Stable Operations Language Update

by Bob Morin, Grievanceman, Maintenance

Posted July 25, 2007

We are meeting with the company regarding Stable Operations Language on 7-27-07. Those in attendance will be myself and Paul McGough (Assistant Griever), Arlo Guthridge (Chairman), Chuck Jackson (President) and Don Foscoe (Contracting Out Chair). We will be discussing with Preston Henderson and Ashley Howsare of USS Labor Relations Mon Valley Staff, the members who want the benefit of Stable Operations. This means you may pick your selection of repetitive task and preference of schedule according to your seniority. This has been a long struggle to get to this point. I do not feel that the Company will budge on this. According to our BLA this had to come from our top table negotiators. The parties have determined that it will be done. The company can stall until the next round of talks, as I predict. This will all depend on how hard we and our staff man pushes.

I can tell you that this was not handled in the proper manner. I will take my share of the blame. Everything we try to do to administer the benefits of the labor contract is not easy. I can go on and on about how this came about. I do not have the time to go into it. I will sit down and talk to anyone who wants to listen about any information regarding stable operations, what it means, and how it will take place.

We compiled a list of people and we will be presenting this to the company on the 27th. I will be updating the info on this site as it becomes available. We believe that seniority in the maintenance forces have suffered enough. Something will be done one way or another. This language in my humble opinion is an ill attempt at fixing a sore spot in regards to maintenance seniority. Before we are through, we would seek to correct this in future contracts.

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2006 Top Grievance Issues

by Taylor Brooks, Grievanceman, Blast Furnace

Posted October 6, 2006

From the Heart of the Furnaces Comes....

The issues that became the primary grievances so far this year (2006) include:

                    1. Overflowing of ladles

                    2. Excessive suspension time given

                    3. Excessive call-offs

                    4. Drug testing given to entire casthouse crew

                    5. Suspension time and/or slips given to entire casthouse crew

                    6. Seniority rights violations

                    7. Trestle car derailments

                    8. Optech utilization violations

                    9. Crew leader pay

                    10. Delays of bid employees being sent to new jobs (or departments)

The main concern in the Blast Furnace department for the summer of 2006, without a doubt, was the request and denial of a laborer or laborers to be utilized for both #1 and #3 Blast Furnace Casthouse crews.

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The Weingarten Rights

by Robert Morin, Grievanceman, Maintenance,

and Paul McGough, Assistant Grievanceman, Maintenance

Posted September 1, 2006

 I am very happy that Joe Reed got this web page for our local. It is long past due. I hope we will be able to better serve the membership with this very important tool. Information is power. Knowing your rights under the B.L.A. can go a long way. One very important right that all Unionized workers should know is what's called, "The Weingarten Rights."

EMPLOYEE'S RIGHT TO UNION REPRESENTATION
The rights of unionized employees to have present a union representatative during investigatory interviews were announced by the U. S. Supreme Court in a 1975 case ( NLRB vs. Weingarten, inc. 420 U. S. 251, 88 LRRM 2689) .

These rights have become known as the Weingarten rights.
There are other things you must know regarding these rights. I cannot type the whole page in. I will be circulating this useful piece of info. at the hall. DO NOT refuse to go into a supervisors office for questioning.
This could lead to discipline. Don't ever put yourself in a situation like that. If discipline is to be handed out. Then you have the right to a Union Rep to be present. If you have any questions regarding anything you should call the Union hall x7290 or call me at  x7120 at the Boiler Shop.
One other item I would like to add. Regarding safety and refusing unsafe work. You must be very careful that you don't put yourself in a situation which may lead to insubordination. The contract is very clear on this. read everything on page 45 of Section C "The right to refuse Unsafe work" right hand col. 3.c.1, 3.c.2, 3.c.3, 3.c.4 and 3.c.5. The most important part is under 3.c.1. where it talks about The employee and the supervisor making every attempt to resolve the condition in the interest of safety. This can resolve a lot of issues with safety right on the shop floor. Course you must have a legitimate safety concern. If you are not sure, again make a call to your safety rep. Ray Stewart or Jim McBeth. I hope everyone has a Safe and Happy Holiday. If you need anything do not be afraid to call.

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