G13

13 minutes ago, Skn529 said:

When's the next general pick?

It was supposed to be this month, but I’m hearing it got pushed back to Jan. It’s coming soon though. 

Won’t matter come the general pick. The newer you are, the more likely you’ll be strictly cleaning  until the next pick. The last 20+ pages of the proposed pick book was nothing but cleaning picks. 

Edit : Scratch that, the 20+ pages are for the mobile Vac. Before that, there are just regular cleaning picks. 

1 minute ago, ebenz1 said:

yeah. nut runners, slotters, chainsaws, rail drill, etc

You’re from the nov 7th class, correct?

3 hours ago, ebenz1 said:

today was only second day at the yard. we got an intro to power tools and a tour of the yard. we also got an intro to crane operating. were supposed to be doing OJT for 3 weeks. 

You guys are being power tool trained? 

30 minutes ago, Xkramz said:

Not sure how true but  gentleman called Paul Navarro  said 50 track workers being hired every 2 weeks.  Just FYI 

TWU MOW chairman I believe. Make sure you send him your email. He’ll keep you abreast of good info. 

18 minutes ago, SteveNYC said:

Bid sheets are jobs that were not either filled at the pick, people who've changed titles, and or retired, or got fired from transit. Sometimes they add jobs that weren't at the pick. Basically how it works is you have a separate " Specialist " bid sheet for full rate titles, followed after that, usually a few days are the "Trackworker" and "Dual Rate" bid sheets. Basically how it works is whatever jobs someone picks if they should happen to get it, their job will go out to bid when the next bid sheet comes out. The cycle keeps repeating until the next general pick.

But how it works is you can only bid on anything from your seniority number all the way up until number 1

For example: Lets say my seniority number is 1500 I can only bid on jobs listed from 1499 and up, I can't bid on anything listed below my seniority number. Though I've heard of mishaps, and that's when folks start filing grievances. There is a guy in my quarters his number is in the 1500s and he bid on a Wetsaw spot that was in the 1800s. He actually put in for it not realizing the person who had that job, their seniority number was in the 1800s. When the results came he won the bid, but it was realized his seniority number was above the requirement, and he didn't get the spot.

Having a class A license is great, getting into fleet though won't happen right away. It'll take a few years, but if you see a Dual Rate Specialist Chauffeur spot at Linden on a bid sheet put in for it. You never know you just might get it.

 

EDIT: You also get roughly 2 weeks from the time the bids appear to put in for what you want. Takes about another week or two for the results depending on how many jobs were listed.

Way better explanation lol

2 minutes ago, +Young+ said:

 

Can you please elaborate on the "bid" sheets and how all of that works? I also have a Class A CDL with all of the endorsements and no restrictions, since I took a road test in a tractor-trailer and a bus, in order to remove the N2 restriction and have it changed to an "M".

Although I'm not yet in Track, I believe you about the "idiot foreman," based on my experience, especially since a few years ago, I witnessed a Superintendent from the Dept. of Buses out of the Flatbush Depot never wearing his seat belt when behind the wheel of a bus...

Basically a list of jobs that are open (cat team, crane driver, etc), is generated and sent out to employees in that division. If you meet the requirements you can apply for it. Seniority, of course, also plays a part. So even if you’re qualified, if someone with more seniority applies and has the same qualifications, you will be passed over. 

2 hours ago, blackribb said:

Are you sure Jose & Melvin mention we doing OJT next week we get hands on with the tools and stuff ...

And we’re still waiting for that OJT... that was about a month ago...

Trust me, you’re gonna be doing cleaning for a while. 

18 minutes ago, blackribb said:

Current class right now we did our mini bid today all track maintenance 49 ppl in class 

Those are all cleaning jobs. Trust me. Track cleaning is considered Track maintenance. 

1 hour ago, riello2u said:

For anyone in upcoming classes, please let me know if the mini pick options are more then just cleaning gangs..Thanks 

Don’t hold your breath. The reason for the hiring influx is because they’re trying to make more cleaning gangs. 

5 minutes ago, VA Slim said:

Dont know what it means for track workers waiting to b called

but the lady doing the oreintarion today

Said that with the state of emergency

MTA is hiring 2700 more worker between now and january

Its all departments

But it has 2 be some TRACK n tHAt number

Of course there are. I believe they are trying to make sure there are at least 2500-300 Track workers on hand (don’t take my word to be gospel). Currently there’s about 2000-2100 Track employees out there. 

The new influx of employees will mostly be sent to cleaning gangs as that’s what’s been pushed as one of the major causes of delays. 

29 minutes ago, Aahhhwoooooo said:

For those who are already Track Workers, which specialist jobs do most new hires pick? 

Are the jobs requiring a CDL less likely to be chosen by new hires?

As it stands, i wouldn’t really look to being able to get a specialist title for the next year or so. Since Track school isn’t how it used to be, you won’t qualify for any specialist title out the gate aside from the aforementioned CDL jobs. Apparently they are always looking for people with CDL licenses. 

And like i mentioned earlier, because of the current hiring rush, you won’t be able to pick a specialist job during your mini pick. You’d have to wait for the general pick. 

3 minutes ago, Xkramz said:

So guys for orientation should I dress business casual ?

 

And when training starts should I wear timberland construction boots, any shirt and  jeans?

Not trying to be a dick or anything but this question was asked just a few pages ago. 

Casual clothing is fine for orientation. When school starts, jeans and boots/work shoes will work until you are issued your work boots. As far as shirts are concerned, you can wear anything that you would on the tracks. Long/short sleeve Ts, sweat shirt, etc. 

4 minutes ago, VA Slim said:

Thanks man for the heads up 

Will i need the big bag this first week

You’ll need it for the duration of training. So from day one till you are assigned to your quarters, you’ll be carrying something. 

7 minutes ago, Rad0326 said:

Are we allowed to bring a backpack to orientation/training? I don’t want to take a chance and drive there to find no parking so I’m taking the train and I really don’t want to be carrying stuff in my hand. 

Yes. As a matter of fact i suggest you carry a large bag. Especially when you receive your gear. 

10 minutes ago, VA Slim said:

Thanks 4 the info

My class starts tommrow

After the 6 weeks traning i hope i can get n brooklyn on my pick

But i know u said i wont  get where i want  since ill b new

But its cool

 

 

Training won’t be 6 weeks. Due to the influx of new hires and class size, you won’t be in Track school that long. More like 3 weeks. 

4 minutes ago, ebenz1 said:

sounds good. how long will we be there. just curious. 

Remember ladies and gents. The MTA pays you for an minimum 40 hour work week. So your orientation, training, posting, you will be there for no less than 8 hours per work day. 

1 minute ago, ebenz1 said:

what's orientation like ? 

Like most other orientations, administrative personnel will come, hand out booklets, fill out forms, play videos, etc. 

5 minutes ago, Aahhhwoooooo said:

From what I understand, it is when you choose your work location, possibly work time (days or nights), and your specialist aka dual rate title.  For those already on the job: If I didn't explain this right, please correct me.

Every 2-3 years all Track employees participate in what’s called a “general pick”. A list of reporting locations (quarters) is generated and title availability at said locations. As you probably guessed, Seniors get to pick first. 

The “mini pick” is done when new hires come out of training. Same basic rules apply (your list number dictates if you get to pick first relative to everyone in that class). 9 times out of 10 the mini pick won’t go the way you want (99% Chance you won’t get days, and desired location is also a crap shoot). 

The mini pick can also be invalidated if the general pick comes right after it.  I.E, if your mini pick is in April and the general pick comes in June, don’t get too comfortable. 

7 minutes ago, ebenz1 said:

paid training ? jw 

Of course. 

2 hours ago, VA Slim said:

How long is the training

And how many hours a week to u go 2 traing

Traditionally training should be 6 weeks long, but due to class size, it’ll be more like 3. Training is 5 days a week, 40 hours a week. 

To all those waiting and having communication trouble with Livingston, please be patient. During a supply run I overheard some vets talking about the huge influx of new employees. Apparently this is the first time something like this happened, so they are not used to processing this many new hires. Take action. Call once every two days and take a trip to 180 once a week if you have to. I wanted this job so bad that I not only combed this fourm every few  hours on the daily, I took unsolicited trips down to 180 to get in person information. In the end how bad you want it is ultimately up to you. 

Congrats to those who passed and are on their way. Please take it easy on the instructors as well as you guys are gonna be the largest class they’ve ever had. Pay attention, and try not to ask the same questions over and over. 

Im sorry if I’m coming across as some know it all (I know **** as far as this job is concerned thus far). 

12 minutes ago, Queensqueens111 said:

Guessing you only get one chance at passing it? Give a little run down on what flagging consists of?

Nothing complicated (if you pay attention). Gotta show you know how to set up a configuration according to the situation. When you get your books, there’s a whole chapter dedicated to it. They place emphasis on it cause it’s a very important job. 

1 hour ago, +Young+ said:

Got it. Even for flagging, do you have to get a 100% to pass? Or is the passing score a 70% or something to that nature?

Gotta be 100%

2 minutes ago, ebenz1 said:

just the overall experience 

I enjoyed it. I’m someone who reads the manuals and what not on free time though, so your mileage may vary. Lots of videos and speeches, but great info.