Bargaining Chair's Monthly Report - March 2026

Bargaining Chair's Monthly Report - AFSCME Local 1583

March 21, 2026

Cassandra Millett, Bargaining Chair

Hello Members,

I am happy to announce that the 2026 Transit Coach Operator (TCO) / Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training Program is being offered to all regular AFSCME employees in partnership with the University of Michigan Transit Services department. The Ann Arbor campus or the Michigan Medicine Health System must employ employees. The TCO/CDL Training Program will be conducted by Transit Services on the Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn campuses in June\July for three to four consecutive weeks (up to 20 working days/160 hours). The AFSCME employees selected for the TCO/CDL Training Program will be paid at their current hourly rate. The training will include the following:

Week one: Safety Introduction; FMCSA/DOT Regulations; Intro to the Bus; Pre-Trip, Air Brakes Tests; Driving Skills & Control Training (Closed Course)

Week two: Continued Pre-Trip, Air Brakes, & Skills/Control Training; Basic On-the-Road Driving; Advanced On-the-Road Driving; Preparation for the CDL Skills Test in Week 4.

Week three: Continued Pre-Trip, Air Brakes & Skills/Control Training; Advanced OTR Driving, Preparation for CDL Skills Test.

Week four: Continued preparation for CDL Skills test; Completion of the CDL Skills test.

Employees interested in the TCO/CDL Training Program will need to complete the Google application attached to the Application.

All applicants must include a statement of interest and resume with their application. DEADLINE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION IS Monday March 23, 2026. Â If you cannot access a computer or need assistance submitting your application, please get in touch with me (Cassandra Millett) for other options.

To be considered for the TCO/CDL Training Program, AFSCME employees must meet the following requirements/standards:
	1. Possess a valid Michigan Driver's License at the time of application (be maintained throughout application and training period)
	2. Have an acceptable driving record with no pattern of unsafe behavior or safety violations and no major safety violations. Obtain and submit a Driving Record from the Michigan Secretary of State.
	3. No discipline past a documented verbal reprimand in the previous 12 months of employment from the application deadline.
	4. Be a member in "good standing" for at least one year to present with the AFSCME Local #1583.
	5. Be able to complete and pass a DOT pre-employment drug screening (if selected for the Program).
	6. Be able to obtain and maintain a DOT Medical Certificate from the University's provider - OHS (if selected for the Program).
	7. Be able to meet the standards for Commercial Drivers as outlined by the State of Michigan and DOT/FMCSA/FTA

For additional information regarding a Commercial Drivers€™s License (CDL), please visit the Michigan Secretary of State website for more details: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/faqs/industry-services/commercial-drivers-license-cdl.

There are six (6) training opportunity positions available. Seniority will be used to select the first four AFSCME employees who meet all listed criteria. The remaining two AFSCME employees will be selected based on their application, statement of interest, and resume. If selected for the TCO/CDL Training Program, employees must receive a statement of support and commitment of paid release time from their supervisor.

Only one employee per department will be selected to participate in the TCO/CDL Training Program. For example, Dining Services within Student Life, Patient Transportation within Michigan Medicine, and Custodial & Grounds in Facilities & Operations are considered one department.

Selected AFSCME employees must complete the following pre-training requirements by May 15th.

1. Pass the written CDL Knowledge Tests (CDL Group B, Airbrakes, Passenger Endorsement) through the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS)

2. Obtain a TIP (Temporary Instruction Permit) from the Michigan SOS

3. Obtain a Chauffeur’s License from the Michigan SOS

4. DOT Medical Examination and Certificate

5. Completion of all required DOT/FMCSA pre-hire requirements

If all the above requirements are met, candidates will be sent for mandatory pre-employment DOT drug screening two weeks before the start of the training program.

Selected AFSCME employees are responsible for the following costs before the beginning of the TCO/CDL Training Program:

1. Michigan Drivers’s license

2. Chauffeur’s License Application Fee

3. Fees for taking the CDL Knowledge Tests (CDL Group B, Airbrakes, Passenger Endorsement) and TIP (Permit) and MVR

The University will provide and/or cover the costs of the following for selected AFSCME employees:

1. Paid release time (must be pre-approved by supervisor)

2. Expense for employee Pre-employment DOT Drug Screening

3. Expense for DOT Medical Exam and Certificate

4. Necessary Training materials

5. Use of Transit Coach and the expense of CDL Skills Testing (2-time opportunity Transit Services will arrange test appointment)

DISCLAIMER:

Successful completion of the TCO/CDL Training Program does not guarantee job placement in a University of Michigan TCO classification (pay grade 9—pay rate $26.22).

While the University is willing to consider all AFSCME employees who possess prior training/certifications related to a job opening, possessing such training/certifications does not guarantee that the applicant will be the selected candidate. Trainees should also note that a driving test is part of the interview process if they are selected for an interview for a future position.

If, upon completion of the CDL training program, the candidate does not pass any part of the CDL Skills Test (Vehicle Inspection, Air Brakes, Basic Control Skills, and On-Road Driving), they will be eligible to retake the CDL Skills Test one additional time at the University€™s expense. A retake may require additional release time outside of the four-week program.

In Solidarity,

Cassandra Millett, Bargaining Chair

AFSCME Local 1583