IUE July 17 - IUE

Transcription

IUE July 17 - IUE

IUE May 12_ IUE July 17 5/8/15 9:11 AM Page 1
Celebrating 80 Years
as a Chartered Local
1933 – 2013
IUE-CWA
Local 201 News
Local 201 is an amalgamated local representing approximately 1,800 members employed by GE River Works (Lynn),
Ametek Aerospace (Wilmington), Veolia water (Lynn), Avis-Budget Group (East Boston), Avis (Boston/Cambridge), and
the Saugus Library (Saugus) and thousands of lifetime Retiree members across the country.. www.local201iuecwa.org
Vol. LXXIII
EDITOR
Ric Casilli
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT LYNN, MASS.
MANAGING-EDITOR
Bill Rounseville
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2015
Subscription
$1.00 Per Year
Post Master: Send Address Changes To:
IUE-CWA Local 201 News
112 Exchange St., Lynn, MA 01901
USPS 171-720
Number 5
Published By: IUE-CWA Local 201, AFL-CIO
112 Exchange Street, Lynn, Mass. 01901
(781) 598-2760
Lunchtime Rally Sends Message:
Stop Cutting Retirement Benefits!
Local 201 showed up in force for the Lunch Time Rally Wednesday, April 22nd, the same day as the GE
Shareholders’ Annual Meeting. Union members from IUE/CWA plants across the country also demonstrated
that day in support of GE retirees who were attending the shareholders meeting in Oklahoma City.
A large turnout in Schenectady, New York was picked up by a number of local television stations. Local
1004 from Strothers, Kansas and Local 761 from Madisonville, Kentucky sent members to the shareholders
meeting itself by bus and, from the pictures we have seen, it looked like a great turnout and show of support.
Our own Kevin Maher attended the Annual Meeting and spoke about the need for General Electric to take
better care of its retirees by providing a cost of living adjustment and to stop their attacks on hard earned benefits like post-65 supplemental insurance. Kevin has been going to these shareholder meetings since 1994 and
has spoken at every single one.
Kevin told Jeff Immelt that “retirees deserve a substantial increase in their pensions and those who have
been out for a long period of time should receive a 2 percent increase for each year of their retirement.”
The showing of solidarity across the country is significant. It shows GE that the IUE/CWA is standing
for a good contract, to keep post-65 benefits and support our retirees. Check out quotes from GE retirees at the
shareholders meeting and more pictures from our rally on page 9 and pictures of other IUE/CWA locations
across the country on page 8.
Thursdays are Red CBC T-Shirt Days!
PAGE 2
IUE-CWA LOCAL 201 NEWS
A thank you,
I am writing today to
thank all my Brothers and
Sisters from IUE/CWA Local 201.
For those who may not
have heard, my son, Ross
and his Partner Laura and
my two granddaughters.
Kaylee and Rowen, were
burned out of their home recently in a catastrophic fire
that claimed all their clothes
and possessions, but not
their lives. They, sadly lost
their kitten in the fire but
otherwise everyone escaped
without injury.
Members of Local 201 as
well as friends and family
rushed to help them in their
time of need donating
clothes and home goods and
a benefit web site was established to which dozens of
people have donated.
In particular, I want
to
thank
Samantha
Bansfield, Bill Thomas,
Josephina
Quintana,
Adam Kaszinski and a host
of others who rushed to develop a benefit event with
donated prizes and raffles.
workforce brought in by
FairPoint to try to break our
spirits. We stood strong,
knowing the kind of support
we had behind us. Your solidarity made
all the difference as our
members walked those picket lines in brutal winter
weather for more than 120
days.
Thank you so much for
ensuring we had the resources to help our members. The solidarity we received from thousands of
individuals and organiza-
Letters to the Editor…
And also DJ Itchy P and the
band Tigerman WAOH for
their generous services. This
event, along with dozens of
fantastic donations from
union members across the
North Shore have helped
our devastated family get
back on our feet.
Local 201 Board approved
the donation of a 201 jacket,
shirt and hat as a raffle prize
that greatly helped my son’s
family financially as well
and my family wishes to
thank all who helped, donated and gave their Sunday
to be with us in a celebration
of Hope.
In the grand scheme of
things, this was a small
event, but to us it was life affirming and renews our
faith in the union brotherhood.
Thank you
Tony Dunn
Ross Dunn and Family
Thanks from Strikers
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
on behalf of the 1,800 members of IBEW and CWA in
Maine, New Hampshire,
and Vermont, who struck
FairPoint Communications
for four months, we extend
our deepest thanks for your
generous gift to our Solidarity Fund. With your support
we had the resources to help
hundreds of our members
with
everything
from
healthcare costs to housing
to heating oil.
Our strike ended this
week and members returned to work on Wednesday, February 25th, with a
fair contract that protects
good jobs in our region.
They are eager to get to
work repairing the damage
done to our telecommunications network by the scab
tions helped us make real
our rallying cry: ONE DAY
LONGER!
ONE
DAY
STRONGER!
In Solidarity,
Peter McLaughlin
Chairman IBEW System
Council T-9
Business Manager, IBEW
Local 2327
Don Trementozzi
President, CWA Local 1400
Glenn Brackett
Local 2320
Mike Spillane
Local 226
Canobie Lake Park
Discount Tickets Available
At the Union Hall
$29.00 per person
(Over 3 and under 60, 48 inches or taller)
Call 781-598-2760 for more information.
Service Directory
As a service to our members and retirees, Local 201 offers classified ads at minimal rates. We encourage
members to consider their brothers and sisters when hiring for odd jobs. These ads do not imply any endorsement or guarantee of workmanship by Local 201.
Real Estate Needs. Paul Kotkowski,
Coldwell Banker. 30 yrs experience
full Time realtor, listing and selling.
GE retiree. (978) 828-1604.
Generator: New Briggs & Stratton
5500 watts. $795.00. Utility Trailer:
4’ X 8’ Tilt Bed. $100.00. Utility
Trailer: 4’ X 6’ Heavy Duty. $200.00.
Call 978-462-7877
Snowflake Arizona House for Sale:
2 story, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, custom
wood and stone work. Gas heat,
mild winters, taxes only $508 per yr.
6 acres fenced. Asking $180,000
Call 775-537-7870
“IUE-CWA Local 201 News”
(USPS 171720)
“Published monthly.”
$1.00 a Year
Periodicals Postage Paid at Lynn, MA • POSTMASTER: Send address changes
to “IUE-CWA Local 201 News,” 112 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA 01901
Printed by The
Golden Manet Press
Quincy
Chevy Pickup, 1998 Pickup 4 X 4.
Plow Cap, Tool Box. 4 studded tires.
$5,000 or best offer. Call 207-4909049
Fix A Brick – No job too small, really! Stairs, Foundations, Walkways,
Chimneys, etc., etc. Call 978-2399801.
Nice 1 Bedroom Condo with car
port & pool. New Port Richey,
Tarpin Spring area, Florida. Furnished. Ground floor. Retired GE
get away vacation for snow birds.
Price negotiable.
Small Engine Service: 35 plus yrs
experience repairing small engines,
Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers,
Chain Saws, etc. Reasonable prices.
(10% Discount on Parts for GE employees) 978-758-9527.
Seasonal Camp for sale in mobile
home park. Deck, private beach, 2-3
Bdrms, near Weirs Beach, Laconia,
NH. Mid $20’s. Call 978-697-9912.
Print your ad on this form.
Mail to: Service Directory, IUE-CWA Local 201, 112 Exchange St., Lynn, MA 01901.
Enclose Payment:
For laid off members & retirees: $1 per issue / $15 per year
For active members: $2 per issue / $30 per year
TITLE
Published by: Local 201 IUE-CWA (AFL-CIO)
112 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA 01901
Published By
Camera Graphics
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
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25
WORD
LIMIT
PHONE #
Your Name..........................................................................................
Amt. Enclosed ................................
Your phone #..................................................Circle: active or retired
Date mailed ....................................
Avis Budget Update
Fighting for 15!
By Amalgamated Rep Bill Rounseville
Local 201’s flyer responding to Avis Budget’s new attendance policy is re-run on page 6 of
this issue to make sure all
our members at Avis
Budget have had a chance
to see it. The severity of
the new policy makes it
essential that everyone familiarize themselves with
it and protect themselves.
The Company announced
that everyone would
have a “clean slate” for attendance starting with
the implementation of the
new policy on May 1st,
but given the nature of
the policy, our members
should not become complacent when it comes to
attendance.
We have seen 23 terminations from Avis Budget
over the last 8 months related to attendance issues,
and that has been under
the old, more lenient policy! Granted, many of
these may have essentially been job abandonment
by newer employees who
simply decided they did-
n’t want to work for Avis
Budget anymore, for
whatever reason. Still,
the Company’s new policy ups the ante and
makes it likely we’ll see
even more attendance related discipline. Beware!!
On a positive note, the
Company has also started
hiring again, having notified the Union of 20 additions since late March. As
the busy season sets in,
hopefully the Company
will continue to add people where needed so long
lines and customer frustrations don’t build up to
the point where job
stresses also build up.
Also, the next contractual wage increase goes
into effect July 1st, $0.55
per hour for all those
members who have completed the negotiated first
2 years of step increases.
In addition, 12 members
are also eligible for their
3rd negotiated “parity”
raise on July 1, on top
of the general wage increase.
* Workers’ Compensation
* Social Security Disability
* Accidents
PAGE 3
The minimum wage has been raised to $9 an hour in Massachusetts and is
set to go to $10 in January ’16 and to $11 in January ’17, but that still is not
enough. The 2015 Federal poverty level in the continental US for a family of
4 is $24,250, the equivalent to a 40 hour job at $11.66 an hour. With the cost
of living in Massachusetts, a $9 an hour job doesn’t cut it. That’s why a
broad coalition of fast food, retail, and home health workers have joined with
unions to demand that the national minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour.
Local 201 had members participate in the “Fight for 15” rally in Boston on
April 14th and “Fight for 15” signs were prominent at the recent May Day
march in Lynn.
Advice from the
Ophthalmologist
Do You Have Diabetes?
James J. Carrigan
• Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in
persons between the ages of 20-64. Every
diabetic needs a thorough, dilated eye exam
every year by an ophthalmologist (Eye-MD).
(Former member Local 201
and Lynn Teachers Union)
Anne Gugino Carrigan
(Former member AFSCME)
Ronald D. Malloy
(Former Business Agent
of Local 201)
15 Johnson St.
Lynn, MA 01902
(across from Lynn District Court)
Tel. (781) 596-0100
Fax (781) 592-7555
e-mail: [email protected]
Free consultation.
*No fee unless successful.
•
Dr. Neil Gross, M.D.
152 Lynnway #2G
Lynn, MA 01902
diabetic
of
risk
Blood sugar control minimizes the
781-593-3939
eye disease. Diabetics should test their blood
sugar regularly and keep it below “150.”
Dr. Gross is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist (Eye-MD) and a graduate
of Harvard College and Yale Medical School. His services range from
routine eye care to the treatment of complex eye disorders.
The office is located on the Lynnway in a modern office complex on the
ocean. Parking is free and most insurance plans are accepted.
Visit us on the web at www.neilgrossmd.com.
PAGE 4
Proposed Constitutional
Change on
GE E-Board Jurisdictions
At the May 19, 2015,
membership
meeting
there will be a MEMBERSHIP VOTE to approve a
change to the IUE/CWA
Local 201 Constitution affecting GE E-Board jurisdictions. The proposal,
being proposed by the
201 Constitution Committee, would eliminate
the current (part-time)
Plant IV Executive Board
position (Bldg. 66, 32
Punch Press and Tool &
Die) and transition Bldg
66 and Bldg 32 Punch
press into the Aircraft Engine (A.E.) Manufacturing Jurisdiction. Tool &
Die would be absorbed
into the LPS/M&E Jurisdiction. Please read the
changes below and the rationale for the changes.
The Executive Policy
Board will be taking a recommendation vote on
May 12, 2015. Please feel
free to call with any questions in regards to the
proposed change and/or
come to the meeting for
discussion and a final
vote.
The IUE/CWA Local
201 Constitution Committee voted unanimously on
April 22, 2015 to recommend changes to Article
IX Section B Paragraph 4
of our Local 201 Constitution that deals with jurisdictions;
CURRENT READING
Section I.
Manufacturing
Section II
Assembly & Test,
PETE CAPANO
PRESIDENT
Medical Center & Flight
Support Center.
Section III
LPS/M&E
Section IV
Plant IV
Section V
Amalgamated Units
PROPOSED NEW
READING
Section I
Manufacturing
Section II
Assembly & Test,
Medical Center & Flight
Support Center.
Section III
LPS/M&E &Tool and
Die
Section IV
Amalgamated Units
The Constitution Committee also voted unanimously to recommend
implementation of the
above stated jurisdictional changes effective June
1, 2015.
RATIONALE FOR THE
CHANGES
The Company has put
our Plant IV jurisdiction
and Plant I and II (our
current A.E. Manufacturing Jurisdiction) under
one Lynn Component
Manufacturing (LCM)
structure, all currently reporting to Leader Randy
Brown. The part-time
elected Plant IV Board
member had to resign
RIC CASILLI
BUSINESS AGENT
last week for personal
reasons. At our April
Policy Board meeting it
was announced that Local 201 faces another significant deficit situation
for 2015 due to all the GE
retirements over the last
few years. In order to
balance the current budget, we need to make
more cuts this year. The
only way to have a significant impact on our
deficit is to reduce either
staff or board/officer
representation. Last year
we eliminated one staff
position at a substantial
savings to the Local. At
this time, we are proposing the elimination of one
part-time
Executive
Board position. Under
this proposal, the part time Plant IV Jurisdiction
would be eliminated and
the jurisdiction would be
absorbed into the A.E
Manufacturing Jurisdiction with just the Tool &
Die section of Plant IV
moved into the Crafts
Board
Jurisdiction
(LPS/M&E). If this proposal passes, the current
full time Aircraft Engine
Manufacturing Executive
Board member would
now be responsible for
Bldg. 66 and Bldg. 32
Punch Press. Tool and
Die would be combined
with
the
Crafts
LPS/M&E Jurisdiction.
This proposal would help
reduce the 2015 projected
deficit and lines up EBoard
representation
with all the day work
manufacturing buildings
as a jurisdiction.
SEAN MAHONEY
CONSTITUTION COMM., CHAIRMAN
Proposal to Extend Strike
Fund Allocation
for Additional Year
Last year the Policy
recommended,
Board
and the Membership approved, a diversion of 20
cents per member per
week to the Local’s general fund from the regular 25 cent Strike Fund
contribution per member per week through
April 2015. Because of
on-going financial issues
related to the number of
GE retirements over the
last few years, the Policy
Board has voted to continue this practice for another year, through
April, 2016, putting
$0.05 per member per
week into the Local
Strike Fund. This motion will be before the
May 19, 2015 Membership Meeting for a Membership vote.
OFFICIAL NOTICE
LOCAL 201 IUE-CWA (AFL-CIO)
COMBINED SHOP
STEWARDS & MEMBERSHIP
MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 19 , 2015
112 EXCHANGE STREET
LYNN, MA 01901
FIRST SHIFT........................................................ 3:30 P.M.
SECOND SHIFT................................................... 12:30 P.M.
THIRD SHIFT may attend either meeting.
AGENDA:
I. FEATURED PRESENTATIONS:
1. 30 + YEAR PINS
2. GE CONTRACT 2015 REPORT
3. FAST TRACK AND TPP OPPOSITION REPORT
II. GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. POLICY BOARD
A. Continued current Practice for one year of putting $.05
per member per week out of regular dues into Local 201
Strike Fund – MEMBERSHIP VOTE
2. TREASURER’S AND MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS:
3. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. 201 STRIKE FUND BOARD OF ADMINISTRATORS
RECOMENDATIONS:
(a) RULES FOR COLLECTING STRIKE BENEFITS
(Increase by $25.00 weekly Local 201 Strike Fund Benefits
payable) –MEMBERSHIP VOTE
(b) PROCEDURE FOR PAYMENT OF STRIKE
BENEFITS – MEMBERSHIP VOTE
B. CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE Recommended
Constitutional Changes Regarding GE E-Board
Jurisdictions – (Summary – Move Bldg 66 and 32 Punch
Press into Aircraft (AE) Jurisdiction and Bldg 63 Tool and
Die into Crafts Jurisdiction – MEMBERSHIP VOTE
4. GOOD AND WELFARE:
5. NEW BUSINESS:
III. GE REPORT:
A. Approval for Arbitration – ND #128, 094 (LD #36392) –
– Protest Denial of Short Term Disability Benefits (Building 66
Case) – MEMBERSHIP VOTE
B. Matter of Temporary Lack of Work Reverse Seniority
Addendum (90 Day Temps) – Craft Units (3) – MEMBERSHIP VOTE
IV. AVIS & BUDGET CAR RENTAL REPORT:
V. AMETEK REPORT:
VI. VEOLIA WATER REPORT:
VII. SAUGUS LIBRARIANS REPORT:
Signed,
PETE CAPANO, President
RIC CASILLI, Business Agent
201 Retiree’s
Column
By KEVIN D. MAHAR
President Local 201 Retirees Council
The GE 2015 Annual
Meeting, April 15, 2015 is
on the web. Google 2015
GE Annual Meeting and
click onto GE Investor Relations. Click on the web
site if you have problems
with this call me 781-3677822.
I suggest you listen to
this in its entirety as it only is 1 hour and 15 minutes. You should listen to
all the speakers and don’t
miss the last two speakers, Dennis Rocheleau
and Ron Flowers. This was my 21st Annual Meeting speaking out
as an advocate for retirees
for major increases in pension benefits. Here is Bill
Freeda’s speech at the Annual Meeting (with a few
edits):
Good morning fellow
shareowners,
My name is Bill Freeda,
and I am here to tell you I
am voting AGAINST Jeff
Immelt, and the members
of the Management Development and Compensation Committee… and I
would urge all shareowners to do the same. It has
always been my understanding that a CEO’s pay
was based on performance. Let’s examine Mr.
Immelts’s performance
during 2014. On January
2, 2014 our stock price
was $27.86, and on December 31, 2014, $25.42., a
decline of almost ten percent. But let’s be fair, we
should take into account
the one cent increase in
the dividend.
However, Mr. Immelt’s
salary and cash bonus increased eight percent, and
his total 2014 compensation nearly doubled to
37.5 million dollars. Much
of his increase coming
from a big jump in his
supplementary pension,
from 52 million to more
than 70 million dollars. It
does make you wonder
what the Board would
have granted Mr. Immelt
had he been successful in
2014.
I know the Board says
Mr. Immelt has met all
company goals. Is it possible the company’s goals
were to have our stock
price decline 10%, and increase the dividend 1
cent? So my question to
IUE-CWA Local 201
RETIREES COUNCIL
MEETING NOTICE
Tuesday, June 9, 2015 – 12 noon
(2nd Tuesday every month)
St. Michaels Hall
Elmwood Ave., Lynn, MA
Please note this is a noon time meeting.
This is our annual hotdog fest!
Agenda: Report on GE contract negotiations
Financial Report New Business
Kevin D. Mahar, President Thomas Donegan, Treasurer
the GE Board of Directors
is, “have you all lost your
minds?”
GE executives bandy
about terms like free cash
flow, operating margin
and organic growth in attempt to make it look like
they actually earned their
inflated
compensation
packages. When in fact
the only term that really
matters to shareowners is
ROI, “Return on Investment.” And there can be
no doubt when it comes to
ROI, Mr. Immelt has been
a colossal failure during
his tenure as CEO. And
yet the Board of Directors
bestows great praise, and
greater riches on him.
What makes Mr. Immelt’s more than 30% increase in his supplementary pension, even more
egregious is that it was
granted against the background of GE all but
eliminating GE’s post-65
retirement benefits for
tens of thousands of GE
retirees on January 1,
2015. I ask the members of
the Board is it possible
that a group of intelligent
and accomplished men
and women, can be so totally tone deaf, and disrespectful to the men and
women who built this
company?
Members of the GE the
Board of Directors, did
any of you do your due
diligence before you cast
your vote to terminate the
post-65 retirement bene-
Is it possible you
fits?
were not given all of the
facts? So let us revisit the
issue.
Did you know that beginning January 1, 2005,
newly hired GE employee’s [were] no longer eligible for these plans, guaranteeing
a slow but
steady decline and eventual elimination of these
benefits.
Did you know this program has four components? Two of which are
paid entirely by the participants in the plan.
Did you know of the
two remaining components the prescription
drug plan accounts for
80% of the cost.
Did you know that the
cost of GE retiree healthcare has been declining in
recent years, including
the prescription drug
plan.
Did you know that by
moving GE retirees from
the GE plans to individual
Medigap plans, that in the
future we may be declined coverage due to
pre-existing conditions.
If the answer to any of
these questions is NO,
you should be asking Mr.
Immelt and his surrogates, WHY.
Based on these factors
what was the urgency for
Mr. Immelt to terminate
these long standing, and
long promised plans on
January 1, 2015? I can
come to only one conclu-
PAGE 5
sion. Mr. Immelt decided
GE retirees are “not” dying fast enough.
As I stand here, the day
before my 75th birthday, I
can assure you Mr. Immelt that as you get older
you will look back to see
what impact you have
made in people’s lives,
and it occurs to me that
during that reflection you
may finally realize the
damage you have done to
the lives of tens of thousands of GE employees,
retirees and their families,
all members of the GE
family, by making them
the scapegoats for your
inability to increase the
“Return On Investment”
to GE shareowners.
In closing, I would ask
the GE retirees who are
present to rise… and,
since you Jeff Immelt have
turned your backs on us,
we now turn our backs
on you.
Thank you
The sympathy of IUECWA Local 201 Officers,
Executive Board and
members is extended to
the family and friends
of GE employee Earl
“Chickie” Wilson on the
passing of his wife. Earl
is a Crane Operator in the
Bldg. 64 Balance Cell.
SYMPATHY
PAGE 6
The following flyer was distributed by Local 201 on 4/27/2015:
Avis Budget to Implement New
Harsh Attendance Policy
Union Negotiates to Impasse, Can Grieve
Based on Just Cause
In December of 2014
Avis Budget Group informed Local 201 of its
intent to implement a
new Attendance Policy
at all its northeast locations (including Avis
Downtown) on February 1, 2015. The Union
requested bargaining,
as is our right under our
contracts, if the Company wants to change our
members’ working conditions. After 4 months
of bargaining, we could
NOT reach an agreement and we reached
impasse in bargaining.
This means the Company will be implementing their last proposal.
Their old policy set a
number of absences (12)
or days tardy (18) within a rolling 12 month
period after which an
employee was subject
to progressive discipline which could eventually lead to termination. This plan counted
contractually paid sick
days, which the Union
had protested during
the most recent contract
negotiations.
Their new policy is
based on a point system
under which attendance related occurrences such as absent,
tardy, failure to call, etc.
are assigned points and
added together with a
certain point total resulting in discipline, up
to termination. This
means that there are
no longer different
thresholds for discipline for different behavior and that someone without a severe
problem in any one
category could be fired
for accumulated different “offenses.”
The Union understands the importance
of regular and punctual
attendance by employees to the business, its
customers, and other
employees, who are our
members. In the course
of negotiations with the
Company, the Union
and Company exchanged multiple proposals. The Company
had to repeatedly delay
the launch of their policy. The Union feels the
end product is an improvement on the Company’s original plan.
For one thing, paid sick
time is finally excluded from the Company’s
formula.
Various
points and procedures
in the plan got clarified
and the Company assured the Union that a
reliable system for calling in would be established and well advertised. But make no
mistake about it; this
new policy is much
stricter than the previous plan and could
threaten your employment at Avis Budget if
you do not take it seriously! The point total
which will start “corrective action” (8 for a full
timer, 6 for part timer)
is much too low and the
total for termination (13
or 11 points) will most
likely lead to a wave of
terminations and a
swamp of grievances.
With absences alone,
termination under the
old policy could occur
at 16 absences (but included paid sick time
days). Under the new
plan, termination could
occur at 7 absences (but
does exclude paid sick
time days). With tardiness alone, termination drops from 22 to
13. Even worse, a combination of low frequency attendance issues can result in
termination! For example, 2 unpaid absences
(4 points) plus 3 tardiness (3 points) plus one
left early (1 point) plus
one no call/no show (5
points) in a 12 month
period and you can be
fired according to their
unjust policy.
The significance of
No Call/No Show has
been escalated by assigning the offense 5
points.
And the
amount of time before
the start of your scheduled shift you need to
call in by in order to
avoid No Call/No
Show has been increased from 1 to 2
hours under the new
policy. The Local vehemently opposed this as
unreasonable.
There was no way the
Union could agree to
such a severe Attendance Policy. Our Contract says members can
only be disciplined for
just cause. That is the
standard we shall use.
We do not think the
policy is reasonable or
consistent with our
just cause standard.
The new Attendance
Policy is complicated.
You will be presented a
copy of this policy by
Management and be instructed to sign to acknowledge you have received the policy. The
Union was clear in its
discussions with the
Company that signing
does not indicate that
you understand the policy. But you clearly
need to understand that
the Company is likely
to clamp down on at-
tendance with their
point system and members should document
all tardiness, leave earlier, call-in times, and absences, especially if they
are legitimate and/or
authorized. When a Supervisor authorizes unpaid time off – the member should get documentation of the authorization.
Executive Board, members and the Retiree Association is extended to the
family and friends of GE
retiree Mary Bergeron on
her recent passing. Mary
worked as in Assembly /
Manufacturing at West
Lynn Plant.
SYMPATHY
The North Shore Labor Council’s 2015 Educational Conference
PAGE 7
May Day in Lynn
Celebrating an American Holiday
When: SATURDAY
MAY 30th
8:30 am -3:00 pm
Where: TORIGIAN
COMMUNITY LIFE
CENTER,
79 CENTRAL STREET,
PEABODY Lunch, Childcare and
Translation will be provided
Workers and our communities are facing
tough times but something is stirring...Learn
how to join the fight to
defend and restore public education, public
transit, public postal services, public health services, living wages and
more!
MORNING
WORKSHOPS:
Building
Fighting
Unions through Leadership Development: This
workshop will approach
building
leadership
from several perspectives – how can unions
build strong leaders as
current officers and activists begin to retire?
How can unions support
young workers and
move them into leadership? How does an individual run for office in
their local? Come engage in this important
conversation about developing new leaders to
build tomorrow’s labor
movement.
Keeping Our Public
Schools Public: In cities
like Salem and Lynn
public money is being
taken out of the city
school budget and given
to private organizations
to run schools. These
schools do not operate
with the same regulations as traditional public schools. Come participate in a discussion
with school committee
members from Peabody,
Lynn and Salem. What
does privatization look
like in the schools? Who
benefits? Who loses?
Who is making decisions and how can make
our voices heard?
New Member
Organizing to Grow
Worker Power:
In an era of shrinking
union density, union-busting consultants and weak
labor laws, bringing new
workers into the labor
movement is as difficult as
it’s ever been and even
more crucial to building
lasting worker power.
Come hear from North
Shore locals engaged in organizing new members,
learn lessons from successful union drives and hear
how you can support a
growing and thriving labor movement to fight for
our future. Taking Action for
Health and Safety on
the Job: Are there unsafe
or unhealthy conditions
on your job? Are you
afraid to speak up about
hazards for fear of retaliation? Learn about your
rights and strategies to
take action and make
work safe and healthy.
AFTERNOON
WORKSHOP:
Connecting the Dots:
Linking Trade, Immigration, the Environment and the Fight for
$15: Free trade agreements like the secretive
Trans Pacific Partnership (sometimes called
‘NAFTA on Steroids’)
have pushed down
wages and cost jobs in
the US, while pushing
millions of workers
across borders. And
they have empowered
corporations to devastate lakes, forests, water
supplies and pollute the
air. This workshop will
look at how workers
and communities are
fighting back to take
control of local communities and the global
economy.
Call the Union Hall if
you are interested in attending.
Executive Board and
the family and friends of
Paul Babin on the passing of his brother-in-law
Stephen Midgley. Paul
works in Bldg. 74 and is
a former Ametek Steward and Board Member.
Stephen was an Engine
Tester in Bldg. 29 and
his father Douglas had
retired out of the Gear
Plant after 40 years.
SYMPATHY
PAGE 8
Local 201 Rallies for Retirement Benefits
National CBC Day of Action
Photos from geWorkersUnited.org
Union presence outside Shareholders’ Meeting
IUE-CWA members from Madisonville & Strothers at Oklahoma City meeting.
Local 161 in Salem, VA lets GE know where they stand!
Local 301 in Schenectady, NY, strongly supporting GE retirees.
SPEAKERS’ ANGER
SPILLS OUT AT GE
SHAREHOLDERS MEETING
With members of IUECWA Local 1004 (GE
Strothers plant) and retirees picketing outside
the GE Shareholders’
Meeting in Oklahoma
City on April 22 and
union rallies occurring
at numerous IUE-CWA
plants across the country;
speakers inside the GE
Shareholders
meeting
tore into GE top Executives for eliminating the
GE post -65 Medicare
supplement plans for tens
of thousands of salaried
non-union
employees
and retirees. Here is just a
sampling of some of the
passionate quotes given
by speakers at the meeting all in reference to the
January 1, 2015 medical
programs elimination by
GE while increasing executive compensation packages. The quotes were
published in an edited
Transcript by Thomson
Reuters:.
“So my question to the
board of directors is, with all
due respect, have you lost
your minds?”
Bill Freda
(Shareholder)
So I ask the members of
the Board, how is it possible
that a group of intelligent
and accomplished men and
women like you can be totally deaf and disrespectful to
the women and men that
built this company/”
Bill Freda
(Shareholder)
At the last two annual
meetings, I spoke against
GE’s unconscionable $832
million cut in salaried retiree health and life insurance coverage announced in
2012. I said it was a bad design, badly implemented.
And what did we get after
my comments were branded
by the company’s leaders as
‘thoughtful’ at last year’s
meeting? Even more draco-
nian cuts to health care
announced
last
plans
September to the tune of
$586 million reduction in
company liabilities, and
more costs shifted to fixed
income retirees……My response, as I said it would be
was a lawsuit in federal
court. So far, the district
court has initially indicated
that there is merit in our arguments. We have succeeded in introducing GE and its
high priced outside legal
team to the concepts of fairness, equity and meaning
what you say.”
Dennis Rocheleau
(Retiree and former
Chief GE Labor
Negotiator)
Is it really necessary for
the bottom line to take this
insurance away from the
people that built your company? The over-65 people?
And General Electric says,
‘Well we give them money.
You know, we give them
$1,000.’ Well, that’s for the
people that are 65 now.
What about the people (not
65 by January 1, 2015) – a
really good friend of mine
that was 65 two months
late? Okay? Cost him
$1,700 a month for insurance- to get the same insurance because his wife had
cancer”
Ron Flowers
(Retirees
Association of GE
(PA) - President)
The board of directors
still has the opportunity
to demand a reappraisal
of these savage cuts.
Please take it. Move away
from greed and legalese
and toward fair and decent treatment of men
and women who have
devoted long years of
productive service to
make GE great. Fulfill the
commitment made to GE
retirees in the same manner you expect to pay the
extraordinary post-retirement benefits described
in the GE proxy statement to the top five
named executives and
thousands of other GE officers and execs when
they retire.”
Dennis Rocheleau
(Retiree and former
GE Chief
Negotiator)
The current GE leadership also has the chance
in the next couple of
months to walk the talk of
good intentions at the
bargaining table. The
IUE-CWA, the UE, the
IAM, the IBEW, UAW,
and other CBC unions
know your predatory and
pernicious
intentions.
They know the arguments against these takeaways, and they have the
skill, energy and commitment to express their
opinions and opposition.
These unions have long
had my respect and admiration, even when I
strongly opposed some of
their initiatives and proposals at the bargaining
table. On these critical
matters—on this critical
matter, they will have my
full support, should they
seek it.”
Dennis Rocheleau
(Retiree and former
GE Chief
Negotiator)
Executive Board and members is extended to the family and friends of employee
Carmen DeAngelis on the
passing of his brother. Carmen is a LPS Plumber and a
Union Health and Safety
Representative.
SYMPATHY
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
GE CONTRACT 2015 –SCHEDULE & PROCESS
We are now less than 3 weeks to the opening of GE Contract Negotiation in New York City. Per some Steward requests, this is
a repeat announcement of the tentative bargaining schedule with GE as it stands right now from the International. There are
more local protest days being planned nationally then are on this below schedule. Thursdays are RED CBC T-Shirt Days.
Friday, May 29 – Lunch Time Solidarity/Unity “Send Off” Rallies across
the Country (details to be announced)
Sunday, May 31 – Business Agent leaves for NYC
Monday, June 1 – GE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS OPEN IN NEW
YORK CITY. The IUE-CWA and UE “Large Tables” * meet from June 1-12.
“Large Table” disbands after June 12 session.
Monday, June 15- “Small Table” ** and two “Sub-Committees Tables” ***
(Pension & Insurance and Contract Language) begin meeting.
Sunday, June 21- 12:00 midnight Contract Expiration. Negotiations scheduled to conclude with GE final offer usually on this day. 10 day contract
extension usually scheduled to conduct voting process
Tuesday, June 23 – IUE-CWA National Negotiating Committee votes a
recommendation on “final GE offer”.
Wednesday, June 24 – IUE-CWA National Conference Board delegates vote
on GE “final offer”. If approved by delegates, it becomes a “tentative agreement” and goes back to all IUE-CWA GE Locals for a secret ballot vote
Late June - IUE-CWA GE Locals memberships vote (if there is a tentative
agreement) Date(s) to be announced.
Wednesday, July 1 – Contract Extension would expire.
There is also 2015 contract issue information (9 articles) up on the Local
201 web site (see page 16 for list) and there is the National GE Workers
United web site and face book with mobilization information on it.
INDEX OF TERMS USED ABOVE
* “Large Tables” – The IUE-CWA and UE each sit at separate tables with GE during the first two weeks of negotiations (June 1 -12) as each has separate (but similar) National Contracts with GE. All negotiating representatives (including BA CasillI) from both unions are together at their respective “Large table”. Representatives from all the other GE CBC unions sit in at one of these two tables
** “Small Table” – This table begins June 15 and the top International and Conference Board union representatives from the different CBC unions (CBC GE Steering Committee) meet with top Company negotiators.
Our IUE-CWA representatives at this table would be Bob Santamoor and Vinnie Vines (and possibly Jim Clark). This “small table” is where the main and detailed points of any potential proposal are hammered out.
This “small table” meets from June 15 up to Sunday, June 21 @ midnight.
*** “Sub Committees Tables” – These tables begin also June 15. There are two tables- one is the Pension & Insurance Sub-committee (BA Casilli assigned here) and the other is Contract Language.
These tables are where the elected union leaders from GE locals across the country are along with some staff from the different CBC unions. IUE-CWA and UE leaders usually co-chair these meetings that are held
with Company UR and benefit specialists. The local elected union representatives are normally assigned to one of the two committees for the duration. Whereas these two sub-committee tables run concurrent with the
“Small table” meetings, there is daily communication between union representatives at all the tables. The sub-committee tables usually conclude one or two days (June 19 or 20 this contract) before the “Small Table”.
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BOARD RECOMMENDS INCREASE
IN 201 MEMBERS STRIKE BENEFITS
The Local 201 Insurance Strike Fund Board of Administrators voted on April 27, 2015 to recommend an increase in the
amount of benefits paid out of the Local 201 Strike fund to each
member who qualifies from $50.00 to $75.00 weekly. This
amount would in addition to the weekly strike benefits from
the International which start at $200.00 weekly and increase
over time to $300.00 and then $400.00 weekly. This change in
the Local’s payment, along with all the procedures and rules
governing payments printed below, will need to be voted on by
Local 201 members at the May 19, 2015 Membership meeting.
Below are the Rules and Procedures for payment and collecting
Strike Benefits being recommended by the Local’s Board of Administrators.
Note: The Local 201 Strike Fund Board Of Administrators constitutional make up is the President, Business Agent, Treasurer,
Trustees and Strike Committee Chairperson.
The following rules shall govern the administration of strike benefits eligibility:
(1) Every member will picket or perform weekly alternative strikerelated duties by applying with the Strike Committee.
(2) An employee must be a dues-paying member in good standing
and on an authorized strike.
(3) Eligibility for local strike payments will begin with the first
week of the duly authorized strike, payable on the second week. Eligibility for International payments will begin with the second week
of the duly authorized strike, payable on the third week. (In line with
International’s strike benefit policies.)
(4) A member is ineligible if he/she is on a previously scheduled
vacation, leave of absence or lack of work for the duration of that
leave.
(5) A member is ineligible if he/she is out on Worker’s Compensation or on Short-Term/Long-Term Disability until their disability
benefits have ended, the strike benefits would start as per (3).
(6) A member is ineligible if he/she retires.
(7) Any appeal MUST be made in writing within thirty (30) days
of the denial, and the decision of the Strike Administrators is final,
subject to the Local Union constitutional provisions.
BENEFIT PAYMENT METHOD
(A) You MUST register for strike benefits on forms provided. A
member is ineligible for weeks of benefits paid prior to registration.
Registration on a weekly basis for the duration of the strike is required subject to approval of the Board of Administrators.
(B) When the strike fund checking account falls below a balance of
1 week’s strike benefits for the applicable bargaining unit, the Local
will make a deposit into the fund of the needed strike benefits from
the Local’s Strike Fund.
(C) Payments will be in the sum of $275.00 per week per Executive
Board and membership approval. This money will be $200.00 from
the International and $75.00 from the Local Strike Fund commencing
on the 15th day of the strike. Payments commencing on the 29th day
of the strike will be $375.00 per week per Executive Board and membership approval. This money will be $300.00 from the International
and $75.00 from the Local Strike Fund. Payments commencing on the
57th day of the strike will be $475.00 per week per Executive Board &
Membership approval. This money will be $400.00 from the International and $75.00 from the Local Strike Fund. Any of these amounts
may be adjusted.
April 27, 2015
RULES FOR COLLECTING STRIKE BENEFITS
PAGE 11
PROCEDURE FOR PAYMENT
STRIKE BENEFITS
Only Strike Committee members, or their designee, will
have access to blank checks.
Strike Committee members will be responsible for the issuance of the checks and for the disbursement to Union members.
Each Union member will be required to complete and sign
a “CWA Members’ Relief Fund Strike Certification Form”
(DFR-1). These forms will be filed in alphabetical order.
In order for a member to qualify for benefits, he/she must
deposit in locked ballot box at the Hall or Picket line, an authorized picket duty card. (Original A). Picketers shall keep picket
card (Copy B) for their records. Picketers must sign a roster
sheet at the picket line before they get their picket card
stamped.
On the reverse side of the Strike Certification Form, (DFR1) the Strike Committee will attach the picket duty card so that
the Union members may be paid.
The Strike Committee will ensure that benefit checks are
drawn on the appropriate account. These checks will include
the following information: check amount with the two (2) signatures required, not valid after 90 days. (Note: to comply with
CWA rules.)
The check log will be in duplicate-one copy will be retained
by the Strike Committee and the other copy will be kept by Local 201 Office Manager, or a replacement designated by the
Strike Committee. The check log will contain the following
columns: check number, signature of member, or proxy signature of member, date of pickup and comments.
Each member will be required to present a picture I.D.
(badge/license), and sign for his/her check. All proxy check
disbursements must be accompanied by written authorization
from the Union member along with the member’s badge/license. (This authorization will be attached to the union members DFR-1.)
The Local 201 Office Manager, or a replacement designated
by the Strike Committee, will keep a weekly total of check disbursements. In addition, he/she will be responsible for checking off disbursements for each Union member on a master roster of Union members, on a weekly basis. The Local 201 Office
Manager shall keep a receipt from the computer check writing
program to comply with CWA reporting requirements.
All check disbursements and pickups will follow specific
guidelines set up by the Strike Committee-there will be no exceptions to this procedure.
All pay procedures shall be in accordance with CWA rules.
Note: Total strike payments, of $600 or more per striker per year
are subject to federal and state taxes and will generate a form
1099 after the end of the year.
April 27, 2015
PAGE 12
Health &
Safety Notes
By TED COMICK
Local 201 Health & Safety Director
DOWN TO 50, BUT 50
TOO MANY
April 28, 2015, was a
sunny, breezy day in
Lynn and Boston. It
was a day that would
have justified some
frivolous joyful activity. But April 28 has
been marked on the US
calendar of the workers’ rights movement
for many years as the
one day a year to step
back a moment, see
how we’re doing in
protecting our most basic selves, and re-commit to the struggle for
Life, Health and Safety.
“Only” 50 people
were killed in Massachusetts last year
while working. In
some recent years the
numbers have been significantly higher. And
Massachusetts usually
has one of the lowest
fatality rates in the
country. But 50 families mourned those 50
dead. And not one of
those families thought
the death of their loved
one was “justified”,
“inevitable”, “just one
of
those
things”.
MassCOSH (the Massachusetts Coalition on
Occupational
Safety
and Health) looks at the
fatality data each year
and issues a report that
pulls stories and trends
from the Massachusetts
numbers. This year
MassCOSH noted:
• Transportation workers, including taxi,
bus
and
truck
drivers, suffered the
highest number of fatalities, with nine onthe-job deaths, 23 of
all fatal injuries;
• Falls from heights
were among the
most common cause
of worker deaths, accounting for nine
deaths;
• Firefighters suffered
heavy losses this
year, with two men
dying while fighting
a Back Bay fire and 10
more passing away
from occupational illnesses,
a
lesser
known cause of death
for this profession;
• Workplace homicides
continue to claim
workers regardless of
profession, with three
workers murdered in
2014 and another
three in the first three
months of 2015;
• In 2013 (the most recent data available)
there were 78,000 cases of non-fatal injuries and illnesses in
the state;
• The average fine as-
sessed to an employer with OSHA violations resulting in the
death of a worker
was just $12,900.
Nationwide
12
workers die on average
every day, numbers
that if they happened in
one incident would top
the evening news on a
regular basis. Those
numbers are down
from the nearly 40 per
day that died in 1970
when OSHA was instituted on April 28th.
I’ve seen estimates,
based on the reduced
death rate alone, that
around 500,000 workers lives have been
saved (and that number only counts potential traumatic deaths,
not ones from workplace-induced illness)
by having OSHA and
its moral force in our
workplace lives.
Closer to home, in the
workplace lives of our
members, fewer people
are getting severely hurt
or exposed than in bygone years, but like the
toll from fatalities cited
above that’s no comfort
to those who are still injured or exposed. The
fight for resources to
further reduce injuries
and exposures is always and everywhere
“worth it”!
Local 201 joined the Workers Memorial Day Commemoration in front of the State House on April
28. Representing the Local were (l to r) Dave Rybicki (H&S Rep - LAT&O 29), Carmen DeAngelis
(H&S Rep - LPS Machine Services), Jay Walsh (Vice
President); Steve Mulvey (H&S Rep - Logistics),
Ted Comick (H&S Director/Policy Board), and
Don Doucette (H&S Rep - LCM 74). The moving
event remembered the 50 Massachusetts workers
killed at work in 2014 and committed those present
and their organizations to the struggle to reduce
and end workplace injury and death. IUE May 12_ IUE July 17 5/8/15 9:11 AM Page 13
PAGE 13
VP’s Column
By JAY WALSH
Vice-President/
Recording Secretary
I would like to start off by
bringing attention to the
March 15th issue of Fortune
magazine which contains
their list of the top 100 companies to work for. This is
not a magazine I normally
read, but one of our members who read my article
about GE losing employees
to other companies for better
benefits, brought this article
to my attention. Surprise…GE is not listed in the
top 100! While most of the
companies on the list are Silicon Valley tech companies
and not into manufacturing,
it still highlights how the top
companies value their employees and know the value
in keeping them healthy and
happy.
For example at Google
you get a cash bonus when
your baby is born. From my
experience with the GE the
only thing we get is medical
bills for thousands of dollars
until we hit our “out of pocket max”, and then maybe a
follow up call from bill collection agencies.
Also, top companies foster
healthy relationships among
its employees by making ev-
eryday interaction fun, not
the cell leaders pitting employees against each other
for an hour of overtime and
causing rifts in groups to
drive production so they
don’t get chewed out from
the upper management for
not delivering on time .
Also as you read further
into the top 100 companies
article, there is a top ten of
best companies for woman
to work for. Guess who isn’t
in that one either…yup no
GE .
So, in finishing, I would
Open 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM. GE workers can drop off tanks before work, pick up after work!
like for GE, who seems to be
a follower of other companies and no longer the leader, to follow the lead of these
very successful companies
and, when it comes to this
year’s contract, think about
how restoring the benefits
we lost last contract and taking care of its employees
might just be the best act to
follow .
Avis Budget
With the help of Bill
Rounseville, Chief Steward
Jorge Rivera and Amalgamated Trustee Kamau
Hashim, I am slowly learning the challenges and benefits of representing our
growing membership at
Avis Budget. One striking
difference between GE and
Avis Budget is the lack of
formal step three grievance
minutes (step three under
the AB contract is similar to
our step two with GE). Discussion at their step three is
fast paced and informal, at
times, compared to GE.
There is also a big difference
between the accessibility to
our membership we have at
GE compared to Avis Budget. This is partly because of
the nature of the business,
selling to and servicing the
public, and partly based on
contractual language.
While learning to deal
with the differences in these
two different work environments will be challenging, I
look forward to working
with our stewards and
members at Avis Budget .
Saugus Library
I would like to take the
time to thank our members
at the Saugus library for
providing a great leaning
experience for my daughter, myself and everyone
who uses the library. I had
not gone to a library in
years and was amazed at
how it is no longer just
about the books. They have
computers and internet access and lots of different
events every month for
kids. So, if you have the
time, drop by and see for
yourself the great job our
members are doing at the
Saugus library.
No Fast Track for TPP!
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Brand new state of the art bowling alley!
Now open
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Unlimited bowling
$8.00 per person
Monday thru Wednesday
9 pm – 11 pm
Go to www.lynnwaysportscenter.com/contacts
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enter your email address to receive two free strings and shoe rental.
Daily Lunch Specials
Pabst 16 oz $2.50
Miller 12 oz bottles $2.50
Pineapple Margarita $5.00
Plan your child’s next birthday party with us!
Local 201 and the NSLC have been working all out to
stop fast track approval for TPP. A contingent demonstrated at Congressman Moulton’s office in Peabody
on April 22 to try to get him to commit to vote against
fast track, delivering a petition from over 200 labor,
community and small business leaders. Rep Moulton
is the only member of the Massachusetts delegation to
remain “undecided”, all the rest are with us. As we go
to press, an even bigger crowd is expected at his office
on May 8th.
PAGE 14
‘PAINT IT BLACK’
By BILL MAHER
LAT&O/Logistics Executive Board
“No winter lasts forever;
no spring skips its turn.”
-Hal Borland
PQS / PBS
1. PENSION QUALIFICATION
SERVICE
(PQS): used to determine eligibility for pension benefits. Each year
that you are credited
with
1000
hours
worked, you will be
credited with one year
PQS.
• PQS continues during periods you are
absent due to sick
leave and lack-ofwork as long as you
do not break service
(usually after one
year. However, prior
to 1991, workers
without Continuity
of Service also lost
service for periods of
absence over two
weeks).
• PQS is credited for
military time.
• In no case will you be
credited with more
than one year PQS in
a calendar year.
BENEFIT
2. PENSION
SERVICE (PBS): used
to calculate the amount
of your pension benefits. PBS is equivalent
to your full and partial
years of service while
you participate in the
GE Pension Plan.
• PBS continues during
periods you are absent from work due
to sick leave and lackof-work as long as
you do not break service (usually after
one year. However,
prior to 1991, workers without Continuity of Service also lost
service for periods of
absence over two
weeks).
• PBS is credited for
military time.
3. No Credit for PQS or
PBS:
• Employee did not
participate in pension plan or dropped
out.
• Employee did not
buy back PBS when
offered (1993), or
failed to fully re-pay.
• Employees without
Continuity of Service, prior to 1991,
lost service credits
for periods of absence
over
two
weeks.
• Some strikes – 1969
strike = loss of 3
months and 8 days
1986 = up to 28 days
• PBS is distinct from
Continuous Service
21 DAYS UNTIL
CONTRACT
NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN
Executive Board and
Douglas Gaudet on the
death of his mother. Douglas in Machine Repair in
Building 74.
SYMPATHY
CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Joseph J. Dowling
341 Western Ave., Lynn, MA 01904
(781) 596-0700
www.drdowling.com
•
•
•
•
•
Neck & Back Pain • Sports Injuries
Sciatica • Auto Accidents
Muscle Strains • Work Accidents
Leg/Arm Numbness
Repetitive Stress Injuries • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Complimentary Exam and Evaluation for GE, AMETEK,
U.S. FILTER/EOS, and/or Local 201 IUE Members
Executive Board and
James Kwiatek on the
death of his wife. James
works in Machine Repair
in Bldg. 99.
SYMPATHY
Plant IV/Tool
& Die
By ADRIAN CRONIN
Executive Board Member
Dear brothers and sisters,
It is with great humility that I accept the appointment of Plant
4/Tool and Die Board
Member. Skip Brown
made the decision to
step down due to long
standing medical issues
but remains an active
member and an asset to
members on the floor. It
is and has been my goal
both as a Steward and
now as a Board Member
to try to mobilize the
younger and low service
members into the next
generation of Local 201. I
also aim to keep all
members aware of their
rights and to educate
them on how to exercise
those rights.
We have a great group
of Stewards in Plant 4
who are willing to help
you with clarification on
contract language, longstanding
agreements
and write grievances
when necessary. There
have been a lot of
changes going on with
the conversion of Plant 4
to a day work system
and also with the Company’s decision to merge
Plant 4 with Plant 2 to
form a single manufacturing plant referred to
currently
as
LCM.
There’s no shame in asking questions; if you feel
like your rights are being violated, or are simply curious as to how
these changes may affect
you, please reach out to
one of your Stewards
and if they can’t answer
your question, get in
touch with me either
through a Steward or
call the Hall. I am in the
shop (in punch press) on
Mondays and Fridays
and I’m at the Hall Tuesday-Thursday.
Always
remember
that the Union’s ability
to enforce and protect
your rights is built on
the foundation of solidarity. Do your best to
practice solidarity in the
shop regardless of age or
circumstance. To our
older members, please
practice patience with
your younger brothers
and sisters and help
teach them the wisdom
and knowledge of your
many years of service
because they are going
to be the ones protecting
your rights as retirees
and fighting to keep jobs
in Lynn for the next generation which could include both your children
and your grand children. To our younger
members, learn everything you can from your
older brothers and sisters. This is our future
and our union and it
needs to be protected by
well informed Stewards
and Members.
We are the Union.
Tool & Die
Shutdown
The Company had
previously
notified
employees and stewards in the Tool and
Die area that the business intended to shutdown the week of
Christmas in 2015.
The Company has
now determined that a
forced shutdown is
not necessary.
LPS/M&E
Report
By FRED RUSSELL
Executive Board Member
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
There’s a lot of moving
machines and scrapping
of machines around the
plant. Some are good and
some are bad.
Last week we had another mix up on what machines were good or bad.
But, thanks to our Steward Curt Luongo, the
Company fixed the situation. Thanks to Curt, and
others, 2nd 74 is getting
cleared out. Hopefully
we can get some investment put up. The morale
is bad in the plant right
now after all the restruc-
turing we have been doing. If we get some investment up there it
would be really good for
the plant. It would show
the young people there is
a future for Lynn.
Presently in the plant
we have three air conditioning people. Five have
left the plant and not been
replaced. We really need
to hire more, but I think
the next few months will
point that out.
We continue to get
ready for the contract.
Get ready and talk to
your Steward about how
you can help.
MEMORIAL DAY
OBSERSERVANCE
GE Lynn Riverworks
Thursday, May 21, 2015
0630, 1200, & 1530
At the Flag Pole at Fairchild St., Gate.
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Affect Everyone –
Recovery Does Too.
Alcoholism, drug abuse and compulsive gambling
can affect everyone it touches…at home, in the
workplace, and in the community, if someone in
your family or yourself needs help, please contact
the Employees Assistance Program.
All calls are strictly confidential
Bob Cummings – LADC1,MA-PGS
598-2760 or 781-584-7641 ext. 124
Board Certified Diplomate
John L. Murray, LICSW, CEAP, LADC-1
68 Market Street, Suite 201
Lynn, MA 01901-1115
T. (617) 947-7456
F. (617) 625-0232
PAGE 15
‘ANGUS
BARKS’
By Jeff Francis
AEG Executive Board
PAGE 16
Business
Agent’s Column
By RIC CASILLI
Business Agent
Speakers inside the April 22, 2015 GE Shareholders meeting tore
into GE top Executives for eliminating the GE post-65 Medicare supplement plans for tens of thousands of salaried non-union employees
and retirees. Of particular interest, and historically unheard of, were
a couple of quotes from GE’s Chief former National Labor Negotiator Dennis Rocheleau’ speech:
“The board of directors still has the opportunity to demand a
reappraisal of these savage cuts. Please take it. Move away from
greed and legalese and toward fair and decent treatment of men and
women who have devoted long years of productive service to make
GE great.”
“The current GE leadership also has the chance in the next couple of months to walk the talk of good intentions at the bargaining
table. The IUE-CWA, the UE, the IAM, the IBEW, UAW, and other
CBC unions know your predatory and pernicious intentions. They
know the arguments against these take-aways, and they have the
skill, energy and commitment to express their opinions and opposition. These unions have long had my respect and admiration, even
when I strongly opposed some of their initiatives and proposals at
the bargaining table. On these critical matters—on this critical matter, they will have my full support, should they seek it.”
These are incredible quotes from an individual who was GE’s
Chief Labor Negotiator for many years. Does not this send red warning flags up to GE that just maybe their actions were in fact an unnecessary “overreach” and need to be reevaluated?? And you really
can say that same statement about ALL their Medical Plan changes
the last 4 years- whether the new high cost 2012 Medical Plan for current employees or the elimination of the Post 65 medical Plans. It is
just plain wrong what GE is doing on both accounts!
This will be my last newspaper column before I leave for New
York City on Sunday, May 31 returning likely on June 24, 2015. For
information on our key issues, see box below for 9 GE Contract 2015
reports up on our Web Site on Medical Plan, Pension and Job Security issues. There is also a You Tube link on our 201 Face Book page
to The American Dream cable show interview on our issues. Please
familiarize yourselves with them so you can better evaluate any Contract Offer that may be put in front of us. For continuing Contract Negotiations information- please follow GE Workers United and Local
201’s Web Site and Face Book. Stay Strong!
LOCAL 201 WEBSITE CONTRACT ARTICLES
Go to the IUE-CWA Local 201 Website. Click on CONTRACT UPDATES in the header. A drop down menu will appear. Then hit on
GE CONTRACT UPDATES. Another drop down menu will appear.
Put you mouse over any of the articles and the subject matter of the
article will appear. Click on any of the 9 Contract Reports for 2015 that
you wish to read.
There are 9 Contract Reports for 2015 up on the site. They are as follows:
#1 Overview of GE Contract 2015
#2 Health Care Cuts- Post 65 Medical and Life Insurance
#3 Pension Update
#4 Guaranteed Pension Tables
#5 Pension Supplements
#6 Health Care Plan
#7 Lawsuit against Post 65 Salaried cuts
#8 Younger Members needs
#9 Summaries of Key Issues – Medical, Pensions & 401K, Job Security &
SERO/Bonus, and Wages/COLA
President’s Column
By PETE CAPANO
PRESIDENT
Contract Update
We had a great turnout at the Lunch time Rally last week. There were
many red contract shirts and members from all the different buildings. There
were also great turnouts at other locations across the country. It was nice to
see so much support for our retirees and for our upcoming contract. Check
out the involvement from other locals and related sum-up on pages 8 & 9.
We are now coming into the final 6 weeks leading up to the contract. It is
going to be crucial for us all to be engaged in this fight for a decent contract.
The Contract Mobilizing Team will be distributing leaflets and fliers again
beginning next week containing valuable information about General Electric’s finances and their disgraceful medical insurance plan. Please read the
information so, when the GE “Road to Ratification” team comes around with
their Focus points, you will have the real facts about GE profitability and the
cost savings their top senior people are enjoying on the backs of their hourly
employees.
In addition to the informational fliers we will be distributing, there will
also be lunch time in-plant solidarity meetings for all shifts on May 29 at all
locations in the IUE/CWA chain. We will have more info regarding May 29
in the coming weeks.
The goal beginning in November was for all IUE/CWA locations to be on
the same page during the contract campaign. It seems like there has been
some success with that, judging from the reports and pictures of the rallies
at other locations. It is about that time where we should begin to focus some
more on the issues that we will be voting on. Fred Russell, as a delegate, and
I will be voting on this contract. We will take advice and input from the Executive Policy Board, Stewards, the general membership and BA Ric Casilli,
who will have a recommendation out of the National Negotiating Committee, and make our decision. We will look at the total package, including job
security and wages, however it would be hard to imagine a yes vote coming
out of this local if post-65 Medical Insurance is eliminated and there aren’t
substantial improvements in the medical plan.
TPP
Trade Promotion Authority, or “fast track”, has been introduced to
Congress and could now be voted on as early as next week. Despite a campaign commitment to Local 201, and the Massachusetts AFL-CIO that he
would vote against Fast Track and NAFTA like trade agreements, Congressman Moulton is still undecided on whether he will stand with organized labor and community allies and vote against Trade Promotion Authority. A yes vote will set the stage for passage of the Trans Pacific
Partnership or TPP, the largest trade agreement in history. This NAFTA-like
trade agreement is almost identical to NAFTA which GE used to force suppliers like Ametek Aerospace to move jobs to Mexico. The Congressman is
also the only Congressional Rep in Massachusetts who has not made a decision. Everyone else is voting with us.
The passage of TPP, a trade agreement with 11 countries, would include
Vietnam where workers make 56 cents an hour and child labor is legal. TPP
would add to the devastating job losses already being felt by our communities, reduce environmental and safety standards and put more downward
pressure on wages and benefits received by workers. TPP would even give
corporations the right to sue local governments for any laws that could reduce their profits. TPP is wrong for workers, wrong for the environment and
bad for the Sixth District. Please call Congressman Moulton at 781-531-1669
and let him know that you are opposed to fast track and the TPP.

IUE July 17 - IUE

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