November Update
Both the E & G and the monthly membership meetings were held November the 5th. We did not hear any third step grievances with the company.
Topics of discussion at the meetings were:
- New International Rep Our long-time International rep, Gerry Setley is retiring. Tommy Humphries is taking his place. Both were present for the E & G and membership meetings. Tommy was introduced to the plant manager and HR at the site. Gerry will be missed! He provided a lot of guidance and advice over the years.
- Legal counsel We learned that the two lawyers that we have used for the last several years will not be available for negotiations if we stayed with the current law firm. One left the firm and the other has scheduling conflicts. The board participated in a zoom call with the lawyer that the firm wanted to send in their place. We also consulted with some of our Union contacts at other sites for advice and information on the lawyers who were available. The board unanimously recommended changing law firms and following the lawyer that has done most of the work for our Local to his new firm. A motion was made at the membership meeting, and the body also voted unanimously to secure Joe Richardson as outside legal counsel for 94c. Joe has worked well with the local for a number of years and has provided steward training and other assistance. I feel sure he will do us a good job.
- Trunk or Treat The Trunk or Treat was a huge success, with well over 400 children attending. Thank you to all who participated. The event gets bigger and better every year.
- Children’s Christmas shopping trip This event will take place December the third. You can use volunteer time to participate. Please come out and take a child shopping. More information will come out prior to the event but generally we ask volunteers to arrive by 5:00 PM at Riverbend Elementary. Thanks to all who bought or sold raffle tickets to support this activity. Winners will be posted on this website.
- Discipline for Data Integrity The company has pursued termination for some folks for what they have deemed a data integrity violation. This will be grieved. If you have a question about what you’re signing or what it means, please pause and ask for help!
- Contract Proposals We went over all of the contract proposals that have been submitted at the membership meeting and as a board. There are 22 concerning vacation, 17 concerning bonuses, 16 over wages or wage progression and 10 concerning childcare leave. Proposals will be reviewed again at the January meeting. You can still submit proposals through the end of December either to this website, in writing, or at the membership meeting.
- OT vote The overtime motion that was communicated on last month’s newsletter came to a vote and the membership rejected it. It was proposing that all OT hours be charged whether the individual had knowledge of the offering or not.
Deceased Member Dale Moubray passed away Wednesday Oct. 28th. Dale worked at the site as a mechanic from December of 1996 until the accident in December of 24 ended his career. He loved his job and battled to return to work, but the injuries were just too severe. Dale was hard working, fun loving and just an all-around good guy! He will be missed! Condolences go out to his friends and family.
The next membership meeting is January the 7th 2027. Make plans to attend. Turn out has been great! The participation is appreciated!