General Information
This coming week I'll be in San Francisco for both a Joint Board (Third Steps) as well as negotiations. I'll try to update the blog as I can.
Last week there was some confusion regarding the PBGC and Social Security. To be clear they are two separate agencies affecting two different programs. Some members have received notification that their benefits have changed for a variety of reasons, but the one that caused the concern was in regards to a previously retired member. Apparently the level income option was chosen and that affected the member's future benefits. We no longer have that option, so this shouldn't be a concern for people retiring in the future.
After review there were several IAD third steps that the Union withdrew due to the inability to prove conclusively that the Company violated the Agreement. These were language cases and the Union bears the burden of proof in this situation. Because of the withdrawal IAD has only one third step for consideration at this time. I am waiting on several answers for second step answers so this will change as I've received verbal denials on a few.
MM
Last week in MM there were several issues that were addressed. The Union was able to successfully correct some vacation and pay issues. Unfortunately there was a bid issue that I was unable to rectify. For anyone unclear of the procedures regarding ESS I would ask that you discuss the issue with your supervisor, and please copy me in on any correspondence you have with management in regards to shift bidding. The best way to resolve these issues is before bids are awarded. After the fact it is impossible to fix. As you know I am a huge fan of the Continental provision requiring bi-annual shift bidding. This lessens the impact anyone may suffer due to an inadvertent choice made while bidding. I know several of you have been caught in this scenario in the past
GQ
I met with the new Manager, Tom Polka, on Wednesday and we discussed several items of concern for the shop. The biggest concern was the accurate tracking of time per person. This will be an ongoing issue, and as I have reported before, it is important that you account for 100% of your time. The less indirect labor reported the better.
Another issue discussed was the potential to insource work. We had a very productive discussion on this subject. Eric Harger asked both before after the meeting if the Committee which was convened prior to the RFP's last fall should continue its work looking for potential insourcing opportunities. I advised Eric that this would be a great idea, and I informed Tom that this Committee would be working towards this goal.
This next issue concerns both GQ and PV and that is the removal of discipline around dependability, and why both shops weren't included in the agreement. On Wednesday the 25th we will have a visitor from the IBT to discuss what transpired as well as what is happening moving forward in regards to this development.
PV
John Jenkins filed a couple of first step grievances that are about to be processed with no answer to the second step.
Please see above in GQ for the IBT visit details for next week. For those assigned to the main terminal bagroom, we will be in the autoshop at 1300 and the midfield breakroom at about 1400. I apologize as there was no way to hit every breakroom at shift change time for both GQ and PV. John Jenkins will attend the 1400 meeting, so if you are unable to attend please give your questions to him.
That's all for now,
Bob
