LYNN, MA. TRIP: On Friday June 4^th, Dave Kitchen and myself flew to Lynn, MA.

Lynn is the home of IUE Local 201, which represents GE workers at the aircraft engine plant. The majority of the members in the work force are highly skilled machinists, which as we know from our own experience in Erie, is the type of work that GE tends to farm out. Local 506 and Local 201 have always had close ties and now with the recent "integration" of Aircraft engines and Transportation, the ties that bind these two proud Locals becomes even stronger. The first order of business with the folks from Lynn was the Job Preservation Steering Committee; we looked at the structure of both committees, and exchanged some ideas about how we could fine-tune the committees to provide both Locals with more opportunities to bring back work. Next on the agenda was Wind Energy, as you know the gear boxes are being assembled in Erie, the Lynn works has a large gear manufacturing facility that would be a great asset to this new product line.

This was an important and constructive trip for both locals. Typically we meet face to face only at contract time but, with the recent changes in the IUE/CWA and the CBC leadership, it is important that the rank and file leadership meet regularly to discuss the issues that affect our memberships.

We can not thank the Local 201 E-board enough for their hospitality. After a series of miscues by the airlines, Dave and I arrived in Boston three hours later than expected. Local 201 President Jeff Crosby, and VP Alex Brown met us at the airport, (Jeff is a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys;). It was well past 6:00 PM when we left Business Agent Ric Casilli and the 201 Board. We caught our flight from Logan International to Pittsburgh with no trouble. We arrived in Pittsburgh only to find that "Agony Airlines" had cancelled another one of our flights so we rented a car and drove back to Erie.

On Monday June 28^th a debate between Congressman Phil English and Democratic challenger Steve Porter was held at the Butler County Community College. This was the first of four scheduled debates, and if this one was any indication of things to come, then buckle your chinstraps.

Porter who has spent the last 20 years as a public school administrator and college professor certainly showed he knew the issues. English who has spent nearly 20 years, as an "elected official" seemed somewhat puzzled by the response of the crowd. About 100 spectators watched as English, Porter, and the moderator stood on stage while the three panel members were seated to their right. The questions ranged from Tax cuts to the economy and Iraq to the Patriot Act, and Jobs to Health Care costs. Despite the fact that the Butler area has traditionally voted for English, the crowd had no tolerance for double talk, the feeling seemed to be that things have gotten worse in the last four years, and Phil has been in Congress the last ten years, therefore he must be part of the problem not the solution. Several times during the debate the crowd erupted in applause after Porter answered a question. English received applause for the work he did to keep the Erie and Butler Veteran Center open. Both candidates opposed the Patriot Act.

Karen Seggi, the Executive Director of 2nd Harvest Food Bank spoke at the June 17th meetings. She wanted to thank 506 Members for providing financial support to the food bank over the years. Karen cited a recent donation Building 5 workers made that was matched by the Company. "I think it’s important to thank you and tell you how much we appreciate your contributions. You are the backbone of the community," Karen stated. As a side note, Matt McCracken won the 50-50 at the end of the 1st shift meeting and donated his winnings to the Food Bank.

During his report, President Fusco said that, in addition to the 130 recalls, 320 new workers have been hired since the Company started to ramp up. Frank also reported on the May General Executive Board (GEB) meetings he attended where there was discussion about a proposed plan to restructure the UE by forming three regions out of the current 6 Districts. The plan, which would help economize while providing better service, will be discussed at future meetings and possibly be voted on at the 2005 National Convention.

Frank next explained that the National contacted him to invite one of our R.O.C. members to a summer organizing institute in Mexico with travel and hotel expenses to be paid by grants. A motion was carried to pay the lost time for a delegate. Denny McLaughlin was selected to attend the institute through a drawing, held at the 1^st shift meeting. Frank informed the members that the Officers had come to an agreement with the Company that will now give the Union the right to set up voter registration tables in the shop.

Chief Plant Steward Dave Kitchen reported that he and acting Plant Services Chief Steward Jerry Anthony had met with the Company over subcontracting. Dave stated, "If the Company insists maintenance is manned properly, then we won’t accept lack of manpower as a reason for subcontracting." The Plant Steward reminded Stewards to track overtime and he talked about overtime between shifts. Dave explained language changes that would allow pieceworkers to bid on their former jobs while still on break-in. A motion was approved to accept the language.

Dave talked about a meeting held on June 7^th, at the National Office, with the GE Corporate Union Relations managers to discuss health insurance and coverage issues. Pat said that UE-GE Conference Board Secretary Steve Tormey quickly pointed out that the Company never realized the increases they predicted for 2003 and so far in 2004. The UE Committee also pointed out that the Company would receive a windfall from the government when Medicare Part D kicks in. The Union asked the Company to apply the windfall to offset retiree out of pocket costs.

The Jacket Raffle was the last order of business. Matt McCracken won the jacket.

On June 22, 2004, Marc Chini, the Vice President of Human Resources for the recently consolidated GE Transportation Division, was in Erie to meet with the 506 Officers. The meeting provided an opportunity for the officers to learn more about the aircraft engine operations from the Company’s standpoint and to make sure Mr. Chini new all about our Local and what he could expect working and negotiating with our membership. With the consolidation of Locomotive and Aircraft Engine, meetings with other Unions, like the one President Fusco wrote about on page four, have become more and more important.

The Employees Community Service Fund of GE (CSF) in cooperation with the Erie City Mission is promoting the "The Neighbor for Neighbor" Countywide Clothing Drive, scheduled for July 21 – 26 in the plant. Clothing collected during the drive will help to support such programs as the Family Care Food Pantry, the Samaritan Care Men’s Shelter, and the New Life Programs. These services are vital in our quest to assist those in need of help. All clean used garments will be accepted with a special interest in children’s clothing. Trailers will be located for your convince at the Franklin and Water Street entrances and Main Gate’s visitors lot. Receipts are available upon request by completing forms located in trailers.

The newly organized members of UE Local (HYS Workers) are selling 50-50 chances benefiting the Harborcreek Youth Service Children’s Activity Fund. The Sports Committee is selling the tickets and they will be on available during the July 22^nd meetings.

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