Brothers and Sisters,
Apparently, common sense will remain absent during this process from the Company. It grows increasingly clear why most of all managers who have recently retired didn’t do so to enjoy their golden years, many of them are continuing to work in other shipyards. They saw the direction BIW was heading when Fred Harris came in. When he left there was a glimmer of optimism that faded and burnt out quickly. The lack of actual production knowledge is severe, starting from Dirk Lesko, working its way down. All the management that Dirk has a great deal of confidence in are the very people that have never built a ship. Change is clear and it needs to start with Lesko. He made several promises and wrote checks to GD with no funds in the account.
THIS IS OUR SHIPYARD AND IT PISSES US OFF THAT THEY ARE TRYING TAKE AWAY OUR FUTURE!!!
Article 7 Classifications “Conceptual Proposal”
Here are a few mentionable “LOW LIGHTS” of what transpired this morning from the Company:
- The Company wants the ability to choose any mechanic for a long-term loan.
- They will consider seniority where business needs can accommodate.
- The Company will provide the option to take a voluntary layoff in lieu of being placed on a long-duration loan.
- No loans across shifts.
- The Company may use loans out of classifications that are hiring, or that have loans into the classification.
So basically, the Company will select you and have the ability to put you on loan for the length of the contract and if you don’t like it you can choose to take a voluntary layoff, BUT THE KICKER IS, you won’t be able to collect unemployment. They desperately need skilled mechanics but will allow you to take a voluntary layoff, that’s the mentality we are dealing with.
Article 11 Overtime
The Company gave us a “formal proposal” replacing the “conceptual proposal” we received Friday which reflects exactly the same information we already provided the membership Friday.
In Solidarity, Local Lodge S6 Negotiating Committee