Brother Adams, BM SCU-8 has an update that all of you should read. I will publishing another update later this evening or tomorrow.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Negotiations Update
The first three weeks of negotiations has evoked many discussions over the majority of the proposals from both parties. There have also been quite a few counters back and forth across the table over some of the proposals. We have just started negotiating some of the Line and Production Departments’ proposals. I will try and update everyone very soon concerning proposals agreed to or those withdrawn.Please remember, some proposals from either side may not appear anything similar to the original proposals and some are only slightly changed. The System Committee has been working very hard on negotiations and will continue to do so throughout.One of the proposals discussed last week, that could severely impact the Line Dept., was Company proposal M-17. It was a very lively discussion. This week, I understand the Company has been reading M-17 and discussing “talking points” to M-17 with the members during morning crew meetings. The System Committee is aware of these meetings and we have been given several copies of these “talking points”. In some yards, we feel the Company has crossed the line in dealing directly with employees. We are investigating those situations and will take the appropriate action, if needed, in the near future. The action taken by the Company resembles the action of a used car salesman trying to sell you a “lemon”. I am sure there will be more sales pitches in the future by the Company on other hot issues on the bargaining table. I ask you all to, please, be professional in these captive audience type meetings and remember when the Company is reading these proposals to you, it is still hot outside so enjoy the air conditioning.
# posted by Joe Adams, Business Manager IBEW SC-U8 @ 4:41 PM
