BURNS HARBOR UPDATE
8 November 2003
Good morning.
I’ve been somewhat swamped with
some personal issues but will try to catch up on the news.
We’ve all seen the unsigned notice
from ISG Corporate which establishes the new Hotline
everyone is now calling 1-800-SNITCH.
From the huge volume of phone calls that I received at the
Union Hall, it is quite obvious that there is a shared
anger all over the Plant as well as a devious sense of
humor attached. I agree, there was no need for that notice
to be circulated and the Union leadership was certainly
blindsided by it. This sort of thing is getting to be a
habit and annoying. Bethlehem had a snitch line too but
didn’t broadcast it in the manner that this was. It was
also notorious for initiating terms and conditions of
employment without notice to the Union.
Lake Michigan and Indiana
Railroad is now a part of our Local Union, as is the new
Plate acquisition in the USS Gary Works. That’s about 40
new members. The International negotiated that in both
areas the current employees will possess incumbency to
those units as seniority units. if someone bids
into one of these new units in the future they will be
treated like any other transfer from anywhere else within
Burns Harbor and their plant service will apply. The same
rule applies to those who bid into the Plant from these
two units.
The Plate Mill acquisition is
currently being manned by former USS employees who elected
to join with ISG. 20 employees have signed on so far. It
is estimated that 35-50 are needed. If no more sign on, we
may need to do something fairly quick to get more people
from the Burns Harbor Plate Division as well as the Plant
so the Heat Treat Line can be brought back on line in
Gary. They are going to try and run it with what they have
knowing that they can’t run full out without the people.
Again, I may have to negotiate something quick in order to
do this.
The Plantwide Grievance that I filed
on us having to test on our own time was withdrawn at the
Step 3 level. The International says that it agreed to it.
The seniority grievance that I filed
for the O & T seniority unit is settled as all of the
O & T are currently in O & T positions. Where they
are placed in the Plant is up to the Company as there is
no job preference by seniority.
The Conduct Code and Absentee Policy
Grievance is going to Step 3. Still no progress.
The Service and Attendance Bonus is
supposed to be paid in the last quarter of the year.
Expect it to be paid on the last day of the year. This
payment of $350,000 is divided amongst all of the O &
T throughout the former Bethlehem Corporation. This also
includes those that took the TAP.
Incentive talks started this week.
Expect them to be long lasting.
We currently have 7 Discharges, one
pending Arbitration, three in Step 2 held for Company
answers, three pending Company responses in Step 3. I have
one other Grievance in Step 3 concerning incentives for
those who are being paid incentive rates below the 20%
level. One Grievance being appealed to Step 3, and two
Grievances to be heard in Step 2. We are waiting on the
people who schedule Arbitration’s to catch up with us
and get a date set. This is NOT going to be a
habit. I’m not going to be very patient about waiting
months for Arbitrators to be scheduled while we, including
our Staff Rep, are moving Grievances faster than they ever
have before.
As this Plant flirts with Operating
Maintenance issues, I’m still not convinced that there
is an adequate effort being made throughout the Plant in
writing safe work procedures, or job procedures. Bethlehem
trashed a lot of it and we’re going to have to make a
serious effort to get it back. I’m going to start
looking into this with the Union Safety Reps as well as
the Grievance Committeemen. The 80" has a superb
effort going and it is a perfect example of Production and
Maintenance working together. It’s the best I’ve ever
seen. I’ve also asked them to offer help to the other
areas if they can.
I have also made an effort to discuss
with Management a new version of a TAP. This is on again,
off again. Basically, I’m asking about a payment option,
or an early out option that gives those almost eligible to
retire at 62 an option to retire early with healthcare.
Many opted to stay to get the healthcare in a couple years
rather than take the TAP. In a few short years, we could
see an exodus out of this Plant that could make the TAP
look like it never existed. At this point, all I know is
that I have their interest and ISG has not said
"no". 822 people took the TAP.
Folks, once again, I have to ask that
if you know anyone who has some serious drug and alcohol
problems to please let them know that this is not
Bethlehem any more. We’re doing some crazy things out
there and I’m concerned that people are thinking that
the old rules apply. I have a better chance of saving your
job if you seek help before you get in trouble. There are
many professional organizations out there who can help.
Going to them after getting into trouble is going to be
very difficult and the chances of you having to make a
case before an Arbitrator are very, very high. If I’m
sounding like a nag, then so be it. I’m thinking of you,
your families, and your coworkers health and welfare.
Take care and be safe,
Frank Ripley, Chairman
Grievance Committee
