Track Worker 3600 Hiring Process

[Stephen]

I'm getting to understand what you mean. So how long can I stay at dual rate without bring permanent ? Meaning if get a job driving the bobcat at dual rate and seniority number is high ...... Can I be doing that job for awhile until I can get it permanent ?

 

Honestly you'll probably be a dual rate for a long time. Especially in capital, and especially a driving job, since they are the most coveted positions in track. The full rate operator spots are pretty much locked up by the senior men. I'm hoping to pick a dual rate wet saw job next pick. Even though I'll probably have my CDL by then, the only driving job I want is crane operator. So it'll be a long long time for that, but again, myself and anyone could get lucky, especially with people in those spots retiring.

[Stephen]

Here's an update from DCAS:

 

As of 5/8/2016, since that's when the system is updated:

 

The last number certified from the list is   1896.

 

The last number appointed into the 4/25/16 class is   601.

[dp142]

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.

Edited May 11, 2016 by dp142

[Bobbyv2k7]

Honestly you'll probably be a dual rate for a long time. Especially in capital, and especially a driving job, since they are the most coveted positions in track. The full rate operator spots are pretty much locked up by the senior men. I'm hoping to pick a dual rate wet saw job next pick. Even though I'll probably have my CDL by then, the only driving job I want is crane operator. So it'll be a long long time for that, but again, myself and anyone could get lucky, especially with people in those spots retiring.

Thanks for the info ! From my understanding the pick last one year . Even the mini pick straight from school .

[Stephen]

Thanks for the info ! From my understanding the pick last one year . Even the mini pick straight from school .

 

It's supposed to, but I've heard of it going 18 months. I'll find out for sure come this time next year. Some specialist jobs have a 3 year lock in, and that's the full rate ones only, not the dual rate.

[Moose]

The "annual" pick is regulted by the union. Ive been thru a pick that went almost 4 years. Nothing that happens in transit, ever makes sense. Get used to backwards thinking lol

[dp142]

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.

[Marcel876]

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.

You have any idea when openings or bids will be up for Third rail ?

[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.

Edited May 14, 2016 by dp142

[BigBuckzz]

Im asking for a friend on this same exact list. His list early #700's Does anyone have any idea what the highest list number will be reached in the next class. I know the last list number reached was 601....

[Bobbyv2k7]

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.

My cousin is provisional with painting with MTA. Does this apply to him as well ? Can he go over to track as provisional as well ? If so how ? Thanks for the info

[Stephen]

Im asking for a friend on this same exact list. His list early #700's Does anyone have any idea what the highest list number will be reached in the next class. I know the last list number reached was 601....

 

Honestly it all depends. If people were placed on medical holds, or any other sort of holds, that would have placed them in earlier classes, they will get priority. The highest list number for the October class was 415, after the February and March class it hit 521, and the latest April is up to 601. According to what one of the instructors told us, there is a possibility of 3-4 more classes after the current April one. If that turns out to be true, being an early 700's list number he should make it in. As long as nothing on his end jambs him up, specifically medical holds. To answer your question in regards to the next class. From what I see as far as list number increments, I would say 640-670 will most likely be the highest. It could also be lower, besides medical holds, people who've turned down an earlier class also have the opportunity to restore their name to the list. That alone will slow it down for anyone with a higher number who is waiting to be called in.

[KenNorthStar]

so quick question I got called up for cleaner (labor) position which i accepted. The letter stated i had been called from the Track Worker list do I loose my list position on the Track Worker list fot accepting this position or am I still in the queue.

Edited May 16, 2016 by KenNorthStar

[dp142]

I don't believe you do.

 

It's two separate exams with two separate lists. Even for my promotional from Track I was called for both Train Operator and 3rd Rail.

 

Many guys come from Track and take a promotion to another title then get called for Track foreman and take that job.

 

In my opinion, and it's just MY opinion, take the cleaner job (better then nothing) but keep on top of the Track list. It's a much better position!

 

There's little over time in stations. The supervision is very strict and most jobs are at night with little movement in seniority. Also your more involved with the public in stations and that can be a pain.

Edited May 16, 2016 by dp142

[dp142]

I just reread your post saying you were called FROM the Track worker list for Cleaner. I thought you took two separate exams. My apologies.

 

To the best of my knowledge only Station Cleaners still exist. Rail road Track cleaners were phased out long ago. That being said if it is for Station Cleaner go with my original response as far which is the better job.

 

As for your question your better off asking the powers that be, whoever sent the letter, for an accurate answer.

[Bobbyv2k7]

Are any of the driving jobs specialty jobs with higher pay rate ?

[BigBuckzz]

Are any of the driving jobs specialty jobs with higher pay rate ?

I think most if not all specialty jobs of track division top pay is 34.50

[Stephen]

I think most if not all specialty jobs of track division top pay is 34.50

 

That's correct, being that this is the last year of the current contract, that will go up as well when the new one comes out.

 

Also if you guys are curious of the pay scales of the different TA titles, you can have a look at the link below.

 

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

[Marcel876]

That's correct, being that this is the last year of the current contract, that will go up as well when the new one comes out.

 

Also if you guys are curious of the pay scales of the different TA titles, you can have a look at the link below.

 

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

 

There was a lot of talk in regards to what specialist base pay is in regards to Track Workers.

Taylor ( the one who came back and was in our class) was saying it was saying top for track specialist positions was 32 and I was telling him that their base pay is our top pay and they max out at around 36 or 37.

 

If you see him show him this chart so he understands what I am saying because he as adamant about it and I was just shaking my head like .. Nah bro .. you got it confused. 

[Stephen]

There was a lot of talk in regards to what specialist base pay is in regards to Track Workers.

Taylor ( the one who came back and was in our class) was saying it was saying top for track specialist positions was 32 and I was telling him that their base pay is our top pay and they max out at around 36 or 37.

 

If you see him show him this chart so he understands what I am saying because he as adamant about it and I was just shaking my head like .. Nah bro .. you got it confused.

 

Track specialist top pay is $34.50, same goes for dual rate. Only difference between the two, is full rate specialists get the full rate regardless if they are performing their specialist jobs or not. Whilst dual rate, will only get specialist pay when they are called upon to perform their specific job. The only people who get paid more than specialists in Track are MS1, MS2, Superintendents etc.

 

Taylor is in maintenance, and I'm in capital so I probably won't see him again. Or until the next pick whenever that is.

 

Top pay for us is $31.50, but with the new future contract it'll be higher once we hit the 5 yr mark for top pay. Same goes for the specialist pay.

 

The only way you're getting more than your top hourly rate is if you are working OT. Or if you are working nights.

 

But the highest hourly rate in Transit is the Electronic Specialist, which is $38.44 an hr.

 

To add to what he said, he's confusing himself, the $32 an hour he's talking about is what he's getting in regards to his top hourly rate as a Trackworker, plus night differential. Since Transit did give him is top hourly rate back when he came back. Yes the specialist top pay would be higher with night differential included.

Edited May 17, 2016 by SteveNYC

[Bobbyv2k7]

This forum is great ... Everyone is so helpful in answering questions.

 

Is there any money In track maintenance ? I mean is there OT there ? Can you work your on your days off ?

[Moose]

Yes. Thats the best answer. The OT is there if you really want it. Just gotta sign up when they canvas for bodies.

[Bobbyv2k7]

Yes. Thats the best answer. The OT is there if you really want it. Just gotta sign up when they canvas for bodies.

Yes I want the OT but I keep hearing there isn't any in maintenance . I know all the OT is in capital but I don't have that option to do that bc it's mostly nights and my wife works nights and I have kids. I will sign up for anytime they ask.

Thanks for getting back to me.

[Moose]

The indirect answer, it doesnt matter if you are in capital or maintenence. You can sign up for capital OT when the canvas comes around. But the foreman doing overtime arent gonna just pick all the new guys to do OT just because they are eager. They have a bunch or "usual suspects" that they work with alot. And when they have guys that they KNOW will work for them, the foremen can actually handpick workers from the canvas list.

It shouldnt go that way, but it does. You pineapples have to establish yourselves a bit as good workers before you just soak up the OT money. I apologize if i sound rude, but, you arent gonna get every piece you write your name on fresh outta school. They got shit to do, and a limited time to do it. And they got their "go-to" guys and their "A-team". Just learn the job first, show that you know what you are doing, and that you arent afraid to work, and they will be talkin to you on the side like, "yo im doin such and such overtime this weekend, if you want it, let me know."

You will be able to do morning and afternoon OT as well on the weekends. You will understand better when you start seeing the canvases. It seems more complicated than it really is lol

[Bobbyv2k7]

The indirect answer, it doesnt matter if you are in capital or maintenence. You can sign up for capital OT when the canvas comes around. But the foreman doing overtime arent gonna just pick all the new guys to do OT just because they are eager. They have a bunch or "usual suspects" that they work with alot. And when they have guys that they KNOW will work for them, the foremen can actually handpick workers from the canvas list.

It shouldnt go that way, but it does. You pineapples have to establish yourselves a bit as good workers before you just soak up the OT money. I apologize if i sound rude, but, you arent gonna get every piece you write your name on fresh outta school. They got shit to do, and a limited time to do it. And they got their "go-to" guys and their "A-team". Just learn the job first, show that you know what you are doing, and that you arent afraid to work, and they will be talkin to you on the side like, "yo im doin such and such overtime this weekend, if you want it, let me know."You will be able to do morning and afternoon OT as well on the weekends. You will understand better when you start seeing the canvases. It seems more complicated than it really is lol

I understand what your saying.

I'm not afraid to work so hopefully they will see that !

Thanks for the quick reply.