Hello Sisters and Brothers
I wanted to let everyone know we have received the arbitrator’s decision on the Meal arbitration.
I am sorry to say the ruling was not in our favor, while he noted the fact that the union gave extensive testimony and provided many forms of documentation to back up their claim as to the contract wording and intent of the language in the CBA , he still decided to go towards the company’s position as he felt it was more in line with the testimony given.
We all know what our position was and is coming out of negotiations, that has not changed. What has changed is the way we must move forward and continue to fight for the rights we in good faith negotiated. We must continue to follow our CBA and when it is challenged, we will fight just as vigorously as we did for what we all know was the right position.
The newest issue, is the constant assault on the mini vacation being used without our consent to cover sick time, FMLA and covid issues.
While the company may preach about the standards of protecting employees as the utmost important goal. They are forcing people to circumvent the system in order to retain the vacation time that they had planned to use the mini vacation for. So, people are not testing just because they may have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. This issue is clear in my opinion, they are so shorthanded that they can’t afford to have you off now and then later still be able to use the negotiated benefits associated with mini vacation. Let me be clear we do not and will not agree to any mandated use of mini vacation for FMLA requirements or mandatory use to cover sick time just because you have no sick time left to use, not without your consent or request anyhow. Contract is clear on this use in my opinion.
The issue of the negotiated short term disability plan being something that has a different meaning for employees scheduled (mandatorily) on different work schedules, is also on the list along with the many outstanding grievances we have been working on.
Please stay safe and stand united and know we will continue the fight against the practice of UNION AVOIDENCE no matter who believes this is a trait that stands out as a positive on a resume.
In solidarity,
Ron Webb
Local 1600 Bus. Rep.
