Union News
APRIL 2006 MEMBERSHIP MEETING NOTICE
AGENDA:
- Officer’s reports regarding the Powerhouse, Lean Manufacturing and Job Posting talks.
- A Grievance and Job Preservation Committee Update
- Trustee’s Fourth Quarter, 2005 Audit Report.
- Committee reports, Officer’s updates and general business matters.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING DATE AND TIMES ARE:
7:20 a.m. (3rd Shift) 1:00 p.m. (2nd Shift) 3:20 p.m. (1st Shift)
UNION MEETS WITH COMPANY OVER POWER HOUSE
Late in 2003, the Company eliminated some of the Powerhouse operations. This was done because of changes enacted in the Government’s EPA standards, calling for the reduction of greater amounts of chlorine and mercury by 2006. To comply with the new requirements, the company shut down the combustion (coal) fired turbines, replacing that energy source with purchased electricity. At that time, the Company also announced they would maintain the coal fired boiler operations to generate steam until 2006, but then replace those units with gas boilers.
The gas boilers are now in place and the company has plans to complete the conversion by June 30, 2006. The company forecasts the loss of 13 jobs as a result of the conversion, however the officers along with Plant Services Chief Steward Steve Harris have been meeting with the company to explore opportunities to save some of those jobs. Because of the reduction in forces and given their unique rate, some of the Powerhouse workers eligible for a Regular SERO (at least age 55 with at least 25 PQS years) will be offered an early retirement. Other SEROs may follow as a result of bumping but because of the number of open jobs available, we expect very little residual SERO activity if any at all. We will provide an update to this Powerhouse report in the May 12, 2006 NEWS.
LEAN MFG. ISSUES AT FRONT AND CENTER OF TALKS
As Lean Manufacturing advances in Buildings 10 and 12 some issues have cropped up. As problems arise, the officers have been calling for meetings with the management and engineers responsible for setting up the Lean production lines.
Crossing Trades - The officers and chief stewards in the Lean areas became concerned that the company was moving to create a multi-task position. That fear arose after hearing of company attempts to use assemblers as welders on the Bldg. 12 Rad Cab Line and use wiremen and pipefitters to set main cabs in Bldg. 10, Station 3. To address the Union’s concern, a meeting was arranged between the officers and the Locomotive Division Manager, Randy Biletnikoff who, along with Union Relation’s Manager, stated that it was their intent to maintain the trades the way they are – not to create a "Universal Jack of all Trades" position
Hearing the Company’s position put to bed the Union’s worst fears, but the matter isn’t completely settled as the Company is still pursuing some crossover work on more than, what we feel, is on an incidental basis. When locomotive codes were consolidated in the 1980’s, some of the trade work crossed lines but for the most part wiremen remained wiremen, assemblers remained assemblers and pipefitters remained pipefitters. In the interest of safety and job preservation we will all have to continue our efforts to limit any major breach of this arrangement.
Membership Meetings Thursday, April 13
7:20 A.M. 1:00 P.M. 3:20 P.M.
MARK WATSON ELECTED TRUSTEE
MOTION ON 2nd STEP GRIEVANCES DEFEATED
A motion made at the February 1st shift meeting completed the 3-shift voting cycle at the March 16th, 2nd shift meeting. The motion, if passed, would have required a 2nd Step Grievance Report in the 506 NEWS. During the meetings, there was good discussion from members on both sides of the issue but the majority felt the public report might hinder negotiations over some cases and discourage some members from pursuing their grievances.
JOB POSTING NEGOTIATIONS UNDERWAY
Citing many of the obstacles they (the Personnel Office) routinely encounter, earlier this year the company presented a list to the Union that contained nine proposed changes to the existing Job Posting Agreement. The officers and e-board initially balked at the Company proposals and remain pessimistic on the prospect of an agreement but because of the myriad of problems our members encounter in the bidding process, the Union is making a good faith effort to try and come to terms with the Company. After reviewing the Company’s initial proposals, we’re sure you can understand the distance between us.
(1) Limit number of bids, (2) Penalty for turning down a job, (3) Improper Placements applied to open jobs (instead of going back to former job), (4) If hired – you must move (even if you haven’t been replaced yet), (5) Employees will be responsible to check referral list, (6) Company wants decision at interview, (7) All interviews given by 1st shift manager, (8) Posting will have list of 3 minimum qualifications you must carry, (9) Automatic starts, up to 14 code in 3 weeks, 15 to 17 code in 4 weeks, 18 code and above in 5 weeks, (10) Start a new job you stay there for one year.
As you can see, all but one of the initial proposals would add restrictions for prospective bidders. During a recent meeting, the Officers explained their reservations with each of the proposals that added restrictions. The Company came back on March 26, 2006 addressing some of those concerns. They countered by agreeing to be more descriptive on postings (including the number of jobs open), Add the position bidder has on the candidate’s slate, allow you to withdraw a bid while job is still posted (so you can bid on another job), They took away the proposal to limit the number of bids. The Company will allow 2 "declines" in a rolling year. Obviously, negotiations are far from over but at this stage we would like your input during the April Membership Meetings.
ODDS AND ENDS
Since the last 506 NEWS, some work has been promised for Bldg. 5 (2nd floor) however we are continuing to push for more to be brought in for the much needed areas on the Bldg. 5 main floor and in Bldg. 7.
CSF needs volunteers on Saturday, May 6th for the Safe Kids Day at the Waterford Elementary School; and, in June, for a "Day of Caring" project at the East 10th and Gilson Boys and Girls Club (roof and press box). Want to help? Call x3212.
Sports Shorts – The UE 506 Bowling Tournament will be held at Eastway Lanes, at 11am on Saturday, April 8, 2006.
Local 506 has donated $250.00 to the Members of Local 155, in Fieldsboro, NJ who have been locked out of the Stepan Chemicals Plant since January 24th. To help and for more info on the lockout go to www.ranknfile-ue.org/cm/stepan.php
From the Local 506 Executive Board and all of us at the Hall – Have a great Easter.
Printed by UE Local 506 Thursday, April 6, 2006