A flurry of grievances, all charging GE with violating Article 23, Section 6 (b) of the UE-GE National Contract, have been generated by Stewards throughout the Erie Works. The grievances have been submitted in protest of GE's plan to cut 925 jobs without fulfilling their obligation to hold a "Business Level" meeting with the Union. Even though the Union made three requests for such a meeting, the Company has never made arrangements to discuss any future plans that would impact Local 506 members.

Step II and Step III activities have also stepped up since the announcement. A Step II meeting was held on Friday, February 8, 2002 to clear several grievances for the final step of the procedure and Chief Plant Steward Dave Kitchen has requested written answers to a number of other grievances held at Step II. Dave and Business Agent Pat Rafferty have scheduled a tentative Step III meeting to resolve or advance those active Step II cases.

Negotiations have continued on a regular course. In fact, the Officers have met with the Company twice a week since the layoff announcement; but despite the rigid schedule, no real progress has been made. To resolve our major differences, the Officers have made a proposal that the Company remove all 225 outsourced jobs from their "hit list," The company has not yet accepted that proposal therefore negotiations will continue. In light of information received from the Company, the Union began advancing arguments regarding the Warehouse and the related Transportation services last week. A more comprehensive report on negotiations can be heard this Thursday, at the membership meetings.

Applications for the UE Local 506 Bowling Tournament are available now but don't delay. Entries close March 1st. The Tournament date is March 16th at Eastland. Shifts are 9:00 a.m., 12.00 noon and 3:00 p.m.

The Saint Pat's Volleyball Tournament will be held on March 10. Rosters are due in by February 28, 2002.