October 14, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Beginning October 15, 2020, UAW Local 1069 employees may request to transfer to another shift to a job within his or her classification and Center. Please reference our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Article XIII, Section 20, “Shift Preference.” The fall 2020 open period for filing a transfer request runs from October 15, 2020 – October 30, 2020. It will also be posted in Between the Blades during this period as well. Any employee wishing to file a transfer to another shift is requested to file via the Philadelphia Labor Relations website. Any employee needing assistance with this process is encouraged to have their manager work with them on completing this form. Employees will receive a confirmation/notice email within 48 hours of submittal of transfer request. Please note: Failing to withdraw a request will result in an employee being moved to the requested shift (based on seniority). To withdraw a request, employees must submit an email to GRP Ridley Park LR.
In addition, it is encouraged that all employees complete the voluntary “online health assessment.” This assessment is available to take now and ends November 24, 2020. There will be additional employee contributions to medical plans if any employee does not complete the online assessment and screenings. Please refer to our CBA, Article XVI, Section 6, “Cost of Medical Plans” for all details regarding this process and added costs.
Lastly, please always give your full attention to quality and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) conditions while working your daily assignments. We all strive to give our customers the greatest and best aircraft we manufacture. Never, ever sign off on jobs you did not work. Continue to have our quality inspectors review and look over every aspect of your jobs. Leave “no stone unturned.”
Stay Strong, Stay United, always know UAW Local 1069 members remain second to none.
In Solidarity,
Michael Tolassi
President
UAW Local1069
September 24, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On June 29, 2020 your Bargaining Committee received from the Company a “Maintenance and Construction Subcontracting Notification” regarding custodial support of office cleaning, which is now being done by an outsourced cleaning service (LWC). The timeframe of this outsourced work being performed was to run from 6/22/20 through 9/22/20. The company has now verbally notified us that LWC will continue to perform this service until end of December 2020. We take this as an insult to all UAW Local 1069 members, especially our Facilities Department and a violation of an agreement/notification we have in place. We will promptly file labor charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in regards to this issue.
In addition, Boeing is amending the temporary Voluntary Absence pay practice that was put in place to help employees navigate time off during the coronavirus pandemic. Beginning Friday, September 18, 2020, occasional absences (seven or fewer consecutive calendar days) for those concerned about working on-site because of the coronavirus will no longer be excused.
Employees are encouraged to talk with their managers about their concerns. Managers may consider whether telecommuting is a viable option, otherwise, absences due to personal concerns over exposure will require employees to apply for a Personal Leave of Absence that will need to be approved at their manager’s discretion. Personal Leaves of Absence must be for a minimum of eight or more consecutive calendar days.
Also, effective October 2, 2020, any employees at or below the rate range maximum (Table 1) or Single Rate (Table 2) in effect for their classification will have their base rates increased by Section 4.c and then by application of a two (2%) percent General Wage Increase. An employee cannot exceed the maximum of their rate range or Single Rate upon application of a GWI and if applicable, will receive the remaining amount of the GWI in a lump sum payment.
Employees who are above the rate range maximum will receive a three (3%) percent lump sum in lieu of any GWI. Lump sums in lieu of GWI’s will be calculated based on an employee’s pure base rate (plus shift differential and lead pay if applicable) in effect on date of GWI, multiplied by Lump Sum percentages above, then multiplied by 2080. The lump sum payment will be paid within thirty (30) calendar days following October 2, 2020.
Furthermore, there will be a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for this quarter in the amount of $0.13 effective October 2, 2020. The current maximum COLA amount for this unit is: $0.77.
Lastly, we have been in communication with Kieran Martin, our UAW Region 9 Representative and Jeff Binz, our UAW Region 9 Director. We are currently discussing alternative options (due to COVID-19 mandates) on resuming our General Membership Meetings, and most importantly, additional opportunities on proceeding with our General (Triennial) Elections, which was to be held this past May 2020. They are now seeking advice and direction from their “higher ups” and discussing alternative options with other locals that are faced with these same issues. We are anticipating additional information from our UAW Region 9 Representatives. Of course, we will keep our membership informed of any new developments.
In Solidarity,
Michael Tolassi, President
UAW Local 1069
September 3, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This past Tuesday, September 1, 2020, The Boeing Company held a ceremony recognizing the first delivery of the MH-47F Block II Chinook for Army Special Operations. We sincerely thank all employees involved with this program, especially UAW Local 1069 Brothers and Sisters. Your hard work is instrumental in this much needed program. We were especially appreciative of our political friends who were in attendance, which I feel need mentioning. U.S. Senator Tom Carper-Delaware, U.S. Senator Chris Coons-Delaware, Congressman Donald Norcross-New Jersey, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt-Rochester-Delaware, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick-PA, Congressman Dwight Evans-PA, Congressman Brendan Boyle-PA, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon-PA, U.S. Senator Tim Kearney-PA, and a representative from the office of Congresswoman Madeleine Dean-PA were in attendance. I was able to meet and speak one-on-one with all of our distinguished guests. Each of them assured me and pledged to UAW Local 1069 members their continued support for all of our programs at this site. Many thanks to our Brothers and Sisters who greeted our visitors in the plant. Once again, they were very impressed with the work we do and with our 1st class factory.
In addition, please continue to perform quality work at your maximum potential and be aware of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) in and around your shops, especially in our aircrafts. Always insist on having your inspector check, double check, and triple check your in process and completed assignments. This is critical to what we do here and in particular to the men and women who fly on our aircraft.
Lastly, at this time we are still waiting for restrictions and mandates to be lifted prior to returning back to normal with having or scheduling any membership meetings. We are closely monitoring this situation in the hopes of resuming business as usual real soon.
Please keep in mind during this Labor Day Holiday and every day how valuable your contributions and accomplishments have paved the way for the successes of The Boeing Company. Enjoy this holiday weekend with family and friends.
Always remain united and stay well
In Solidarity,
Michael Tolassi
President
UAW Local 1069
