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 |