Member Spotlights

Mr. Pretty

Mr. Pretty is a grey haired man with endearing eyes and a bright smile, who has been at the Wabash-Metro station since 1994. Mr. Pretty previously spent 34 years at the Bush Street station. He has a son and a daughter as well as five grandchildren. Born in North Carolina, Mr. Pretty moved to Baltimore when he was 3 years old. It was his Uncle Burley Roberts, a Bus Operator, who encouraged him to apply for a job as a Bus Operator. He was reluctant to fill out a job application. However, after working as either a Bus Operator or Train Operator in Baltimore for over 49 years, he has no regrets and is very happy and grateful to his Uncle. Mr. Pretty smiles as he reminisces about his 49 years. He remembers when drivers were paid $2.30 an hour and when drivers had to carry money on their bodies. He remembers the men who were injured or killed over carrying money. He says things have changed and talks about the pay increase on July 1, 2011 in which drivers will be paid $25.14 an hour. When asked about his experience he says it all has been good as he continues to light up the room with his smile and warm spirit.

Charletta "Bubby" Carter

She works at the Mobility Division on Mondays and Tuesdays and at the Heavy Rail at Wabash on Fridays and Saturdays. She also works at the Kirk Division on Sundays. She has been with the ATU Local 1300 and the MTA for over 33 years working as a Dispatcher, Trainer, and Instructor. She is currently an Executive Board Member. She says that the MTA is not the same today. There have been lots of changes. For instance, there are more female workers especially in positions of authority. She says thirty years ago, it was rare to see women. When asked of memorable moments in her career, she mentions the test she took to be an Assistant Superintendent. After passing the test and serving a six month probationary period, she decided to go back to her roots in a non-supervisory position. She says her decision was based on wanting to interact closely with people. Her interaction with people and the challenge of dealing with various personalities is the best thing about her job. As an Executive Board member she hopes to accomplish unity and less conflict. She feels that the current Board has moved in that direction with everyone agreeing to disagree. She feels her job as an Executive Board member is about getting things accomplished for the Membership. She says it’s not about one person but about everybody.

Most people know her as "Bubby". She is a native to Baltimore, a single mother with one son and grandchildren ranging from twenty months to six years old.

Olivia Whetstone

Olivia Whetstone serves on the ATU Local 1300 Executive Board as Recording Secretary. Olivia is known for her organizational skills as well as her knowledge of contracts and the MTA. She says she likes working with the ATU members and helping people. Her biggest challenge when she became Recording Secretary was going against management on behalf of member concerns and issues. However, she has become very comfortable in her role as advocate and is pleased with her efforts. Her job as Recording Secretary consists of signing letters, scheduling arbitrations, managing all office correspondence, and taking minutes at Board and Union meetings.

When Olivia is not making sure everything is in order at the Local 1300 office, she is spending her time outside of the office reading and traveling. She says she enjoys working for Local 1300 and serving the membership as Recording Secretary. She describes herself as an "introvert who takes her job very seriously."