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November 2006 MONTHLY REPORT |
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Dear Sisters and Brothers: On the date of November 14-15, 2006, the Organization was to meet with the NCCC concerning our wage, health and welfare Section 6 Notice; however, those meetings were cancelled and whereas, it appears that the Carrier is not bargaining in good faith, we have requested arbitration. That information, along with my letter is hereto attached which is self-explanatory. The negotiations have completely broken down over the Carrier’s unrelenting demands for major benefit reductions over our National Health and Welfare plan. In fact, in face of the Carrier’s latest unacceptable proposal, we have requested the assistance of the National Mediation Board to now assign a mediator to the talks. This step is necessary in order to move the bargaining process forward. Our negotiating position remains steadfast. We demand solid wage increases for each year of the contract reflecting the industries’ prosperity. We want to cap employee contributions towards Health insurance. We want to maintain and improve the current level of benefits and we will not agree to any concessionary rule changes. It is the Carrier’s position that when an employee leaves the industry, that they at their whim, can assign this work to other employees and/or contract the work out. Until elections, the railroad industry was clearly counting on the Republican controlled Congress to impose a concessionary contract on us following a Bush appointed Presidential Emergency Board composed of cronies handpicked by the railroads. I hope our members will fully understand that this election sent a strong message to the Hill. Effective January 1, 2007, we will receive a $.15 per hour COLA. Based on the current agreement, the employees will see an increase in their health and welfare of $15.01 per month making the total amount for the IBEW of $146.97 per month. Also, those employees receiving the Basic Health Care Plan will increase to $46.97 per month. Great Plains Regional Medical Center of North Platte, Nebraska, the largest point on the system, was built in about 1970 and consolidated two (2) other hospitals – St. Mary’s and Memorial. However, from 1970 until August 1, 2006, we were unable to negotiate a contract with the hospital – Travelers/United Health Care. However, effective August 1, 2006, the hospital has now entered into a contract with United Healthcare. However, that does not include Pathology Services and United Healthcare will have to negotiate an agreement with Pathology Services. For instance, I had to have a CT scan but rather than have it done at North Platte, I was forced to drive 100 miles to Kearney, Nebraska, to have it done there. If I had had the CT scan at GPRMC, I would have paid an additional $500.00 after my percentage was deducted. Pat Perry, Vice General Chairman/Secretary-Treasurer conferenced claims and those Local Unions that are involved with the claims settled will be promptly advised. Assistant General Chairman Don Tortorice went on leave effective November 1, 2006. Assistant General Chairman Jim Wisniski has been working on numerous submissions, claims, as well as other outstanding issues. It is imperative that our brothers and sisters in the Communications Department closely monitor the work being performed by IT’s, whereas these IT’s are under the Classification of Work as Linemen. Therefore, they are only allowed to perform work outlined under that Classification of Work.
Fraternally yours,
Vic Janecek General Chairman, SC#2
VLJ:se
cc: Bill Bohne,
Director of Railroads |
