November 2003 UE 506 News

MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS AND TIMES ARE:

FRANKLY SPEAKING

Here we are two weeks into November and we’re thinking about buck season, Thanksgiving, and…. Yes Christmas. The year seems to be flying by, where did it go?

Thinking back it certainly was a full year, we all remember how "cold" it was in January. As the cold weather came to an end, the committee was busy planning the May contract rally. That was followed by five weeks of contract negotiations. Shortly thereafter it was shutdown. As summer was winding down, we had a couple of "standing room only" membership meetings. Then it was the SERO events, recalls, and new hires. Yes, it has been a busy year.

The election season is over for another year, and although only 31% of the voters exercised their right to vote, that number is up slightly from last year.

Veteran’s Day - Speaking of rights, by the time this paper is printed Veteran’s Day will have already passed, but we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you Veterans for your service to this country. Every freedom we enjoy in America we owe to those who served. Thanks again.

Power House - The Company has notified the Union of their intent to cease production of electricity in the powerhouse as of December. The current announcement will effect approximately 17 employees. With the current hiring going on, those people will all be placed in the plant.

Last but not least we would like to wish all of you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

As we reported last month, the Company announced its plans to eliminate some of the Powerhouse operations by December 1, 2003. Specifically, they laid out their intent to shut down the combustion (coal) fired turbines this year replacing that energy source with purchased electricity. The Company would maintain the coal fired boiler operations, generating steam, for now but eventually replace those units with gas boilers.

The Company’s rationale for this major transformation lies in the governments Title V of the Clean Air Act. Changes enacted to the EPA standards, eliminating greater amounts of chlorine and mercury, must be met by 2006. According to the Company, it would cost about $20 million dollars to comply with the regulations. They further stated that they were facing an additional expense of about $2 million to rebuild each turbine.

The Union requested decision bargaining concerning the Powerhouse announcement under Article 23, which provides for a bargaining period of up to 45 days.

The Local’s negotiating committee consisting of the Officers, Divisional Chief Steward Steve Harris and Recording Secretary Dale Stubenhofer have met with the Company several times since the announcement. During those sessions, the manager of the Powerhouse has been available to respond to the committee’s information request. To handle questions of a more technical nature, the Union asked for a meeting with the Powerhouse EHS representative who explained the government compliance rules in more detail.

At this point, as the committee and board review the matter, no formal counterproposal has been submitted. This is a unique situation, we are covering some new ground that goes outside the parameters of our normal dealings with just the Company to preserve jobs, after all this situation involves the government as well. In the meantime, the Union is trying to address the rightful concerns of the Powerhouse workers, who are in a state of flux right now not knowing whether to bid out, while there is ample opportunity, or hang in to see what happens in the end. Until we conclude negotiations, we will continue to work with both the operations and maintenance groups to secure their best possible options.

Kitchen’s Kabinet November 2003

YTD our grievances stand at 152 cases. There were nine filed since last month, this is less activity than the previous month when the Union filed 23 cases against the company.

Of those cases, one Building 6 grievance was filed over unfair discipline while several others dealt with the uneven distribution of overtime. The company added more responsibility to a job without negotiations creating a situation for another case to be filed along with others for several instances of management doing bargaining unit work.

A Step 2 meeting was held on October 22nd. There were 40 cases heard at that meeting. The Union requested that four cases go on to the Third Step. 23 other cases were closed and 13 were held over for more discussion.

The next Step 3 meeting is scheduled for November 25^th in Pittsburgh. Currently there are over ten cases on the agenda.

Steward’s classes were held during October, a combination of 40 Stewards, Alternates and interested Members attended. We covered topics like: What it take to be a good Steward, Investigating and Writing Grievances, Changes in Contract and Benefit Language and a session on What the Committees in the Local do and Why They are Important. There was great participation by the class attendees who also gained a better understanding of why a Steward must be a good communicator to properly represent the membership. They learned that an involved Steward, who takes the time to keep the department informed and organized, has a much better chance of resolving problems than one who does nothing.

Contract books should be out by the time this issue goes to press. Every member has the right to a book and it’s the company’s responsibility for providing them. Having said that, it is the member’s responsibility to know what is in the contract book. A lot of problems could be avoided if you understand your rights. Also new benefits books will be available after the first of the year. This is also an important book you should keep handy.

Many of you have bid and been hired on jobs through Job Posting. One question that members often ask is " When can I bid again". Here are the rules. If you have further questions see you Steward or Chief Steward.

RETIREES SET TO RECEIVE 13TH CHECK

Retired GE workers with a benefit commencement date of January 1, 2002 or earlier will receive a "13th" pension check payable on December 1, 2003. To qualify, a retiree must have retired with at least 25 years of Pension Qualifications Service (PQS). The extra check will be equal to the basic monthly benefit. This does not include temporary supplements or payments from the conversion of Personal and Voluntary Pension Accounts. The 13th check comes no where near the annual cost of living adjustment retirees need to hedge inflation but we’re sure it will be welcomed. Thanks should go out to the members of R.A.G.E. and all active members for drawing enough attention to secure the extra benefit.

Vote on proposed language change to the Strike Defense Fund Appendage in the Local 506 Constitution.

- Submitted by the Local 506 Officers

Change D and add the following Sections D1 and D2 (on page 32):

Current Section D: Retirement refunds will be paid to members in good standing at the time of their retirement, including disability retirement, and to the beneficiary of a member who dies before retirement.

(ADD) D1: Subject to Sections G and H of this Appendage, upon retirement, all members entitled to a Strike Defense Fund refund will be presented with a Local 506 watch.

(ADD) D2: Subject to Section G, all retiree refunds and watches will be paid from the Strike Defense Fund.

Reason: In recent years, Efforts to raise money for the Retirees Watch Fund have not adequately funded the program. Therefore, if adopted, this change will allow Local 506 to continue providing watches to all eligible members through disbursements from the Strike Defense Fund.

The following language is not an Amendment, this change will not alter the Strike and Defense language in any way. The change will simply be made to correct an error

Move Sections C2 and C3 (page 31) to Section L and make them L2 and L3 and add "Checking Account" at the end of L1 (on page 34)

VOTE ON 2004 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

The following tentative holiday schedule will be discussed and voted on during the Wednesday, November 20, 2003 meetings. The language listed below this schedule refers to the floating holiday and represents the same terms as in prior years.

                    New Years Day Thursday, January 1

ELECT DELEGATES TO DISTRICT COUNCIL SIX

Nine UE Local 506 Members were nominated in October, and accepted nomination, to serve as District Council Six Delegates and Alternate Delegates for the 2004 term. Seven seats will be filled through an election that will be conducted while each membership meeting is in session on Thursday, November 20, 2003. The candidates accepting nomination for District delegate are listed below in alphabetical order, not as they may appear on the ballot.

Vice President Joe Ambrose retired effective September 1, 2003. The Local 506 NEWS will be doing a full story on his extended tenure as an officer of 506 in the December edition. Up for consideration this month though, is the vacancy Joe leaves open on the Board.

On July 30, 2003, the membership voted to adopt an amendment to the Local 506 Constitution that will combine the offices of Vice President and Recording Secretary effective April 2005. During the regular monthly meeting in October, the Board considered making a recommendation to combine the offices now, in light of Joe’s retirement. It was decided that the matter would be presented on the October Membership meeting agenda and discussed again at the November Board and Membership meetings.

MOVING TO A NEW JOB

As they say, "It’s a good problem to have." The SEROs and the 200 plus new jobs created have compounded the number of jobs that have been open for bid. With literally 500 or so members moving through the system, there are bound to be hang-ups. Moving everyone to their new job in a reasonable time when there is so much activity has always been an issue however, in 1998 the Local did negotiate some measures that would help expedite the process while protecting seniority rights.

The agreement is simply this: Any employee who has not moved naturally, within 3 weeks, will be automatically transferred by the Employment Office/Payroll effective the fourth Monday from the date of hire.

Jobs With Justice chapters will stage a nationwide events for International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2003 to draw attention to the plight of the 40,000 U.S. workers who want collective bargaining, but can’t get it because of employer interference.

We urge all Local 506 and 618 Members to join the recently formed Erie JwJ Chapter on December 10th, between 4 and 5 p.m. at Congressman Phil English’s Office, 208 East Bayfront Parkway (Transportation Hub across from the library).

SPORTS SHORTS

Basket of Cheer Raffle - Don't miss an opportunity to buy Basket of Cheer raffle tickets before the drawing at end of November's 1st shift membership meeting. See your steward or Sports Committee member for a chance to win these popular prizes.
Volleyball Players Wanted - We need teams or players to fill our roster for the Sunday, November 23, 2003 Annual Turkey Tournament. Everyone who has competed in the past has had a great time. So come join the fun by calling call Roger at 875-6267 or Matt at 878-6144 (pager). The deadline is TODAY! (OK Monday but no later).

UNITY COUNCIL UPDATE

The Unity Council is still in the restructuring mode. We want to thank everyone who has expressed an interest in volunteering for this worthwhile an effective program. As the committees work takes off into some new directions, your contributions will be greatly valued.

We are still actively recruiting members who have special skills and experience in dealing with matters of discrimination and conflict resolution. Whether through education or some social affiliations, if you have dealt with matters of this type and have an interest in learning more about volunteering for the committee contact Wayne Burnett (pager # 878-9697)

In the mean time, anyone that has an issue that needs to be addressed, they can call the Hall at 899-3108 or Committee Chairman Wayne Burnett.

Home Page    506 News     Meetings