Bargaining Update – Day 5
Today was another full day at the table, and while it’s been a long week, we’re continuing to make progress. Much of today’s discussion focused on finalizing and agreeing on specific language items. The committee is feeling the weight of these negotiations, but we’re also feeling empowered and incredibly supported by everyone back at the plant.
A huge shoutout and thank you to our stewards and their alternates for holding down the fort and handling everything so effectively while we’re away. Your leadership and quick response to issues on the floor allow us to stay focused here at the table. We truly couldn’t do this without you.
We’re still working through the non-economic items, which we expect to wrap up as we move into the weekend. Here are some of the main topics discussed today:
- Discipline Extensions: The company continues to push for extending disciplinary timeframes due to leaves of absence. We’ve made our position clear. This remains a sticking point.
- Drug Testing Threshold: We successfully made progress on a possible increase on the threshold of drug testing for dropped or damaged hardware/property.
- Union Representation: The company is attempting to limit how our Union Representatives can represent members and shorten the grievance filing timeline. We’ve stood firm that our current process works, and protects our people.
- Lost Time for Missed Overtime: No movement yet on protecting from lost time for missed overtime. The company added a management “excuse” clause, but explicitly stated that a physician’s note will not excuse an absence from overtime.
- Shift Grace Period: The company continues to refuse reinstating the 2 minute 59 second grace period at the end of the shift, claiming employees should work their full scheduled time even if they arrive early.
- Job Descriptions: We’re ready to pass these at the table so they can be reviewed as soon as possible.
- PAA Time: We got some positive movement on allowing flexibility around the use of PAA time.
- Perfect Attendance Recognition: The company expressed willingness to recognize employees with perfect attendance. While it will not be a monetary recognition, we’re currently exploring what that recognition could look like.
- Flex Time: Unfortunately, the company once again rejected our proposal for flexible scheduling, despite our clear explanations of how it would benefit both employees and operations.
We’re staying strong and unified as we continue into the weekend to make sure every issue is covered, prepared, and heard.
Solidarity and STRENGTH! We’re all in this together.
In Solidarity,
Your Local 1821 Bargaining Team