Bmpo7

On 9/14/2019 at 8:43 PM, Kidbx175 said:

Was looking for the old Conductor forum for the previous exam "8094" to post this in but i couldn't find it, so i figured i would post this here. So today in the mail i received a letter from the MTA ( well a pre employment packet ) for Cleaner(TA-labor)TWU L100 01-D and the letter is asking me to come down for a pre employment. Now reading this letter while i was in my elevator i was confused because i didn't remember applying to anything that had to do with this lol. So i go to the next page and its saying i am being considered for this position because my name appeared on the civil service list for the title conductor, exam 8094. it even says that list expired on 02/16/2018 that we all know. But if i remember correctly i only scored about 72 on that exam so this letter is a little confusing to me.

Has anyone else received this letter ? what do you recommend i take this job ? the pay is a little less than my current job, but i am also waiting for my name to be reached on the Train operator list ( about 400 slots away now). Would it benefit me to take this job in anyway ? My name is also on the current conductor list and  i have a score of 95. Also scored 79/80 on the recent track worker exam. So basically im waiting for a lot of other positions to consider me for employment. I did my Train operator first pre employment back in december of 2018. Now again i would just like to know if taking this position will benefit me in anyway ? will it help me move along through the other positions i am waiting for fast ? thanks again and sorry for the long post Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Yes absolutely take the Cleaner job. Once you get called for C/R, T/O, or track, you can decide which position to take. But as of NOW, yes absolutely take the cleaning position. Once you step foot in here, you can move up, even from Cleaner.

1 hour ago, kellgh said:

I'll be honest: I am sure most retail employees feel the way he does. And I'm sure you will feel the way at any job. 

The average corporate worker has a lot of shit to say about their boss and is under pressure to perform. You are going to wake up hating your job somedays, and loving it on others. 

When I was an engineer, I was working 50-70 hours a week on *salary.* 

Transit comparatively was a cake walk. I blame engineering for all of my grey hairs. 100%. Terrible field, worse pay. 

 

However, I've seen your posts before: you are in a very good job position. I'd save your money where you can, invest in a CD if you want hands off investing, and just have more than enough saved for when you retire. I wouldn't leave the hotels. You aren't going to making at Transit what you make there.

 

 

 

I agree with this. I was also at corporate and took a huge paycut to come to transit. This is a cake walk compared to corporate. MOST people feel the same way about their jobs as Yk does.

Perception is everything in life and the grass is always greener on the other side. I know NYPD officers and DSNY workers who feel the same way about their jobs. You absolutely absolutely absolutely do not have to ever take your job home here at transit, ever. Come in, open and close your doors safely, make your annoucements, collect your paycheck, go home. You really shouldn't take anything personal. That goes for any public service job.

The whole "lifespan" thing is b.s. Statistically yes its true. However, working here at transit, have you seen in what shape these guys/gals are in? Obesity is crazy here and because the job isn't physically demanding, plus people don't take care of themselves, of course lifespan will be short. Also, how many transit workers you see here that just WONT leave even when they can? Its understandable, when you have the senior jobs they have and some of them are literally doing 1 trip, or cleaning out trains, etc. People don't retire at 55 like they should plus don't take care of themselves, so of course the whole "lifespan after retirement" numbers will look scary. 

My advice to new guys: this can be a great career for anyone, most of it is under your control. Come in with the right attitude.

19 hours ago, Nyctransitorhotels said:

I get not getting mad at the customers. More should think and act like you. 

 

However someone who works for the same company as I, it's fine if they reprimand. However it has to be done with respect. No one yells at me nor is disresptful. 

Yeah good luck with that here at transit. If pride is that important to you, definitely don't come here. Hence why I told you before hotels is WAY better than transit life no matter the pension.

You aren't wrong to feel that way, you're absolutely correct. But here at NYCT, abuse of power is a big issue and any TSS/supt. will make your job hell if they're feeling insecure and need to feel powerful. Real shame, this job has A LOT of potential, but the culture is horrible. 

(Sidenote: most TSS are pretty cool from my experience)

9 hours ago, kellgh said:

Honestly... this job is dumb easy. Get your rest, read your GOs* AND your supplements*, ask questions. 

When I worked RDOs as a probie, I only did platform jobs close to my home. They can snatch you from the platform to the road if you are not restricted, 

Point to the board, open doors, make announcements, close the rear (not on people), close the front, SWEEP (people constantly underestimate the train and try to get themselves killed), go to RUN and observe the platform. 

No board no doors. 1000% dead ass. Could be a system safety test. Always look for the board out of the storm glass if you can, and wait 

If you overrun, call that shit in and *slow down* otherwise you are looking for a new job. If you underrun, tell him to pull up (the board can be at the alternate position, or in the middle of the two position, at your position, or a hair's breath past your window. Everything else *you must check, and you must call it in.* Don't trust those two buzzes the T/O might give you b/c who is charge of the doors -- you. 

Just do your job, make that money, be safe, and stay safe. 

 

GOs*, supplements*

Definitely read these and read them right esp if you are working lines that have shared middle tracks.

The D line on Concourse has a C3/4 track that is 3 (southbound express) in the morning for rush hour, and 4 (northbound express) for the afternoon rush hour. On the midnights, sometimes 1 track (southbound local), and 2 track (northbound local) are out of service for work. So they'll throw you down the middle track and the GO paperwork will say open on the N/B platform, or the S/B platform. Normally, you'd open on the on side (T/O controls), but the GO will say otherwise. 

In my first month, I had this kind of GO, and the T/O didn't read the GO, but I did. She didn't enable me on the correct side, and argued with/yelled at me on the PA, so I called that shit out on the radio. She was told by RCC to call them when she got to the terminal, but RCC gave me permission to open on the side she enabled b/c the whole train was in the station. Worse, a TSS was on the train, heard the whole thing over the PA and on the radio and tore her a new one at the terminal. It was very awkward. 

The D has this at Bay Parkway, 62nd St, 9 Av, 145, Tremont, Fordham, and Kingsbridge. N at Astoria Blvd, F at 18 Av, Kings Highway, G at Bedford-Nostrand.

Supplements also tell you how the train will run. If the D is stopping at Dekalb or going straight through the bypass to Atlantic. You want to make the right announcement so people don't hop on the D train thinking this is the last one to Dekalb or if they should just wait at Grand for the next B train. 

Nailed it. Any future C/R should copy & paste this. It's a really simple job. Some people are allergic to following instructions and mess it up. Don't be that person and you will have a good career.

8 hours ago, The Batcave said:

It's not a rumor. A TSS told me today and I came here to see if there was talk about it.

Ok, go back this thread and see how many times TSS told people on these forums the same exact thing they told you and it was b.s. TSS know as much as you and I do, believe me. 

Actually, lets revisit this post in a few months and see. 

Stop believing the hiring freeze rumors people keep spreading here.

9 hours ago, Nyctransitorhotels said:

 

I've also asked the same and got a similar response. Ok let's say you have want to work OT you want to work 50-55 hrs per week. Is that feasible?? On base pay at my job I earned $83k. I worked approximately 50hrs or less per week. 

 

My pay is up 14pct. So will definitely go and ask questions about ot and everything else I'm curious about. 

Man that's crazy you make that type of money at a hotel. I would stay put. Hotel life is probably 100000x better than transit life. Can you go back if you quit?

3 minutes ago, Sally08 said:

On the green notice it says we can’t bring backpacks or bags with wheels...which bag should we use as I’m sure we’ll be getting a lot of equipment in school car

So many people bought a Kaka bag for no reason, because they don't enforce that rule. Most people continued to come in backbags just as long as they have the handle to hold them with your hands (you can't wear them while walking in the tunnels or elevated structure).

46 minutes ago, Riku said:

Ah closest to your home. So how does the clock in and clocking out work? So when ur shift is over you leave from the last stop on the train?

You need to go to the dispatcher and sign out first. Unless the run you have is over 8 hours, then you could just leave. 

3 hours ago, Schecter said:

What about Manhattan?

In my honest opinion, I would go with A division. 

8 hours ago, VIP said:

Anyone know if the agency keeps conductors on the same line or they move them around from line to line? Also, is it each day a different subway line? I’m trying to make a decision between A division and B division. I rather work on 7 different lines than to work 14 different lines. 

My opinion: if you live in Brooklyn or Queens, pick B divion. If you live in the Bronx, Westchester/upstate, CT, etc, pick A division. 

From experience, they try to keep you as close to your house as possible (not sure how true this is for everyone else, just my experience). In the A, my classmates and I all get put on the 1 or the 6. 

I wouldn't worry at all about the number of lines in each division. Pick whichever is closer to your home. Especially considering the crazy schedule you'll have to work your first year.

14 hours ago, iag48st said:

What boots do you guys recommend or are we limited to which we can pick?

Pick the Caterpillar boots.

1 hour ago, VIP said:

Anyone know when they’ll start calling list Numbers in the 9xxx for conductors ? Asking for a friend 

Unlikely he/she gets called unless they extend the list like they did with the previous one. Hopefully they do because so many people took this exam. Would be a shame to see people score so high and not get hired. If they do extend, maybe in 7-8 years? Just a guess. They reached pretty high on the previous list.

2 hours ago, Nyctransitorhotels said:

So I guess you can't use them when you want!! 

Are you on probation for one year??!! How is the presence of TWU in MTA? 

You can use them whenever you want. You just should only use your SICK days when you're actually sick or have a real family emergency (with doctors lines). Not call out sick to stay home and watch the Super Bowl, or go to the pool on Sunday with the family. I know in other workplaces that's okay, but understand that because of the nature of this job, you should only call out sick when necessary. 

Also, please: if you're actually sick, definitely stay home. Go get some quick doctors lines. Your health is a lot more important than this job.

As for probation, you are on probation for 1 year beginning on your induction date. 

TWU presence in the MTA? Not in RTO. Only around election time and when its time to pick. Always keep union numbers on you incase you need them though.  

8 hours ago, Nyctransitorhotels said:

 

The 12 sick days you have. You get that after probation? Are you able to use them whenever you like. For example a bad weather storm. 

 

I get 8 sick days however I can use them whenever I choose any time 3 days or more a doctors note is needed. 

While in probation, you get 1 day per month. After 1 year, its 12 days per year. 

As for using them, yes you can use them whenever you want. However, they are strict and will observe any funny pattern. So say for instance, as you said, calling out sick on a snow storm day. Or calling out sick on Super Bowl Sunday. Or calling out sick the day after your weekend. They will pay attention to when you're calling out and how often. If they feel you are abusing, they will put you on Sick Control. That's when you need to always bring in doctors lines, and are subject to them coming to your house to check you.

2 hours ago, iag48st said:

How do you guys commute in crazy snow storms if there’s no public transportation running? No cars on streets? 

Well there's ALWAYS public transportation, unless there's extreme circumstances. In that case, you MUST give your MAX effort to report to your nearest terminal or bus depot. So lets say you take the 3 train out of New Lots to get to work, you must get to the New Lots dispatcher, call the crew office and let them know there are no 3 trains running. Again, thats assuming an extreme circumstance in which there are no buses, no railroads, etc. You can't just stay home and make the excuse. You must report to work. 

Also, there are sometimes light trains that are picking up employees.

16 hours ago, Nyctransitorhotels said:

I disagree. You see if you make good money and have a good job at 26 and are making let's say $95k and earn more the next few yrs. And you can make more each year at that job than you would make at MTA I feel like you're better off at that job. Your earning potential for age 26-66 would serve you better you can save that money if you earn more. 

Oh yeah well at $95k definitely. I'm just saying for regular folks, who are 30 or under, making $30k-$60k, definitely take transit for the pension and growth opportunities. I don't encourage anybody making big money to leave their job unless they are miserable or have no security.

23 hours ago, Nyctransitorhotels said:

That's great!! If you're young enough the pension shouldn't be a make or break in decision making. I made $81k last year on base salary. With a somehwhat life lol. Should be making $95k or so this yr. However my job is crying broke. Jobs pension just got better but MTA pension still better. Leaning towards staying where I'm at. May go to PE when it happens and ask several questions in person. 

 

Anyhow great for all of you making moves. 

Feels like the opposite. If you're young, the pension should be the reason why you take the job. Coming to transit to do 10 years and out isnt worth it, not if you make a good salary. Its only worth it if you can do the 25 years.

On 2/15/2019 at 6:46 PM, Emart said:

Woohoo just got final processing email to come Tuesday. List #114*

Congrats!!! 

7 hours ago, Nyctransitorhotels said:

My job actually offers 401k matches max 4%. However if hoy accept the pension you can't get the matching 401k. 

 

So I do have an IRA Roth acct I set up last tax season. 

I would definitely stay put then. You said hotel right? Quality of life sounds so much better than transit.

On 1/17/2019 at 4:05 PM, Nyctransitorhotels said:

OK here's my dilemma and ima go to the pre employment most probably when it's my turn. I'm at this moment earning $30.40 per hr as of July I go up to almost $32 per hr. Conductor starts at $22.50 or so. Overtime for me is after 35 hrs night time differential is $1.50 more from 8am-6am. I get free food at work. Decent food actually. Health insurance covered by union dues of $50 per biweekly paycheck. Last yr at $26.75 until late December and $26 until July I earned at base rate $81,500. If I would've been at max rate which I get Dec 2020 or if I leave and go to another Hotel property now my rate will be $37.70 or so. 

 

The only however big reason for me to join Mta is their pension my unions pension is trash at $1250 per mo after 20 yrs I believe. 

 

I have a tough decision to make. Anyway if I was to stay on the same pace as last yr at my rate I would earn around $93k. 

 

Can I make at least $75k per yr first yr while having somewhat of a life. I can't really afford my costs if earn less than $75k. 

 

Thanks Farrock I think we've spoken before. 

I think you should stay put. Invest the difference in pay into a 401k (if it's offered at your job) or a roth IRA (if your job doesn't offer 401k). I say this assuming your current quality of life now is much better than it will be at transit for the 1st few years.

8 hours ago, nickynick86 said:

Someone stated on here that it could take anywhere from 6 months to a year to receive the OPA results. 

Sounds about right. Took me about 6 months to get my OPA results.

1 hour ago, The Batcave said:

Thanks for the update/info... my list # is 107x so when they rescinded the offer due to the class having filled up I said "ohh ok well I should be next up" but I deff would've liked to have started the yr off in school car. Anyway, as far as the devisions go do you have a recommendation?

If you live in the Bronx or upstate, A division. If you live in Brooklyn or Queens, B division. Anything else, depends.

13 minutes ago, Riku said:

Does that include conductor 

I was being sarcastic (sorry about that).

People just like to come here every couple of months and say there is a hiring freeze (with no ill-intent I'm sure). But as I stated before, disregard any hiring freezd rumors and be patient. Classes open up as needed.

2 hours ago, BigCountry said:

I was in class at Schoolcar on Friday 1/4 and was told this by a TSS, who was just notified by the Asst. Directer of Schoolcar (that was buzzing around all day Thurs & Fri) that there is a hiring freeze for all titles in RTO........ 

 

This hiring freeze can change as fast as it was issued......... Just giving a heads up.......

 

If you guys want to read more about this.........they are having a discussion about this on the T/O 7604 list thread........... starting on page 128.........

Oh look, a 3rd hiring freeze in the last 6 months lol.