Layoff Bulletin
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Tag Archives: Layoff Notice
Bulletin 10-15-2020
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Bulletin 4/29/20
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BULLETIN 11/8/2019
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As Wabtec initiates permanent layoffs, we will do our best to communicate with you and ensure every member affected receives the benefits that they are entitled to. The disappointing news that Wabtec is moving forward with permanent layoffs, is coupled with a troubling decision to not continue temporary lack of works in this situation.
We continue to urge the Company to consider each employee as they issue layoffs. This approach has served affected families in the past, as well as labor/management relations. Here are some of the obstacles we are facing:
- These layoffs are permanent, as opposed to temporary.
- Many of the affected employees may not be eligible for unemployment compensation which could impact their TRA entitlement
- We have been working with the State to identify those individuals based on service in affected jobs, but because the company has not provided the State with 2019 second-quarter earnings, our efforts have been rendered useless. Without these reports, it’s impossible to verify and prepare for those who will be laid off and not eligible for unemployment compensation benefits.
- The Union has raised these concerns with the company repeatedly, and continue to urge them to take employees and their families into consideration before they are impacted.
In the meantime, the Union has scheduled a benefits session with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Rapid Response meeting for November 18, 2019, at 9 am. Pennsylvania CareerLink, PA Unemployment and other agencies will provide benefits rights interviews, information on trade benefits and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Representatives will provide members with information about all benefits available to them. Benefit Rights Interviews (BRI’s) will be conducted during this meeting and are required to be eligible for Trade benefits.
Special Bulletin 10/22/19: Wabtec announces layoff
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As the union has been communicating for the past three months, potential layoffs have become a reality. Yesterday, UE Local 506 was provided notice of a permanent lack of work by Wabtec Union Relations. The Local is working with the Wabtec to identify potential opportunities to mitigate the impact on members. In addition to encouraging the company to filter work in from other facilities, the union has suggested Wabtec “ask from the top and force from the bottom.” This would allow higher service members to voluntarily take a layoff in lieu of lower service members being forced. Volunteers would be afforded contractual IEA lump sum payment and protected benefits with the understanding that they would forgo recall rights. Participants would also be eligible for their 2020, 3% annual and 10% one-time 401k contributions. This option would also qualify volunteers for UC benefits and TAA. The company has stated that the expense of IEA benefits for higher service employees are the greatest concern. The Union will continue to encourage the business to consider both options+.
The Union is also meeting with NWPA Rapid Response this afternoon to prepare for the event. Our goal will be to ensure any member impacted will be afforded all benefits available.
Considering the circumstances, the Members Involvement Meetings scheduled for October 23, 2019 will be postponed until a later date. We will communicate when the meeting will take place when we determine the appropriate time to reschedule.
The following list displays the estimated impact by classification provided by the company on October 21, 2019.
|
Classification |
Quantity |
|
Assembly Technician 1 |
3 |
|
Assembly Technician 2 |
26 |
|
Fabrication Technician |
1 |
|
Machinist 2 |
1 |
|
Machinist 3 |
1 |
|
Paint Technician |
1 |
|
Production Technician |
41 |
|
Weld Technician 1 |
6 |
|
Weld Technician 2 |
13 |
|
Grand Total |
93 |
TAA Benefits
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General Election To Issue Warn Notice
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Informational meetings scheduled for former GE Transportation workers
Two informational meetings have been scheduled for laid-off union workers at GE Transportation to learn more about their benefits under Trade Adjustment Assistance.
Local 506 of the United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America at GE Transportation learned last week that the Labor Department had granted its petition for TAA status. That means laid-off workers will be eligible for extended unemployment pay, health care, money for retraining and relocation benefits.
Affected workers will be able to learn more about those benefits at meetings scheduled for 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. June 20 at the UE 506 building at 3923 Main St., Lawrence Park.
Scott Duke, president of the local union, said he’s heard from a lot of employees who are facing the end of their unemployment benefits.
Department of Labor Grants TAA Benefits to Hundreds of Displaced Union Workers
June 5th, 2014 ERIE – The United States Department of Labor once again ruled in favor of displaced General Electric workers who lost their jobs. Today’s decision was based upon an increase in imports that reduced production in absolute terms at the Erie plant. More than 300 workers will now qualify for: extended unemployment compensation extended healthcare, worker training and relocation benefits.
“We filed on behalf our Union families because it was the right thing to do, and once again the Department of Labor has ruled in support of workers.” Said Scott Duke, President of UE Local 506. “In real dollar terms this could be worth millions of dollars of benefits to the workers who have lost jobs as wells as workers who are at risk of losing jobs as GE continues to transfer to the Fort Worth Texas facility.”
“For men and women who have suffered through the harsh unemployment conditions this is a ruling that has the potential to change their employment outlook with the offer of job training and immediately help bring some financial relief to their families.”
This is the second time in four years that the Department of Labor has granted TAA benefits to local GE workers. In 2010, the Department of Labor granted TAA benefits to approximately 1,000 laid off Workers on the grounds that the company had shifted production abroad.
Ronald A. DiNocola, UE 506’s lawyer, who successfully represented them in the 2010 and 2014 petitions, submitted substantial documentation in support of the petition which was filed in December 2013.
“We are pleased that this ruling will result in substantial financial and long-term training benefits to hundreds of Families.” Said DiNicola. “It is particularly important to note that this ruling will continue to help employees for the next two years. If GE’s projected worker layoff schedule is implemented, this ruling will mean significant financial relief for hundreds and hundreds of families.”
Today’s decision extended to all workers in significant areas of production including locomotive, locomotive kits, off highway vehicle wheels and marine products. The ruling extends benefits to anyone laid off since December of 2012 and will continue to provide benefits to anyone laid off over the next two years