IUE July 17 - IUE
Transcription
IUE July 17 - IUE
IUE June 9_ IUE July 17 6/5/15 9:54 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, JUNE 9, 2015 Subscription $1.00 Per Year USPS 171-720 Post Master: Send Address Changes To: IUE-CWA Local 201 News 112 Exchange St., Lynn, MA 01901 Number 6 Published By: IUE-CWA Local 201, AFL-CIO 112 Exchange Street, Lynn, Mass. 01901 (781) 598-2760 Contract Negotiations Open With GE President Jim Clark Chairman Bob Santamoor “Our bargaining committee and membership took bold steps in 2011, that quite frankly, none of us were pleased about…but we are people of our word, and we did what we said we would do to help GE through the U.S. recovery…” “It is no longer 2011. The economy has changed, GE made $15 billion in profits in 2014, and the 2011 contract is expiring this month. The memberships across all GE facilities are mobilized, engaged, and demanding solid improvements…” “We may be smaller in numbers, but we are stronger, more committed and more unified than ever. Experience has taught us that each round becomes more difficult because GE thinks we already have too much. You want to take things away from us…including things we have already bargained…paid for, if you will…for our retirees. We however expect more…much more…than mere polite attention paid to our requests; we expect a positive response…” Excerpted from the opening statement of IUE-CWA President James Clark Excerpted from the opening statement of Conference Bd. Chair Bob Santamoor “Finally, don’t make the mistake of thinking anyone on this “While GE insists that it must follow the lead of other maside is complacent or discouraged. We have taken on this fight jor corporations when it comes to pensions and healthcare, we before and we are more than ready to do so again. One by one, disagree. General Electric did not become a universally-admired corporate giant by being a follower; GE can and should person by person, union by union, we stand in solidarity. Solilead by setting an example for others to follow, an example of darity to do right by our members, to do right for our retirees and even to do right for our honor and our future…” being a good corporate citizen and U.S. employer.” Paid Sick Time Law Benefits Many GE & ABG Members Law Effective July 1st Seven hundred and twenty members at GE and thirty two members at Avis Budget Group will be immediately impacted by the implementation of the new Massachusetts Sick Leave Law. After a long campaign by union and community groups, voters approved Ballot Question 4, “Earned Sick Time for Employees,” on November 4, 2014. The law goes into effect this July 1st. It provides for the use of up to 40 hours of paid sick time per calendar year, with one hour earned for every 30 hours worked, beginning on the date of hire or on July 1, 2015, whichever is later. Employees can begin to use earned sick time on the 90th day after hire. MA Attorney General Maura Healey has issued a “Transition Year: Safe Harbor” under which employers are responsible for allowing at least 30 hours of paid time off to be earned during the calendar year 2015, since implementation of the law takes place part-way into the year. For GE workers the new law means that new employees will be eligible to accrue sick time from the start of their employment and start to use it after just 3 months on the job. For a large group of our members with less (Continued on page 3) Business Agent Ric Casilli addresses one of three in-plant rallies held on May 29th before leaving for national negotiations in New York. Similar send-off rallies were held at all other IUE-CWA locals, including in Louisville, Kentucky (see photo on page 9). Daily negotiations up-dates are being posted on geworkersunited.org Thursdays are Red CBC T-Shirt Days! IUE June 9_ IUE July 17 6/5/15 9:54 AM Page 2 MSAC Thanks 201 PAGE 2 IUE-CWA LOCAL 201 NEWS Tuesday, June 9, 2015 The 1,200 members of Mass Senior Action Council thank you for your generous donation. Your support is helping us build our power in the fight for justice. Sincerely, MSAC Members & Staff Silent Auctions Door Prizes ECCO Boat Cruise fundraiser in June! Essex County Community Organization is hosting its first annual fundraiser, a sunset boat cruise of the Gloucester harbor. Join us to celebrate a successful year with ECCO and support our continued work for justice in the North Shore! We’ll have a DJ spinning live music, refreshments, and a cash bar. Sunday, June 21, 2015, 7:00–9:00PM Tickets are $45 for one, or $40 for two or more. Mass Senior Action Council leader Barbara Mann addressed Local 201 members rallying on the day of GE’s Annual Meeting. Discount Tickets Available At the Union Hall Canobie Lake Park $29.00 per person (Over 3 and under 60, 48 inches or taller) Water Country – $29.99 per person Call 781-598-2760 for more information. “IUE-CWA Local 201 News” (USPS 171720) “Published monthly.” $1.00 a Year 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 Published By Camera Graphics Printed by The Golden Manet Press Quincy 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 Periodicals Postage Paid at Lynn, MA • POSTMASTER: Send address changes to “IUE-CWA Local 201 News,” 112 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA 01901 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. 1-727-849-6983 㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮 㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮 25 WORD LIMIT 㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮 㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮 㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮 PHONE # 㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮㛮 Your Name.......................................................................................... Amt. Enclosed ................................ Your phone #..................................................Circle: active or retired Date mailed .................................... IUE June 9_ IUE July 17 6/5/15 9:54 AM Page 3 Tuesday, June 9, 2015 (Continued from page 1) IUE-CWA LOCAL 201 NEWS PAGE 3 • New Paid Sick Time than 25 years Continuous Service, the new law will increase the number sick days they can earn and use. For part-time Avis Budget Group employees, they will now have the right to earn and use paid sick time. In addition, all new employees will start accruing paid sick time from the start of their employment, although they won’t be eligible to use any of that time until after 90 days. The law also allows employees to carry over up to 40 hours of unused sick time into the next calendar year, an increase of 8 hours for all ABG members in a single year. GE has informed Local 201 that its implementation of the new law will be the subject of discussions at negotiations in New York since the Company is also having to deal with the implementation of similar laws in other states covered by the National Agreement. Avis Budget Group has told Local 201 that its Union Relations Manager will discuss implewith the mentation Union soon. Our members should keep in mind that these improved benefits did not just fall from the sky. Just as with the recent increase in the state minimum wage, many unions and individual members worked long hours knocking on doors, petitioning and demonstrating for these progressive changes. The eight hour day, Social Security, occupational health standards and many other things we all tend to take for granted were the result of the past struggles of organized labor. Political activism has to be as much a part of our Union’s life as negotiating contracts and representing individual members. Next time the Legislative Committee puts out a call, get on the bus! * Workers’ Compensation * Social Security Disability * Accidents James J. Carrigan (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: jimcarrigan@jamescarriganlaw.com Free consultation. *No fee unless successful. Veolia Water By Roger Moreau Chief Steward We don’t have any step 2 meetings scheduled with the Company right now. The Two O&M positions were filled and they have begun working in the plant now. We have Contractors beginning work in the Plant removing the cake, screenings, and grit bins preparing for installation of the new scrubber equipment for the Incinerator. We also have Contractors completing work on painting the wind turbine. We had Don Pottle in for a brief class for our wastewater license contact hours. We will be reviewing the Sacramento wastewater volume two book, homework assignments given out. He will be coming in every Tues- day, correcting the previous week’s assignments and issuing the following week’s assignment. In order to get credit for your homework, make sure it is completed and returned to Linda Holland before 3:30pm on Tuesdays. Safety has improved greatly over the past few years in our Plant. It has happened because of a concerted effort between Company and Union. Even though I say this, we still sometimes over look work hazards because we become accustomed to seeing them on a daily basis. That’s why the Company does Safety Audits on its self. We have a program now that works, the Near Miss Program. We have a Safe- ty Committee that meets monthly and reviews hazards in the plant. We have safety training each month. If work isn’t safe we talk about it and work together to remove the hazardous condition as best we can. Some hazards can’t be eliminated and we need to be careful working around them and take precaution as best we can. If you see an unsafe condition or work practice, consult your Union Safety Rep (Mark B), our Plant Safety Coordinator (Fred H), myself or anyone that is on our Safety Committee (Linda, Al, Paul K, Mark B, Fred H, and Ted Comick) and we will all work TOGETHER to make it as safe as possible for all of us to work here. Congratulations to Local 201 members Gary Fuller and Hal Call on their retirements. Gary, a P21 Welder Technician, retired May 1, 2 0 1 5 f r o m A m e t e k Aerospace (formerly GE) with over 46 ½ years of combined service. Hal, a R25 Tool Maker, retired June 1, 2015 from Ametek after almost 43 years of combined service. Hal was a former Steward and was the IUE-CWA Local 201 Ametek EBoard member from October 3, 1994 through March 13, 2001. We wish both Gary and Hal a great retirement and thank Hal for his service to Local 201 for many years as a union representative. CONGRATULATIONS ON 201 AMETEK RETIREMENTS IUE June 9_ IUE July 17 6/5/15 9:54 AM Page 4 PAGE 4 IUE-CWA LOCAL 201 NEWS Tuesday, May 12, 2015 Local 201 Scholarship Winners Local 201 Treasurer Tom O’Shea had the pleasure of presenting two of the three Local 201 Scholarship winners checks for $1,000 each at the AFLCIO State Federation Scholarship Reception at the IBEW Local 103 Hall in Dorchester. On Tom’s right is Cassidy McGann of Lynn who is graduating from Lynn Classical High School. Her father, Richard McGann works in GE’s Bldg. 64 as a Special Machinist. Cassidy will be attending Endicott College in the fall where she plans to major in Biology. On Tom’s left is Kayla Ostrowski of Beverly who is graduating from Beverly High School. Kayla’s father, Michael lity,” “Qua sional Profes ntal De ” “Care Ostrowski is a ScrapCoordinator in Bldg. 64. Kayla is looking forward to studying drama and media at Marymount College in Manhattan. Kayla was also the winner of the North Shore Labor Council’s scholarship. Rachel Connelly of Amesbury, who attends Bishop Fenwick High School, won the Charles E. Ruiter Jr. Memorial Scholarship but was unable to attend the Reception. Rachel’s grandfather, Michael Grant worked as a welder in Bldg. 66 before his retirement The Local 201 Scholarships, each for $1,000, are among the 548 scholarships totaling $878,585 that were awarded by the State Federation this year. Each student applying for a Mass AFLCIO scholarship is provided with study materials on labor history and must take an exam administered by their individual high schools which also includes an essay section. Local 201’s scholarships are always advertised in the late fall issues of the 201 News and the state-wide labor history exam is usually administered in the following January. CWA, IUE, and Union Plus scholarships are also advertised in the paper early each year. If you have a son or daughter who just finished their Junior year of high school, be sure to keep an eye out for these important notices. LYNN DENTAL HEALTH 10 Kirtland Street, Lynn, MA 01905 General and Multi-specialty Practice • Preventive Care – Routine Exams, Cleanings, X-Rays • Restorative Services – Amalgam/ Composite Fillings, Crowns, Bridgework • Emergency Care – Extractions • Dentures & Denture Repairs • Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy) • Periodontics & Dental Implants • Orthodontics Serving GE Members For Over 20 Years Most Insurances Accepted Evening & Saturday Appointments Available Handicap Accessible New Patients Welcome! Please call (781) 595-2552 Lynn Dental – All New Patients Will Receive A 10% discount. Please Present This Coupon at The Time Of Your Visit. 6 SYMPATHY The sympathy of IUE-CWA Local 201 Officers, Executive Board, members and Retiree Association is extended to the family and friends of Charlie Guice, former President of IUE Local 191, Rome, Georgia, on his passing. Charlie was an ally of Local 201 in National Negotiations with GE throughout the 90’s. The photo above was from the memorial service for 201 Business Agent Charlie Ruiter in 1999. They had been soulmates, Guice was “Buford South” to Ruiter’s “Buford North.” Charlie Guice, a proud and strong union leader, RIP. OFFICIAL NOTICE LOCAL 201 IUE-CWA (AFL-CIO) COMBINED SHOP STEWARDS & MEMBERSHIP MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 16 , 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 2. TREASURER’S AND MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS: 3. COMMITTEE REPORTS: 4. GOOD AND WELFARE: 5. NEW BUSINESS: III. GE REPORT: 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 IUE June 9_ IUE July 17 6/5/15 9:54 AM Page 5 Tuesday, June 9, 2015 IUE-CWA LOCAL 201 NEWS PAGE 5 201 Retiree’s Column By KEVIN D. MAHAR President Local 201 Retirees Council ON MY WAY TO NEW YORK TO GE NEGOTIATIONS This column is being written on the way to New York. I had a very early day, had to catch a train at 6:15 AM to head for retirees day at the GE negotiations. So please excuse any mispellings as I’m already tired, had to get up at 3:30. On March 15, 2015 the AARP Bulletin had a huge headline on the front page that said “That’s An OUTRAGE!” “Abuse, ripoffs and injustices and how you can avoid them.” Then there were a few stories about people who were hurt and their own situations. That made me think about what had happened to the salaried people on January 1, 2015, when GE took away the benefits to them. This was a shift of well over 1.4 billion dollars away from GE and onto the backs of those salaried GE retirees. Now that’s An OUTRAGE OF COLOSSAL MAGNITUDE! Thinking of how this may have happened, we all know that President Obama picked Jeff Immelt as the Job Czar to bring jobs back into our country. I do not know how he did at that job, but at the same time he was downsizing many locations in his own company. Could Jeff and the President have had discussions about the fact Jeff was going to take away over-65 insurance from 65,000 GE retirees and in one day, on January 1, lower the standard of living of these GE retirees? Then I was thinking about the irony of Dennis Rocheleau, who had been GE’s chief negotiator for many years before he retired, filing a law suit against GE for taking away those benefits. One of the senior benefits managers, Evelyn Kaufrnan, even went to the GE share owners meeting and gave an impassioned speech telling share owners she went all around the United States and told thousands upon thousands of GE retirees for many years that they would have those benefits. THEN SHE ASKED GE AND JEFF IMMELT WHY THEY HAD MADE HER A LIAR? You could hear a pin drop but no answer for her question.. Obviously both Dennis and Evelyn thought “That’s An OUTRAGE.” Well, I have to cut this short as we just arrived at Penn Station. Of course my next column will be about what is happening in the contract. But wait! As I arrive in New York I am being told by many that Ric Casilli went into a tirade against the GE this morning because of the post-65 insurance problems. Ric went on for 10 minutes about all the problems this has caused for 65,000 salaried people and told the company that, just as an example, retirees are on the line with the One Exchange for hours at a time trying to get insurance. All of the people on the union side started clapping and many said it was about time the GE was taken to task for the disgraceful treatment of those most vulnerable. Then many local representatives from around the country chimed in about how bad this situation is for GE retirees they knew. There will be no regular meetings of the Local 201 Retirees Council until September. If there are urgent contract related issues, it is possible a special meeting will be called. Regardless, have a great summer. Kevin Mahar President, Local 201 Retirees Council The sympathy of IUECWA Local 201 Officers, Executive Board, members and the Retiree Association is extended to GE retiree Tom Conners, his family and friends, on the passing of his wife. SYMPATHY The sympathy of IUECWA Local 201 Officers, Executive Board and members is extended to the family and friends of Steve Lewis on the passing of his brother. Steve is an AllRound machinist in building 63 Tool & Die. SYMPATHY SYMPATHY The sympathy of IUECWA Local 201 Officers, Executive Board, members and the Retiree Association is extended to the family and friends of GE retiree Kenneth W. Russell on his passing. Kenneth worked at GE for 35 years as a Servicer in building 74. SYMPATHY The sympathy of IUE-CWA Local 201 Officers, Executive Board, members and the Retiree Association is extended to the family and friends of GE retiree Kenneth W. Russell on his passing. Kenneth worked at GE for 35 years as a Servicer in building 74. Former Executive Board Member Ralph Colella (306 Euclid Ave Lynn, MA 01904) is now home from serious surgery and will be laid-up for some time. Ralph would like to hear from his many friends. Open 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM. GE workers can drop off tanks before work, pick up after work! IUE June 9_ IUE July 17 6/5/15 9:54 AM Page 6 PAGE 6 IUE-CWA LOCAL 201 NEWS GE CONTRACT 2015 –SCHEDULE & PROCESS 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. Tuesday, June 9, 2015 If there is a Tentative Agreement: Thursday, June 25 – Local 201 Policy Board votes a recommendation. Friday, June 26 – Information out to members, 201 Stewards’ Council vote Monday, June 29 – Local 201 Special GE Membership Contract Information Meetings (probably 12 Noon & 3:30 PM) Tuesday, June 30 – Local 201 GE Contract Membership Voting, 6 AM – 5 PM, 2-96 Auditorium & Union Hall. Also whole country voting on Tuesday, June 30. Wednesday, July 1 – Contract Extension would expire. 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”. Sevenwood financial services, LLC Mass. Office: 781- 307-1769 CT Office: 203-376-7947 Email: dmarti@snet.net Fax: 203-468-5233 WEBSITE: www.sevenwoodtravelandfinancialservices.com Investments – 401K rollovers – Estate Settlement – IRA’s – CD Rollovers CONGRATULATIONS to those… who have met with us over the past 11 years. Your retirement and other accounts are 100% safe. Your retirement and other accounts reap the gain of an up market and in a down market you have not lost one single penny. You know what you have today, you know what you will have tomorrow and you can plan your future because of this security. You have the option of an income now and you also have the option of an income you can never outlive. You also have the potential for raises while taking that income. We are so proud of how we have helped you. CONGRATULATIONS to those… who are about to pick up the phone to meet with us. You will learn something you did not know and what you learn will make the most significant impact on your portfolio than anything you have ever been introduced to. Everyone we have sat with over the past 11 years was working with another Financial Professional or Advisor. Not one person that we have met with was aware of, or introduced to, these types of safe and lucrative investments. Not one. Not one person that we have met with was aware that there are investments on the safe side, as safe as a CD, with market like returns. Call us today – no obligation, just information. Debbie Marti 781-307-1769 / 203-376-7947 Don Spurr 781-820-9230 The distance between your dreams and reality is called “ACTION” IUE June 9_ IUE July 17 6/5/15 9:54 AM Page 7 Tuesday, June 9, 2015 IUE-CWA/AFL-CIO LOCAL 201 OFFICIAL NOTICE ELECTION COMMITTEE RULES AND PROCEDURES IUE-CWA/GE 2015 CONTRACT In the event there is a tentative contract agreement, a vote to accept or reject the proposed IUE-CWA/GE 2015 Contract will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2015. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE Any Local 201/GE dues paying member who is considered to be a member in good standing. Any Local 201/GE member who is out of work due to personal illness. The member must be currently collecting Sickness and Accident Benefits, or in the process thereof. Any Local 201/GE member who is out of work due to an industrial accident. The member must be currently collecting Workers’ Compensation, or in the process thereof. Any Local 201/GE member who is on a temporary lack of work and has a return to work date. Any Local 201/GE member who is on suspension, and has a return to work date. Any Local 201/GE member who has been terminated and their grievance is still active. The member will be considered as a member in good standing until the grievance is settled or exhausted. Any Local 201/GE member who has been permanently laid off will be considered as a member in good standing until the end of the month, in which the lack of work occurred. Any Local 201/GE member who has been permanently laid off, and has not exhausted their recall rights (5 years from the date of the layoff), and has continued to keep their union dues current, will be considered as a member in good standing. WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO VOTE Any GE employee who is paying Agency Shop Fees will not be considered as a member in good standing. Any Local 201 member who has been permanently laid off, and has not exhausted their recall rights (5 years from the date of layoff), and has not continued to keep their union dues current. Retirees are not active members of the bargaining unit and therefore are not eligible to vote. Any Local 201 member, or GE employee who is working on a union eligible job, and who is not paying union dues as of June 16, 2015, will not be considered a member in good standing. Any Local 201 member who is currently paying union dues, however the member owes back dues, and the member has not made financial arrangements to satisfy their financial obligation will not be considered as a member in good standing. Any Local 201 member, whose union dues are not current, must make financial arrangements with Local 201. Financial arrangements will be made to accommodate the member. Any financial arrangements must be made in writing on a specialized form. Members must contact at the Union Hall. Any GE employee who has recently returned to the Local 201 bargaining unit from a permanent lack of work, or other GE employment, and is not currently paying union dues, must immediately contact the Union Hall. Failure to do so will result in denial of member in good standing status. ANY LOCAL 201 MEMBER/GE EMPLOYEE WHO IS NOT CONSIDERED A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO VOTE ON THE IUECWA/GE CONTRACT! MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR CURRENT YELLOW UNION CARD! IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR UNION CARD, CONTACT THE UNION HALL, 112 EXCHANGE ST., LYNN MA 01901 (781) 598-2760. IUE-CWA LOCAL 201 NEWS PAGE 7 LOCAL 201 IUE-CWA AFL-CIO OFFICIAL NOTICE Voting on the IUE-CWA/GE National Agreement Provided there is a tentative agreement, voting will take place on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 POLLING AREAS are as follows: • Union Hall, 112 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA • Building 2-96 Auditorium ALL POLLING HOURS WILL BE FROM 6:00 AM TO 5:00 PM ABSENTEE BALLOTS will only be provided if there is a tentative agreement. Absentee ballots will not be mailed to members due to the short time period. Signed, Ronald LeBlanc, Chairman Local 201 IUECWA Election Committee 06/02/2015 The May Membership Meeting approved the Procedure for Payment of Strike Benefits which appeared on page 11 of the 5/12/15 Local 201 News, as well as extending the Strike Fund Allocation as described on page 4 of the same issue. The Rules for Collecting Strike Benefits were also approved as amended below: RULES FOR COLLECTING STRIKE BENEFITS The following rules shall govern the administration of strike benefits eligibility: (1) Every member will picket or perform weekly alternative strike-related 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. (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/LongTerm 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 IUE June 9_ IUE July 17 6/5/15 9:54 AM Page 8 PAGE 8 IUE-CWA LOCAL 201 NEWS Health & Safety Notes By TED COMICK Local 201 Health & Safety Director A COUPLE OF CONTRACT THOUGHTS Like most members of our Local I have voted for some contracts and opposed others. The last contract was terrible and like most members I opposed it, both individually and as a Conference Board Delegate. It lived up to its awfulness, for me and my family, by causing me to lose the Primary Care Physician that I/we had used for 15 years. It did not make me a “better health care consumer”. It made me an angrier health care consumer. But I don’t vote on emotion or on single issues. The last contract was terrible on multiple levels. And many of the locals around the country that accepted the last contract have indicated that it was significantly worse than they had originally thought. But GE has a chance, and certainly the financial wherewithal, to pave “the Road to Ratification”, as they call it in their literature, by halting the Take-away Juggernaut, by mending the holes they ripped in Medical, by giving those contemplating retirement a sense that they won’t have to get a new job at age 80 because GE has arbitrarily changed the calculus on which they retired, and by giving younger employees a sense of job security, that the company is more than a glorified Wal-Mart with slightly better pay but no reason to care about. OSHA COMMENDS ONE OF OUR OWN OSHA recently chose Local 201’s Steve Gauthier as its Special Government Employee (SGE) of the Year for Region 1 New England. SGE’s are workers and managers from worksites that qualify for VPP status who are specially trained and qualified to accompany OSHA personnel on audits of other companies and worksites that seek VPP recognition. OSHA appreciates Steve’s qualities not just as a fair and knowledgeable auditor but also as a mentor for other companies and unions and a significant “doer” in his own plant. HOT TOWN, SUMMER IN THE CITY OSHA for years had no formulas for protecting workers from summer’s blazing days other than admonitions to take breaks and hydrate. Those words of advice are still good, but OSHA is beginning to get more prescriptive in its guidelines. Bottom Line: people die of Heat Stroke, like the Letter Carrier in Medford walking his route on a humid 94 degree day in 2013. If you feel compromised by heat, don’t feel embarrassed to seek help. The life you save So, what happened in Dayton? Tuesday, June 9, 2015 Dear brothers and sisters, I recently returned from a Political Action Training in Dayton, Ohio hosted by the CWA. Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) was the main topic being discussed, a secret trade agreement being negotiated by corporate lawyers, who have eyes set on moving more jobs out of the US all in the name of corporate profits. If you believe trade agreements like this won’t affect you or your family, I urge you to look a bit deeper. Here is one example of how these trade agreements hurt the working class: It is no secret the cost of health care is rising, and the cost of prescription drugs along with it. With the current system in place, a generic drug has to wait a period of 20 years before being introduced. That will not be the case if the TPP is agreed to. A generic drug would then have to wait 40 years before being introduced. That means, in the mean time, you will be forced to buy the name brand drug, which we all know is significantly more expensive than a generic. How is that helping working families? Its not! By the time you read this, the Fast Track bill will be about to be voted on in the House. The members of Congress in our state have all backed us in derailing or voting down this Fast Track Authority, except congressman Moulton, who has yet to make up his mind. Local 201, along with other organizations in the area, have been pressuring Congressman Moulton to side with us on this key issue. I believe TPP is worse than NAFTA, and we all know who won in that trade agreement, not us! I want to thank everyone who has been helping to get the word out, making phone calls, writing letters, and showing up for rallies opposing this Fast Track Authority and the TPP. In Solidarity Nefty Alvarez, Steward & Legislative Cmte. IUE June 9_ IUE July 17 6/5/15 9:54 AM Page 9 Tuesday, June 9, 2015 IUE-CWA LOCAL 201 NEWS PAGE 9 VP’s Column By JAY WALSH Vice-President/ Recording Secretary I would like to thank everyone for a great turn out for the contract rally. It is a great way to show that Lynn can stick together during the contract negotiations. During these next weeks we will hear all the normal things that we’ve heard over and over again from the Company about how they need more out of your pocket so they can continue to be competitive. Hey GE, how about you start leading the way in great products and new sales of products to make money and stop picking your employees’ pockets to make profits? Just the other day I was stopped by a management person in Bldg 74 and they tried to explain that GE had to institute the highcontribution/high-deductable/high-co-pay healthcare plan last contract to be competitive. So I asked if making 16 billion in profits was just barely cutting it for GE in the “we must be competitive” ideology. So in the coming weeks, as you hear all the shop floor scuttle butt, and the sometimes down right scare tactics you will hear from management and others, take the time to ask your self, can we continue to afford the increases to healthcare or the loss of benefits in this next contract ? I would like to end this article by reminding the people who are in New York working on this contract to remember the people who are struggling to pay medical bills and the countless post 65 people who got screwed already. In solidarity. Local 761 all in! Hundreds of Louisville workers turned out on Saturday, May 30th, outside Appliance Park for their Contract Kick-off Rally. been a part of the May Day planning committee for the past 2 years. organizations, increasing poBefore moving to Lynn, I litical activity, and expanding went to college in Oberlin, programs that the Union has OH, where I studied environbeen instrumental in creating ment and politics, graduating such as E-Team and the in 2008. Since then I have alLower Washington St hous- so earned a Certificate in Ening development. I will be vironmental Policy from working out of the bullpen UMass Dartmouth and a at the Union Hall, so please Masters in Urban and Envifeel free to stop by or ronmental Policy from Tufts Hello! My name is send me an email at University in 2014. My time Jonathon Feinberg, and I’m local.201.lynn@gmail.com. studying policy at Tufts I’ve lived in Lynn for about while living in Lynn has honored to introduce myself as the new internal organizer 5 years now. During this time taught me one lesson above with Local 201. The position I’ve gotten to know some of all – that the only way is funded by a grant Local 201 you as friends and neighbors, change happens in this sought and obtained from the and have come to see the Lo- world is when hard working IUE-CWA. My main goal cal as a real source of strength people come together and will be to go deeper into orga- and power in this city I now demand change with an ornizing our Lynn-based mem- call home. I have worked as ganized voice. I’m excited to bership as a real source of an organizer with Tri-CAP in be working with such a power in the region. This will Malden, an anti-poverty strong Local to build more include putting on social agency, and with a number of power on the shop floor and events, developing closer re- environmental organizations. at city hall. lationships with community Since moving to Lynn I’ve been an active member of the In solidarity, New Lynn Coalition, and also Jonathon Feinberg New Organizer for Local 201 A Announcing n n ou n c i n g ou ourr 497 LYNNWAY, LYNN, MA Brand new state of the art bowling alley! Now open DiGiovanni’s X-Treme Au Auto uto Detailing Price, Quality and Service You Can’t Beat! Bowling Specials Unlimited bowling $8.00 per person Monday thru Wednesday 9 pm – 11 pm Go to www.lynnwaysportscenter.com/contacts <http://www.lynnwaysortscenter.com/contacts> 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! GRAND G R A ND OPENING O P E NI N G 124 1 2 4 BALLARD BALL AR D S STREET, T R E E T, SAUGUS, S AU G U S , MA MA 617-594-9800 617- 59 4 - 98 0 0 WE HAND W WASH: ASH: Wheels Tire T ire Shines Door Jambs MUL MULTI-STAGE TI-ST TI ST TAGE EXTERIOR SERVICE: Wax Buff, Polish and W ax Vacuumed, Interior Fully V acuumed, Mats Shampooed Dashboard Cleaned Windows Windows Cleaned to Perfection! WINTER SPECIALS CARS $110 SUV Vs $120 $ Lg. SUVs $130 1 10% 0 % OFF O F F for ffo o r GE G E Employees E m p l o ye e s Call today for details or stop by for a free quote! IUE June 9_ IUE July 17 6/5/15 9:54 AM Page 10 PAGE 10 IUE-CWA LOCAL 201 NEWS ‘PAINT IT BLACK’ By BILL MAHER LAT&O/Logistics Executive Board “The Labor Movement means just this: It is the last noble protest of the American people against the power of incorporated wealth.” Wendell Phillips CONTRACT 2015 CWA Members Relief Fund Striker Certification forms have been delivered to the jurisdiction. If you have not completed/received the form see your Steward ASAP. HEAT IN BUILDINGS The Union is working on solutions to the lack of heat in the jurisdiction in September and October, as well as in the months of April and May. Additionally, we are attempting to address the excessive heat in the buildings during the summer months. The situation of the cold/hot temperatures is magnified during second shift. More information will follow. JUNE This month appears to be very busy; both in Logistics and LAT&O. Golf Tournaments and vacation time are just around the corner. Hopefully, the business will begin to recall those employees that are on LOW, back to LAT&O. RETIREMENTS One can reasonably ex- 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 pect multiple retirements throughout the plant, from July through December. Multiple retirements can be anticipated from Building 66 and LAT&O. There are twenty-four (24) employees from LAT&O that are on LOW and working elsewhere (primarily manufacturing) in the plant. These employees have recall rights back to LAT&O. The Company is running out of balls to juggle. The Union has advocated for recalls now, in anticipation of retirements. FINAL THOUGHT On May 8, 2015, many GE employees were enjoying a post golf tournament dinner at the AOH in Lynn. Fifteen minutes prior to the dinner, I had a jovial and light-hearted conversation with Mike and Jim Gallagher that lasted for twenty minutes… idle banter and a lot of laughs. During the dinner, Jim had a piece of steak lodged in his throat which could not be removed, despite valiant efforts. In the blink of an eye, Jim was gone. James F. Gallagher was a 37 year employee at GE-Lynn. He leaves behind his wife Sharon, son James (Jay) Jr and daughter Shannon, as well as additional family members. On behalf of all your golf, GE and AOH friends…Rest in peace my friend. Tuesday, Tuesday,May June12, 9, 2015 GE-Lynn 2015 Memorial Day Ceremonies GE-Lynn Veterans Council hosted in-plant Memorial Day ceremonies covering all three shifts. Local 201, IUE-CWA members participating in the event included, among others, Janet Melanson (Bldg 66), Karen Hodge (Bldg 42), Penny Louf (Bldg 63), Bill Maher (Local 201, IUE-CWA Executive Board) & Peter Capano (Local 201, IUE-CWA President). Memorial Day Observance On Thursday, May 21 the GE-Lynn Veterans Council hosted Memorial Day ceremonies at 06:15, noon and 15:30. The ceremonies, all well attended, took place at the flagpole, adjacent to the Fairchild Street gate. A beautiful spring day was the backdrop for a program that provided a poignant and moving reminder of the sacrifices made by our military veterans, and those that made the supreme sacrifice. The ceremonies were highlighted by the moving personal accounts of the veteran speakers at each event (Lt. Toby Newton, Paul Judge and Jonas Lagergeren). Local 201 IUE-CWA President Pete Capano’s words reminded us all why we were gathered in reverence and gratitude. The National Anthem was performed by Israel Kim and Amy Dow. The GE Band once again, offered stirring renditions of “Taps” as well as a military salute to each branch of the Armed Forces. The 1530 ceremony featured the Lynn English High School MCJROTC Color Guard, under the direction of Master Sergeant G.J. Goncalo Jr. The cadets treated those in attendance to a precision rifle drill performance. Local 201 IUE-CWA members Penny Louf, Karen Hodge and Janet Melanson, who all work tirelessly on behalf of veterans, provided essential logistics for the event and raised close to $1300 in donations. Thank you to the GELynn Veterans Council and all the GE-Lynn Memorial Day observance participants for providing the GE-Lynn community with the opportunity to honor and remember those that gave their lives in the name of freedom. The event was truly outstanding. IUE June 9_ IUE July 17 6/5/15 9:54 AM Page 11 Tuesday, June 9, 2015 IUE-CWA LOCAL 201 NEWS LPS/M&E Report By FRED RUSSELL Executive Board Member Well it is contract time and the big question is: are they in or are they out? At this time Louisville is in the contract. The US government hasn’t approved the sale of the appliance division of GE and that could change at any time. The second question is: how can GE say we are cutting your pay or going up on your medical to stay competitive when the CEO’s get millions of dollars in bonuses? If I got one of their bonuses I wouldn’t take a raise next year either. The one thing we need to do as a Union is organize all the non-Union plants. We need to make an all-out effort to make all GE plants Union. Then and only then will we get a fair contract. If the Company wants to be fair about the contract, let all management enjoy our medical. Throw the lower level a bone and bring them up to us, but bring the top level management into our plan too. Also, bring their wage structure in line with ours and limit their raises to what we get each year! Then and only then will we be fair and competitive. There is nothing complex about it. There, we just solved all our problems. Listen to your Board Members and Stewards; we will try to keep everybody up to date on contract developments. The May Membership Meeting approved the proposed changes to Article IX Section B Paragraph 4 of the Local 201 Constitution. As of June 1st, what had been the Plant IV Executive Board jurisdiction will now be di- vided up with Bldg. 66 & 32 coming under the jurisdiction of AE Manufacturing with Jeff Francis as their Board Member and Tool & Die coming under the crafts so that Fred Russell will be their Board Member. Dear Brothers and Sisters, GE E-Board Jurisdiction Changes Passed 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 11 ‘ANGUS BARKS’ By Jeff Francis AEG Executive Board KISS OFF One goal united many generations of GE employees - a retirement with dignity. For that purpose, our Pension Plan started in 1912. Group Life Insurance started in 1920. Post-65 Hospitalization plans covered GE Pensioneers for over six decades. These plans improved gradually over the years, in proportion to what the Company could afford. The Union at contract negotiations became the voice of all GE employees in building up old-age protections. For GE workers in the past and future, our goal is not to have to die in our workboots. Providing retirement with dignity was seen as a responsibility, by the Company and the Union, for employees who devoted their working lives to building GE products. RADICAL DEPARTURE Beginning last contract, the Company broke that tradition. Eliminating new hires from entrance into the $48 Billion GE Pension Plan solidified a new philosophy. Eliminating retiree life insurance and retiree medical, as GE plans to do this contract, continues the trend. The endpoint will arrive sometime after 2019, when GE plans to offload our pension benefits to outside insurance or financial providers. When you punch the clock for the last time, this Company no longer wants to know you. After you’re done making profits for them, GE wants to be done with you. OBLIGATION Corporate leaders consider retirement coverages a future obligation that bogs down their finances. They want the GE retiree to get medical from the Government, to get an annuity from a private provider. And if you die, well that’s sad, but no skin off their nose. We see these changes are a denial of responsibility. Unless the Union’s National Negotiating team, with our support, can turn it around, that’s the direction things are headed. IUE June 9_ IUE July 17 6/5/15 9:54 AM Page 12 PAGE 12 IUE-CWA LOCAL 201 NEWS President’s Column Tuesday, June 9, 2015 By PETE CAPANO PRESIDENT The Lunchtime rallies were great. The fantastic turnout of the membership shows that we want a fair contract and will be willing to fight as hard as we need to for it. There were also huge turnouts on the same day at other locations and in Louisville the next day where hundreds of members marched from their union hall to Appliance Park where they work. These actions should help show GE that we are united for a fair contract and we are one hundred percent behind our bargaining committee in New York. It is important that we all remain engaged over the next few weeks. GE has already ripped the heart out of their most dedicated longtime retirees by taking away their post-65 supplemental health insurance while giving their top five executives an average $10.9 million pension bump in 2014 alone. That truly is no joke. It is a disgrace. They have no reason not to give us a fair contract this time. They are doing extremely well. The economy is not in recession. If we can’t get a decent contract now, when could we ever expect one? The company is in the midst of their “Road to Ratification.” This is their official campaign to sell the contract to the membership. We see some of this effort through their focus mailings we have been receiving. However, beware of the unofficial GE whisper campaign that will occur. This will include statements like, “If we don’t vote for the contract they will farm more work out or close the plant,” or “At least you have a job, its tough out there.” These statements are obviously made to scare the membership. Sometimes the people spreading these statements are afraid themselves, others feel like they’re doing their job to help the Company. Most won’t say it, but they actually hope the union is successful. The truth is General Electric’s profits have shown tremendous growth over the years while working with us to cut costs and finding ways to become more productive. If they are going to take work out of here, it won’t be because of the contract. We have worked with them as have other unions and will continue to do so. They have closed approximately 30 shops in the last 20 years including places that have voted for concessionary contracts and fully cooperated with them on everything. We can’t control what they do, but generally speaking, if they are making money they aren’t going anywhere. When management comes around with their scare campaign, make sure you remind them about the high cost of health care, the administrative nightmare it has become, that we are using health care less and paying more, Remind them of the General Electric Health Insurance horror stories. We all have one. Remind them that a full 85 percent of the membership indicated that they would change health care plans if they could. Nobody except for the GE bean-counters think we have a good medical plan. We will be voting on the contract on Tuesday, June 30th, in the auditorium and the Union Hall. Please fill out and return your strike cards as soon as possible so we can be prepared, just in case. Social Security numbers need to be on the card in order for you to be paid. If you do not feel comfortable putting in your social security number on the card and giving it to your steward, come down to the hall to fill one out. IRS requires that we have it. Check out GE WORKERS UNITED and the Local 201 website for updates. Also if you want e-mail updates send your name and email to plcapano@icloud.com. All emails will be sent by blind copy and used strictly for union business only. *************** According to the National AFL-CIO, the House of Representatives will be voting on Trade Promotion Authority (Fast Track) possibly on Thursday of this week. If this passes it is highly unlikely that we will be able to stop the TPP, the NAFTA like trade deal that will accelerate the erosion of our wages and benefits and allow for more jobs to flow overseas. Congressman Moulton is the only representative in the state who hasn’t decided how he is going to vote. Everyone else is voting with us. The vote in the House is going to be very close. The Senate already passed it and the President is pushing it very hard. We will be holding a rally at Congressman Moulton’s office in Peabody Square this Thursday, June 11 at 3:30 PM. We had a good turnout of 201 members two weeks ago, but this time we need to step it up. Please make every effort to attend. Other than the contract, this could be the single most important thing you do that will impact your job for years to come.