October UE 506 News

- A Message from the Local 506 Officers

On September 11, 2001, just as the Local’s newspaper was about to go to press, when Local 506 Members, along with most other workers were in the early hours of their workday, our Nation experienced the most horrific tragedy that has ever befallen its citizenry.

The horror that we watched has all of America wrenched in pain and anguish over of the tremendous loss of lives and injuries inflicted on the victims, the vast majority of which were fellow countrymen. Knowing the fine caliber of the members of Local 506, we are confident that we can express freely on behalf of our organization, that we sorrowfully mourn for all the victims and that our sympathies are extended to their families and friends.

The disasters that occurred in the heart of our Nation, Washington, D.C., in our state of Pennsylvania and in our largest and most diverse city, New York, were worse than any mind could ever imagine. The evidence uncovered indicts Osama bin Laden and his band of terrorists for cowardly perpetrating the assaults, and they should be punished. However, we share the concerns of many civic and government leaders and caution grieving Americans from condemning any race or religious following for the attacks, because we in the labor ranks know all to well that united we stand and divided we fall.

LABOR ORGANIZATIONS MOURN THE LOSS OF MEMBERS

Among the missing and, at this stage, presumed victims of the attacks were hundreds from the ranks of organized labor. Of the many rescue workers who rushed to aid victims at the World Trade Center, 300 firefighters and 85 city police officers are missing. 25 flight attendants and eight pilots perished in the crashes. Hundreds of other working men and women, caught up in the catastrophes, are also among the missing. They include members of the Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees, the Public Employees Federation, AFSCME, AFGE, OPEIU, IUOE, IBEW, ILA, Postal Workers, Teamsters and members of the Building Trades.

Despite the loss of many of our brothers and sisters, volunteers from organized labor have stepped up to assist in the recovery from the disasters. More than 1,000 Iron Workers from the mid Atlantic and New England are rendering their services in the rescue and cleanup efforts and another 1,000 members of the New York City Building and Constructions Trades Council have been working around the clock since September 11, 2001.

On Monday, September 24, 2001, Local 506 conducted a Plant Gate collection for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. As a result of this effort $7,516.65 was collected. It’s important to note that it wasn’t just the hourly contributing, non-exempt salaried workers belonging to Local 618, members of the IFPTE, members of the Association of Guards & Plant Protection and GE exempt employees all donated to this desperately needed cause. Thanks go out to all who contributed and to GE for offering to match the proceeds from the fundraiser. We would also like give a special recognition to the Building 5 workers, who own their own, contributed over $2,700.00. With this display and continued acts of charitable giving and volunteerism, were confident that our country will pull through this ordeal.

Kitchen's Kabinet October 2001

Stewards elections, Stewards elections, Stewards elections; Every two years each department elects a Union Steward who will represent them in all employment related matters. Of those members who are nominated for the Stewards job, you the voting member, should elect the person who is the most qualified for the position.

It has been said the Steward is unappreciated, underpaid and overworked. What is not written enough is just how valuable the Steward is to each and every one of us as Union members. Some statistics may be helpful in understanding the importance. The Local has 160 Stewards representing 3,400 members, this averages out to 21 members for each Steward. Over the last ten years approximately 2000 grievances were written and 125,000 hours spent by Stewards representing the membership on the shop floor. We have faced countless challenges and saw many changes over the years.

Although we did not win all of the fights or benefit from all the changes we are still the strongest most respected local in the National Union. The respect we deserve at national bargaining is proportionate with the job the Stewards do on the shop floor during negotiations. Our successes, and there have been many, are due to membership involvement during trying times and this involvement starts with a strong Stewards system. At this years convention, delegates were still talking about last years when Local 506 marched it's entire Stewards body in front of the convention here in Erie. What a proud moment for many of us. Local 506's stewards body alone is larger than many entire locals memberships. We are by far the largest local in this area and continue to be one of the largest local Unions in the state. So, when deciding whether to run for the Stewards job or when you are deciding who to vote for, remember the responsibility that goes with an office in your Union.

Our grievance activity for the year stands at 53 cases filed compared to 60 cases last year. Those 53 cases do not take into consideration the many cases settled on the shop floor right where they should be. As officers we will continue to meet on a weekly basis with management to keep small problems from becoming much larger ones. Open communication at all levels is necessary for a healthy relationship.

ODDS AND ENDS

Last month I chastised the Erie Times News for their Labor Day editorial, but this month I find myself having to give credit to the paper for their October 3 editorial regarding Amtrak. In this piece, the Times points out that, during Amtrak’s lifetime, the federal government has invested 70 times more into highway and aviation. As a result, the editorial explains, it is a sad fact that citizens do not have an option to hop a train from Erie to Cleveland, Pittsburgh or Chicago. The Times concluded, "September 11 now challenges America’s basic travel assumptions. Americans want options and the railroads must be one of them." Members of Local 506 couldn’t agree more, in fact we have been lobbying for more Amtrak funding for two decades. Maybe the Times editorial will get people thinking seriously about the passenger rail alternative to travel.

Doctor Quality literature and a CD-ROM were mailed to our homes a few weeks ago. After reviewing the material, especially the information encouraging members to write their doctor’s, one member commented, "Since we’re already writing letters to the doctor’s, maybe we should rewrite the whole benefit plan." Not a bad idea- thanks Gary.

ELECT STEWARDS AND ALTERNATES IN NOVEMBER

Nomination cards will be posted and elections for Departmental Stewards and Alternate Stewards will be conducted during the first two weeks in November. Any member who has been in good standing for at least six (6) months shall be eligible to run for either office. The term of office will be two years. Stewards and Alternate Stewards will be installed at the Wednesday, December 19, 1999 Membership Meetings.

The duties of a Departmental Steward include attending meetings and representing the members in all grievance cases and differences with their area manager. Elected Stewards will have deferment from layoffs providing they follow the provisions of the UE Local 506 and UE National Constitution and the policies and principles of the Union in accordance with established practices. Members interested in running for the Steward or Alternate Steward position should familiarize themselves with Article X and Article V, Section 1, items "D" through "G" of the UE Local 506 Constitution.

TURKEY TOURNAMENT DATE CHANGED

The Local 506 Sports Committee has announced that it has moved the date of the annual "Turkey (volleyball) Tournament" up one week to Sunday, November 18, 2001. The tournament, which will take place at Iroquois High, is limited to twelve teams.

A limited number of camouflage hats (displaying the 506 logo) are available at the Union Hall at a cost of $8.00.

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