I just couldn't understand this whole thing: high salary and constant threats of strikes. Is there a way to do check-and-balance on the union's power to strike?

Sounds like a cool position. I say go for it!

Finding a demanding job is the key these days. Im glad I found one and its really paid off. Hopefully I'll hit the 100k bracket this year! If not, then maybe next year!

Good luck man!

___________________
kicking feet, hands slow-motion, head back & eyes closed....

What do ya do?

train operators don't actually operate anything besides the train doors. the trains are controlled by an automated computer system in oakland, which is monitored by the overpaid train controllers who probably stare at a blinking dot moving around a track on the wall all day long.

so good luck getting into that union, it's about as tough as getting in with the california longshoremen or the golden gate transportation district. you'll notice some train operators make nearly their whole salary in overtime pay... not because there's a shortage of workers in california with the skill of pulling a door release lever, but because you have to suck some serious dick to get in on that money-for-nothing action. it is a sweet deal though, learn how to pull a lever, get a higher starting salary than a berkeley engineer.

i think the union should bear the burden of the $50 million wrongful death lawsuit since it was their 'union-quality' member who decided to draw his gun on a subdued father and blast him execution style. you figure with a dozen 170k/year attorneys on staff, they could figure out how to work that argument, but instead it's the riders who are going to have to pay with higher fares, higher fees and reduced service. that's one way to lose even more riders and face even bigger budget shortfalls in the coming years. fucking dysfunctional bureaucracy...

___________________

Would being an operator be considered hazard pay tho? (I know toll booth peeps make a lot of money too... but I think it's hazardous for them with all the auto fumes, etc). Are there BART fumes?

quote:

Originally posted by DaveT What do ya do?

Work for BP oil refinery.

Im a Coker Operator.

In short, my unit takes the heaviest of the crude oil and cook it in drums for 12hrs. Afterwards, it's drill out and sold to other consumers as an energy source. Theres a lot more going on in the unit, but I'll just keep it simple...lol! Aside from the anode coke, we also produce, other oil products such as Heavy Gas Oil, Diesel, Jet fuel,gasoline, and gas!

Been there for 2 years and will most likely retire from there 28 yrs from now...lol

___________________
kicking feet, hands slow-motion, head back & eyes closed....

quote:

Originally posted by R!CH train operators don't actually operate anything besides the train doors. the trains are controlled by an automated computer system in oakland, which is monitored by the overpaid train controllers who probably stare at a blinking dot moving around a track on the wall all day long. so good luck getting into that union, it's about as tough as getting in with the california longshoremen or the golden gate transportation district. you'll notice some train operators make nearly their whole salary in overtime pay... not because there's a shortage of workers in california with the skill of pulling a door release lever, but because you have to suck some serious dick to get in on that money-for-nothing action. it is a sweet deal though, learn how to pull a lever, get a higher starting salary than a berkeley engineer.

He has a point. I just wish my job was that easy...lol

We are really there as emergency responders and also preventive maintenance. The equipment runs itself, but with the potential of 900 degree oil coming out of the pipes or a vapor cloud release that can explode upon any ignition source, it's not all good times at the refinery.

I was fortunate to pass there test and get in when I did. It's quite different from your traditional 9 to 5. Working shift work does take a lot out of you and also have effects on family life.

Dangerous jobs usually pay the best. Just have to be up to it!

___________________
kicking feet, hands slow-motion, head back & eyes closed....