Negotiations Update- 7/13/20

Jul 13, 2020 | Local S6 Leadership Alerts, Negotiations

Brothers and Sisters,

At the start of week 4 of LS6’s strike against BIW’s last, best, and final, there are several things to keep in mind. We are all sacrificing and standing arm and arm with our fellow brothers and sisters on the picket line. There isn’t any progress without struggle. It is important to know that Union brothers and sisters from all over the state and many from other states have made the trip to stand with us whether they agree or not, it’s what we do. This strike is being watched and more importantly, supported by, Union and Non-Union alike across the country. BIW’s offer was clear to everyone who read it and what their intentions were. That’s why we have incredible backing from so many far and wide. We continue to ask for a fair contract by commonsense standards, not corporate greed standards. An example of this would be that General Dynamics has ridden high on the hog. As IAMAW International President Robert Martinez, Jr wrote in a letter to President Trump, “the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduced the company’s effective tax rate from 28.6% in 2017 down to 17.8 percent in 2018. With this windfall, General Dynamics greatly increased stock buybacks and dividend payments, giving nearly $2.9 billion to their stockholders in 2018 alone.” This comes on top of a $45 million state of Maine tax break, money better well spent in the state of Maine to aid in our economy, not put in GD’s pocket for profit. We are committed to fighting as long as it takes. #DITCHDIRK #ONEDAYLONGERONEDAYSTRONGER

“Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” (Frederick Douglass)

 * Please note, we have not heard back from the Federal Meditator as of today- 7/13/20. We will be following up with the Federal Mediator this week. *

In Solidarity, Local S6 Leadership

 

COVID-19 Update 7/1/20

Jul 1, 2020 | COVID-19

Brothers and Sisters,

As you are aware BIW released information of additional COVID-19 cases at the shipyard which now classifies as an outbreak as there are three linked contact transmissions.

We have been able to confirm that the only time they were on the picket line was Monday, June 22, and Wednesday, June 24, 6:00 AM -10:00 AM at the North End.

If anyone is unsure of exposure, CDC recommendations and under the State of Maine DHHS standing order for COVID-19 qualifies you for testing if people have participated in large gatherings. If you have been exposed and have related symptoms please stay home and self-monitor.

There is a free walk-in COVID-19 testing center at 287 Main St, Lewiston, open MON-FRI 9:00 AM-6:00 PM

Please follow all CDC guidelines while on the picket line to ensure the health of all.

In Solidarity, Local Lodge S6 Leadership

https://www.mainecahc.org/covid-19-coronavirus/

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/airborne/documents/ME-DHHS_StandingOrder_COVID19testing_06-18-2020v2.pdf

Health Care Coverage Expiration Notice- 7/1/2020

Jul 1, 2020 | Memorandum Of Agreement

Brothers and Sisters,

We have reached the end of our employer covered health benefits. You should have received something in the mail from GDSC regarding your CIGNA health benefits and how to apply for COBRA benefits along with the premium costs. You can also go to affordable care act and shop on the marketplace or Maine care to see what other options you qualify for. You may find an alternative to cobra that better fits your needs.

https://www.mainecahc.org/covid-19-coronavirus/

In the event you are unsure of what you are going to do you may want to elect cobra now as you have 45 days to make your premium payments. You can do that by signing up on the GD service center or by calling them at General Dynamics Service Center at 1-888-432-3633.

Please find the below link for a letter regarding health insurance expiration. If you are looking to switch to your spouse’s insurance, this letter should help streamline the process.

In Solidarity, Local Lodge S6 Leadership

Click this link: Medical Benefits