 10 years ago is 100% all black with the exception of the yellow and white Lehigh Safety Shoes logo on the tongue, respectively.

 

b) The boots have to be steel toe.

 

I did a brief search for "Red Wings Boots," and if you do purchase one of those, you'll just be wasting your money.

 

Feedback? Thanks in advance...

The specs you saw are for RTO only.

Track dept. (MOW) is it's own world with different rules officially.

Because RTO are in the public eye management wants a consistent look with RTO employee uniforms (all black shoes.)

Track dept does not care what color your shoes are since we are not in the public eye as part of our job. As long as they meet the specs any color or style is fine.

I myself have Brown red wings. Another co-worker has pull on boots with no laces or zipper.

Steel toe or fiberglass is acceptable. 

Later I can upload a copy of the memo outlining the specs.

Hytest is the new boot though most guys are partial to timberland Pros or redwings. I also have a pair of "Thorogood" boots in brown I wear that meet the specs.

When wearing your own boots you carry a little piece of paper listing the boot name, model and color authorizing you to wear them in place of the TA issue.

If you can i would try going down there with the letter, packet and whatever else you have and try to remedy it in person as soon as possible.

Instead of telephone tag or getting told some BS and be made to wait longer or have mail sent to your old address again.

You might waste your time and you might be hired faster had you not gone done.

hello everyone I have been following you all since abourt april 2015, am happy to finally see some of you like Dunlik get to work my list #is 1100 I got a 97 on test still waiting I really need this opportunity, just got married morgage etc you all know how it goes. what do yall think about my list # you think I will get called in a yr or two? lol.. just hoping and waiting Good luck to all who are working and those who are waiting....

The others members can most likely give a better idea as to when you might be able to expect a call.

My number when hired was similar to yours, somewhere in the high 1000's and I waited 2 1/2 years to be called. What's important is that your on the list and you have good people here putting info on this board and keeping people updated.

You turn will come soon. Just stay on top them and keep following this forum.

Dunnlick when you say "tubes" do you mean the under water river tubes connecting the boroughs or the tunnels (the hole) going from station to station within a borough.

I ask because I spent 6 years in a "tube gang" that only worked in the underwater river tunnels.

First, I would like to say thanks to all that posted in this thread, I've been lurking for awhile and decided to become a member because of you guys (bravo). Can anyone explain why getting a CDL might be lucrative as a track worker? What jobs are available for people coming in with CDL's? Also if one were to lose the CDL priveledge will you be fired, or just demoted back to regular track worker?

All jobs are picked by seniority.

If you happen to have a CDL coming in and at the pick there is job requiring one when it's your turn to pick you are eligible to pick the job and would not not have to go thru the extra training in obtaining a CDL.

If there are Track workers ahead of you and jobs requiring a CDL are available and they pick them the Transit authority works with them in getting the CDL. The've 30 days to qualify and if they do not are placed into any available Track worker job regardless of location and hours.

The only real benefit to coming in with a CDL is that you already have it and the experience in driving. I've seen guys go from Track to fleet operations (18 wheelers and larger trucks) that just can't drive and get placed back into a regular Track worker position.

If you lose your CDL your still a Track worker. Should you pick a driving job without your CDL you would have to go thru the schooling again to obtain it and qualify. You don't get fired.

I just read this now, but we were in Westchester yard on the 10th doing slotter n chainsaw. We will probably be back there soon. Keep that electric tape there and I will try to find you.

I was hanging out near the Track trailer for a little while with my foreman and another maintainer. I saw of you then it seemed they split all you up. I did see some guys using the rail drill.

We will be reporting there Tuesday but I'm not sure if we will be staying in that yard... 23 years on the job, that's awesome. The training is very focused on saftey. Have you had any serious injuries?

If you, or anyone else are in Westchester yard tomorrow (Tuesday the 10th) look for a short or average height white guy with a blue T-shirt, I'll have on a Grey Helmet. Above the MTA logo on the front I'll put a strip of black electrical tape.

If you see me come and say Hello or just ask if i'm the guy from the forum online.

If your in Westchester yard Monday post it and I'll find you

It's always nice to put an actual face to a name and get to know people in other departments.

dp142 has been in training for the last 20+ years lol. Technically training never ends with anything, always something to learn no matter what you do.

I'm with the TA 23 years.

I just noticed some new Track workers the other day in the yard. Figured I might get to meet someone from this thread in person.

I started in Track in '92 then took a promotion to 3rd Rail, Power Distribution (whatever they call us with the Grey helmets at the moment) in '94.

Steve is right. Even with a little over 20 years I learned some new things when I decided to leave nights after 20 yrs. and come days. Things between days and nights are different, guys doing different parts of the same job don't realize how what they do affect the others.

Example: in Track when I first started in Capital my job was to take the hand railings off the truck and put them on the Panel (39' section of track) that the street crane would bring up. I felt like I did right. dragged a whole bunch and got them on the panel just to have the men up top yelling at me (real nasty too, LOL) Turn out dragging the pipes the blue caps came off the end and the threads were damaged now and wouldn't screw together. Back then we had no tapping tool so the pipes were scrapped. I went from feeling real big to real dumb quick!

If you get to the yard by or before 7:30 you have a chance. Between workers and the contractors it gets real tight after that. being most spots you make yourself depending on your driving skill, LOL

Contractors try to take over lots of spots by placing things in the way. Outside the Yard on Waters Pl. it gets tight also with the school employees parking there also.

If your not familiar with the yard when you pull in past the first building (new tower) on your left there are spaces just passed the building on the left. If you continue straight and go over the tracks (where there is some construction on your right) and make a right just in front of the old tower there are more spaces. Even leading up the dirt road passed the contractors trailer (on your right) you'll find more spaces. To the left of the old tower there are a just a few spaces.

Personally, I always prefer leaving early and taking my own car when I can. Are you familiar with the area at all around Westchester Yard?

Anyone from this forum part of the group that's in Westchester Sq. yard in the Bronx today?

All very well said and true!

DAMMMMMM!

That's crazy that schedule.

Your not allowed on the Tracks until you complete Track safety school and become Flagging qualified. That much I know hasn't changed.

When I started in '92 we were sworn in at Livingston st. Reported to PS 248 whatever day they told us. Did two weeks in PS 248 getting the benefits, boots, flagging school and Track safety class done then 2 weeks in a yard for hands on then we reported to whatever gang we got at our mini pick. That was it!

How times change.

But hey, as long as you get paid for it!

There are dangers with the job.

The only thing that makes a difference is yourself.

Don't let senior guys pressure you into something your not comfortable with. Things were a lot different 10-15 years ago and many haven't adapted to the new safety procedures.

Always work as if the third rail is alive. Never take a step without looking. Even a small one backwards. Be aware of what the guys around you are doing. They can fall into you and a cause a chain reaction. Lots of guys in one small area working.

Nothing on the Track is made for comfort. The walking with new plates is a pain in some areas. Trains are much more quiet now. New fiberglass insulators under the 3rd. rail don't magnetize and click like the old porcelain with metal caps did warning you of oncoming trains.

Test the hand rail by pulling on it before pulling yourself up on the bench wall from the Track or even going down. The iron grates on the bench wall, don't step in the middle.

There's grease and mud in many places. Never rush for a train and never think that you have lots of time in between trains to make a move to another track or down the Track without proper flagging or a look out at least.

These new train operator are being trained to call guys in when seen on the tracks without proper flagging.

On the structure don't step in the middle of tie. It could be rotted or burned out inside and collapse. Step near the plates which are over the girder or where there is a cross member.

I can go on and on but it comes down to being aware of your surroundings and fellow co-workers and where you put your hands and feet and not taking unnecessary chances.

I speak from experience. Lots of dumb things I did over the years, broke my wrist once and re-injured it again years later, thanks to my own stupidity and established culture at the time. Luckily none ever costed me my life.