May 5, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I am certain we all read the news reports and have heard through second hand sources about the “noose-like object” that was discovered in our plant. The object that was found was a wrapped, tied up extension cord that some perceived to resemble a noose. This cord was found in a “utility” room where supplies are stored, in a corner space which is out of visual sight, attached to a shelving post, in a structure adjacent to 3-06, North Side of the facility. This object was reported to managers and immediately turned over to Company investigators. The investigation is still underway and the preliminary findings, from what was reported to the Committeemen in that particular area, was that it does not appear to be “racially motivated.” UAW Local 1069 Leadership is very much disheartened by the comments in the communication that was distributed by Boeing Leadership. We do consider that this is a very serious issue but had hoped the comments made in news reports could in fact have a much different tone and message once this investigation is completed. Your Bargaining Committee, as well as our Brothers and Sisters in our plant do not condone any form of “racial intimidation” and would hope that the Company will look into this matter as a “self-harming” situation as well. Please know we have resources here for our members on behalf of issues relating to depression and anxiety. Brother Pat Hoffmann chairs our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). He provides excellent help and guidance to any employee seeking assistance. He can be reached at: patrick.c.hoffmann@boeing.com. In addition, The Company has an EAP representative, Annemarie Cristino. Her contact information is: annemarie.cristino@beaconhealthoptions.com. Also you can call her at 609-519-5452. We urge any employee with issues relating to mental or substance abuse matters to reach out to one of these folks.
Lastly, we received a communication from the President of our UAW, Rory L. Gamble that reads:
“Pursuant to Article 38, Section 2 of the UAW Constitution, the International Executive Board hereby authorizes any local union, that cannot take necessary steps to hold its local union elections due to a government stay at home restriction or due to an employer’s self imposed workplace restriction related to the COVID-19 pandemic, to postpone its local union elections until the relevant restrictions are lifted. In any event, all elections must be held on a date certain, as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 90 days after the restrictions are lifted, unless otherwise authorized.”
Our General Membership meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 7, 2020. As we move closer to that date, we will make a final determination whether or not we can hold our meeting based on the mandates Gov. Wolf and the State of Pennsylvania has in place at the time. We will keep our membership informed.
In Solidarity,
Michael Tolassi, President
UAW Local 1069
