January UE Local 506 News

MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS AND TIMES ARE:

FRANKLY SPEAKING

By President Frank Fusco

Happy New Year. After a hectic and somewhat uncertain 2003 we enter a New Year that promises to be hectic and somewhat uncertain. From a business perspective locomotive and wheel orders are up considerably, and wind generation also appears to have quite a bit of potential. All of this should mean steady employment throughout the year.

There have been hundreds of jobs posted during the last 5 months. We encountered a few glitches along the way, but we believe those problems have been ironed out. Once you bid on a job be sure to check your bid status regularly, if the computer shows you have a job interview, inform your boss and GO to the interview.

After your interview you must decide whether or not you want the job. Please make your decision within a couple of days, if you take too long the company will move on to the next interview.

GE intends to bring in new hires every week for the next 6-7 weeks. These new employees should be placed on the jobs where the postings have been exhausted.

The December 10th International Human Rights Day Rally was a big success with close to 100 people in attendance. The weather started out at a balmy 46 degrees, but that quickly changed to freezing rain. Almost every Labor Union and Social Justice group in Erie County sent representatives, after the rally we went inside to speak with Congressman Phil English’s staff. We explained our concerns about labor rights, and how we believe the various Free Trade schemes are injuring American workers, we also gave the staff a list of questions for the Congressman. As of yet, the Congressman has not responded. Also in attendance at the rally was Dr. Steve Porter, a Democratic challenger for the 3rd District Congressional seat.

Having just observed Martin Luther King’s Birthday, I thought I’d leave you with a quote from the civil rights leader, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy".

BIDDING RIGHTS

We’ve fielded a lot of calls lately regarding the Job Posting and Upgrading Procedure. Most of the calls come from members who have been placed on jobs through recall or the Job Posting Procedure and want to know the rules governing their rights to bid on other jobs. To explain these guidelines, we’ve reprinted a segment of the Agreement below:

Another question raised frequently regards refusing a job. That language reads:

Who’s on your side? Not the Bush Administration. A recent story in the Erie Times News exposed the Department of Labor for suggesting how employers can avoid paying more money to low income workers, newly eligible under recent changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Among the options they suggest is to cut workers' hourly wages and add the overtime to equal the original salary, or raise salaries to the new $22,100 annual threshold, making them ineligible for O.T. So lets see, Bush sold his plan to Congress, despite resistance from Labor, because he said millions of lower wage workers would now be eligible for O.T., but once passed, the Federal Government suggest ways to prevent those same workers from receiving fair compensation for the hours they work.

With Contract Negotiations and a 2-day National Strike added to the normal flow of unceasing demands and activities our members normally engage in each year - the days, weeks and months of 2003 seemed to pass by swiftly. So swiftly in fact that much of what the membership accomplished probably went by unrecognized and definitely uncelebrated. In our 2003 Year in Review, we looked back month by month to revisit some of the major events and activities that contributed to, what we feel, turned out to be a successful year for our organization.

JANUARY - The 1st National Strike against GE was conducted on the 14th and 15th in response to the increased co-pays imposed on members enrolled in HCP Insurance Plan. Despite the blustery winds and frigid cold, 506 and 618 members manned the gates to demonstrate resistance to the cost shifting and to show a united CBC leading into National Negotiations. On a sad note, IUE 761 Member Kjeston Michelle Rodgers was struck and killed by a police car while on the Louisville, KY picket line. Local 506 and 618 Members later donated over $5,300 to the Rodgers Children Fund.

506 Members participated in the MLK Jr. Day March. A Committee was formed and began to meet to plan the May 17th Erie Contract Rally. And the Board had a constructive meeting with the Plant Safety Coordinators.

FEBRUARY - The Local really started to gear up for National Negotiations by submitting proposals, filling out surveys and setting up the communication network that would be used during the talks. Local 506 Officers attended a Coordinated Bargaining Committee, CBC, meeting on the 13th and 14th in Washington, DC to strategize with the 13 other affiliate Unions representing GE workers.

Also in February, the 1st General Election Notice went out, the Local continued working on a Trade Adjustment Assistance, TAA, appeal for laid off workers. The Sports Committee helped organize the 1st VAVC Bowling tournament for the benefit of the Veterans hospital residents.

MARCH - The 506 Election Committee conducted General Elections for the 1st time. Held on the 20th, they resulted in some changes - Frank Fusco became the Local’s new President, Wayne Burnett took over the duties of the Treasurer, Denny McLaughlin was elected to the position of Financial Secretary, Matt McCracken won an Executive Board at Large seat and Jeff Morealli became the third Trustee.

The UE-GE Conference Board Delegates met at the National Office on the 28th to finalize demands for Negotiations. The LAC distributed Voter Registration cards and the Sports Committee held their annual St Pats Volleyball Tournament and Bowling Tournament. 506 and 618 Members contributed over $2,000.00 to the striking Azteca workers, members of Local 1159 in Chicago.

APRIL - The Local supported GE retirees, members of RAGE, who held a march and rally on the 11th for pension and benefit improvements the East Gate. The Officers met with GE CEO Jeffery Immelt on the 4th. The Company’s health care cost shifting and the Union’s Contract expectations dominated that discussion. On the 28th, 506 members participated in the Worker Memorial Service at Perry Square. UE Research Director Lisa Frank was well received by members attending the April 24th meetings as she previewed the materials she would present to GE at the Contract Table.

MAY - The Erie Contract Rally was held on the 17th. The Rally Committee did a tremendous job with the planning and Local 506 Members did their part by filling Gannon to the rafters. While fireworks aren’t permissible indoors anymore, the sparks flew with the enthusiasm, support and commitment the membership displayed. Three days later opening statements were exchanged in New York City, kicking off negotiations and the tense battle that ensued.

Throughout May and June, members in all Divisions coordinated activities to show support for the Negotiating Committee. Posters and Band Practice were just a couple of creative ways members more than amply communicated their demands to the Company.

JUNE - On the 7th, a bus full of 506 Members traveled to Lynn, Ma to show unity with our IUE, Local 201 Brothers and Sisters. Despite poor weather and a long trip, our delegates returned excited about their experience. Negotiations concluded on the 15th, but 506 Members needed to stage one more major activity, a four-hour walkout, to give the Company a real taste of what they could expect if they didn’t pull their unreasonable health care proposals off the table. Local 506 Members voted to accept a Contract on the 24th that included the biggest increase in Guaranteed Pensions Tables ever, a Career Pension Update and increased pension supplements and two SERO Windows. The Contracts calls for an 11% wage increase over 4 years, an improved COLA formula. . Short Term Disability Benefits were boosted higher that ever and LTD Benefits went up as well. Of great importance, despite GE’s early intent, we were able to keep the cost of retiree health coverage down in negotiations. Also Local 506 Members took part in a Coalition of Labor Women, CLW, Conference on the 13th and 14th.

JULY - Recalls topped the accomplishments. Due in part to an upswing and part to the Local’s Job Preservation work, 25 workers returned and 5 more were in process. Amendments combining the V.P and Recording Secretary positions and the Financial Secretary and Treasurer were adopted. And most members were off enjoying the two-week Shutdown.

AUGUST - The LAC began efforts to prepare for the 2004 Elections and the Local spearheaded the first Erie Jobs with Justice meeting on the 17th. On the 28th, Local 506 Members joined in a march in recognition of the 40th anniversary of MLK’s March on Washington. Local 506 and UE National leaders met with Corporate GE Representatives on the 13th to advance Job Preservation" issues.

SEPTEMBER - The Local geared up to assist members applying for the SERO Window. A seminar was arranged to help prospective retirees understand their benefits. On the 12th, Local 506 representatives convened a workshop at the Labor Notes Conference in Detroit. The UE National Convention was held on the 24th through the 28th, Local 506 delegates participated in workshops honoring, "Women in Leadership." The good news kept coming in as the Company announced they would hire an additional 150 new workers. And Hallelujah! TEMCO workers, members of Local 684 won their 3-year battle to gain their 1st contract. The LAC hosted two candidates’ nights for City and County Council nominees. The Job Preservation Committee met with the Company on the 26th to lay groundwork to change the culture in the Plant by opening up dialogue at all levels.

OCTOBER - All laid off members had been recalled and the 506 NEWS welcomed each and every one of them back by placing their names on the front page. Negotiations began over the Company’s plans to eliminate some Powerhouse operations. The Local held a series of Steward Classes to train new stewards and update the veterans. Delegates from the Local participated in the PA Labor History Society Conference. That started the ball rolling on a project that, if approved, will honor one of our former leaders this year.

NOVEMBER - Steward Elections were held throughout the Plant. On the 24th, the Company offered to schedule regular sessions to show where the money, saved from shutting down the Powerhouse turbines, would be spent on Plant and Equipment in other areas of the Plant. Throughout the month, hundreds of members received new job opportunities due to SERO retirements and open jobs. An Amendment to the Local Constitution was adopted adding guidelines for the retirees watch fund in the Strike Defense language. Local 506 remained active with UE District 6 Council; six representatives from our Local were elected to District offices.

DECEMBER - 506 delegates to the UE-GE Conference Board met and discussed Corporate GE’s announced Transportation/Aerospace merger. Retirees received a 13th Pension check as a result of National Negotiations. The financial officer’s recommendations for 2004 were approved.

And, the Local was the prime mover of a successful demonstration at Congressman English’s Office in coordination with the Jobs with Justice "International Human Rights Day".

In closing, some of the activities Local 506 Members are involved in didn’t get mentioned above. That’s because their work goes on 24-7, throughout the year, without fanfare. Nonetheless, the work they perform is important, in fact the members of these committees probably provide the most important services for the Union. We’re talking about the Unity Committee that intervenes and defuses some pretty tense situations in the shop. Our Local 506 E.A.P. Liaison, who is on call night and day to assist members having extreme difficulties. And special recognition goes to our Regional Organizing Committee, R.O.C., who volunteer their time helping to organize area workers into the UE. The role they play is absolutely necessary if we are to survive.

Looking ahead, with new hire orientations continuing for the next couple of weeks, it appears the business will be in good shape for 2004. This should provide an opportunity to dedicate more of our time and efforts addressing some of the important "back burner" issues. In any event, we remain proud of the Local 506 Membership, your accomplishments and your dedication towards Rank and File Unionism. We wish you and your families good health, happiness and peace throughout the year.

Weekly Benefit Amount $461.00 (was $451.00)

Benefit for Spouse 5.00 (no increase)

Maximum for Children 3.00 (no increase)

Total Maximum Weekly Benefit $469.00 (was $459.00)