IAM Local 387

Congratulations to our newest Fighting Machinists! Rebecca Berghold, Andre Bell, Jimmie Sanders, and Brenda Graham all attended their first meeting and were officially swon into the Local. We are honored to have our new Brothers and Sister with us.

In Solidarity

In Solidarity

With heavy hearts we say goodbye to Brother John Haight. An outgoing personality that will be missed every day.

We send out thoughts, prayers and condolences to his family.

In sorrowful solidarity

Our union family wants to see your family succeed. Union Strong!

Congratulations to our newest Fighting Machinists! Dejuan Johnson and Nick Deluca were sworn in today while attending their first meeting.

Unionism needs participation. Attend your meetings!

In Solidarity

Yes! Via the AFL-CIO.

Congratulations to Victoria Blankenship! Our newest Fighting Machinist! Sworn in today her first union meeting.

New members can be sworn in before the membership every month.

In Solidarity!

Biden Names April 28 Workers Memorial Day Recognizing the union tradition of honoring workers killed on the job, President Biden creates Workers Memorial Day

Congratulations to our newest Fighting Machinists!

Tara Reuscher and Johnathan Drain were sworn in by our Lodge President Joe Blanke at the monthly meeting.

We encourage all of our new members to come to their first meeting and be sworn in as official Aerospace Machinists.

In Solidarity

Machinists Union Local 387 members ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with GKN Aerospace in St. Louis. The four-year agreement includes wage increases, improved cost-of-living adjustments, seed money for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and lower-cost options for prescription drugs.

One of the challenges during contract negotiations was trying to eliminate an unfair and divisive two-tier wage system. The new contract provides first-step improvements to the two-tier wage system which includes a path for tier two employees to move to the top tier and limits expansion of the second tier. It also allows for faster progression to top pay.

The skilled IAM Local 387 members at GKN Aerospace craft, design and build advanced composite, metal parts and assemblies in the aerospace industry.

REMINDER: Don't forget to vote on GKN’s proposed new contract for Local 387 THIS SATURDAY, February 20 at Ameristar Casino. Doors open at 9am. Please stay for the entire meeting.

Congratulations to our newest Fighting Machinist! Jim Seidel attended his first official union meeting and was sworn in by Lodge President Joe Blanke.

Congratulations Brother Jim!

In Solidarity

The Bargaining Committee is still working on a summary of the GKN’s final offer and is not prepared to discuss the details at today’s meeting. We want to make sure our information is completely accurate. Anyone who plans to take a chance with today’s dangerous driving conditions to attend the meeting should know that it will be a normal union meeting. We are only prepared to speak in generalities until the final summary is completed next week. The safety of our members is paramount. If you decide to attend, please be careful.

Negotiations resumed between IAM Local 387 and GKN Aerospace in St. Louis this week. Table discussions continue to focus on economic issues such as COLA, general wage increases, two-tier wage scales and health benefits.

The committee would like to thank the membership for its support as we get closer a tentative agreement. Please attend Saturday’s union meeting at 2 p.m.

It's never too early to plan ahead and be prepared if need be.

STRIKE PREPARATION

A strike involves sacrifice, one that you need to prepare for, financially.

Here are some steps to consider:

1. Prepare a complete household budget. Do this as a family project:
• Fixed expenses such as mortgage/rent, insurance, loans, installment payments, etc.
• Monthly expenses such as food, vehicle gas and maintenance, repairs, prescriptions, entertainment, etc.
• Future expenses such as income and property taxes.

2. Set priorities for your expenses.
• List payments in order of importance.
• The most important will be your mortgage/rent. Next are utilities, insurance, car payments and gasoline.
• Child support and alimony (if applicable) are also high priorities.

3. Make a complete list of creditors.
• For each, list contact person’s name, address, phone number and email address; account number, total amount owed, payment schedule and amount.

4. Notify your creditors before getting behind.
• Determine how much you can regularly pay on each bill.
• If you need to negotiate lower payments, notify your creditors before you get behind. Creditors are usually easier to work with when you inform them before a severe problem arises.
• Contact them in writing and include your account number, phone number and address. State why you need a payment reduction, refinancing or delay.
• Keep copies of your letters and notes from any phone conversations.

5. Pay what you can.
• Even if you can’t pay the total amount, pay something regularly. This lowers your overdue balance and lets creditors know you’re acting in good faith.
• Partial payments may keep your account from being referred to a collection agency.

6. Stay in touch with creditors.
• After your first letter, keep in regular contact with your creditors. This is reassuring, shows a responsible attitude, and may keep them from “hounding” you.
• Important: Don’t ignore your mail. That only makes things worse. If you don’t understand a bill or notice, promptly contact the sender.

7. Stop credit card purchases.
• Stop relying on plastic. Interest on most credit cards is extremely high.
• Make larger payments to reduce your balance.

8. Reduce household expenses.
• With your family, plan reductions to stay within your budget.

9. Check into other financial resources.
• If you have life insurance, review your policy or talk to an agent to see if you can borrow against your policy.
• If you have the resources, also consider dipping into savings.

A copy of this list is also posted at www.IAM387.org.

In preparation for the contract ratification meeting scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2021, the negotiating committee would like to provide an overview of what you can expect and how the day will proceed.

The meeting will be held at the Ameristar Casino, Discovery Ballroom, 1 Ameristar Blvd., St. Charles, Mo. 63301. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the meeting starts promptly at 10 a.m.

In accordance with the District 837 Bylaws and IAM Constitution, the Negotiating Committee will provide the membership the final proposed changes and­­ its recommendation to accept or reject. The Committee will also take questions.

At the conclusion of the question-and-answer session, the membership will vote on whether to accept or reject the contract. Only members in good standing are eligible to vote. You can contact the hall at 314-731-0603, ext. 101 to verify whether you are a member in good standing.

There are two separate ballots. The first one is to accept or reject the contract offer. If a majority of the members in attendance accept the contract, it goes into effect at midnight on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

If more than 50% of the members in attendance vote to reject the proposed contract, a second vote will be taken to authorize a strike. The second ballot is a “yes” or “no” to authorize a strike. A two-thirds majority of “yes” votes from the members in attendance is needed for strike action. If less than two-thirds of the votes cast are in favor of a strike, the contract offer is accepted by default.

The ballots will be counted immediately after each vote in the presence of the membership and the results will be announced as soon as the count is completed. We will also post results on the website, www.IAM387.org.

For updates on negotiations, continue to visit that website and/or follow this page.

Even snow won't stop us! We are prepared!

Your negotiating committee is gearing up for the continuation of bargaining with GKN Aerospace February 8. Our ultimate goal is to get a contract offer that addresses current issues, a contract that everyone can live with. The additional time the extension provides allows for more negotiations to get us closer to our goal.

We will have more information for you the week of February 8. Thank you for your support during this time, especially by telling the company what you need to ratify an agreement when asked.

Keep checking our website, www.IAM387.org, text updates if you have signed up for them, and this page. Stay healthy, stay safe and stay strong!

After more than six weeks of negotiations with GKN Aerospace, IAM Local 387’s negotiating committee reports little progress on the two-tier wage issue, elimination of the PPO plan or the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). These key issues have been at the forefront of our negotiation process. Day after day, the committee has brought your issues to the table.

The committee has not yet received a last, best and final offer from the company. We have agreed to an extension through midnight February 21 in an effort to get you the best possible offer and address your issues and concerns. The January 24 vote has been postponed. Face-to-face bargaining will resume February 8. Details to follow. For more information, visit www.IAM387.org.

Thursday’s negotiations with GKN Aerospace continued to focus on wages, the two-tier pay scale and health benefits. While movement is slow, the committee remains steadfast in its efforts. If you haven’t completed a strike duty form, please see your shop steward or plant chairman.
http://iam387.org/gkn-2/thursday-update/

This morning, your bargaining committee presented to the company (GKN) the comprehensive economic demands of Lodge 387 members, demands that recognize our members as essential. Keep checking our website IAM387.org, for future updates.

In an overwhelming majority, members of IAM Local 387 voted to grant the Negotiating Committee Strike Sanction Authority. This strike sanction vote does NOT mean a strike is likely. It shows support for negotiators that members are serious about getting a good contract.

These votes are typically held well in advance of the company’s last offer. The IAM Constitution requires a reaffirmation of strike sanction when members vote on GKN’s final offer January 24.

“Our members cast their votes today to show that they are united behind the bargaining committee, and to send a message to the company that they expect an essential contract,” said IAM Local 387 President Joe Blanke.

“This is the time to show strength through solidarity and send a message to GKN that we deserve a fair and equitable agreement, said IAM Aerospace Chief of Staff Jody Bennett, who is leading the negotiations with GKN Aerospace. “Nothing less is acceptable.”

For more information and future updates, visit IAM387.org.

Dear 387 Machinist Members,

Since the beginning of December, our bargaining committee has been meeting with the company and completed our exchanges of non-economic proposals. We have successfully reached tentative agreements (T/A’s) on many proposals, while a few have been moved to economics beginning Wednesday, January 6.

While we feel progress is being made, I must caution every member that only a complete contract offer from the Company that recognizes our members as essential and properly addresses all our issues will be considered a success and worthy of your ratification. We still have a long way to go.

It is vital that all members continue to show solidarity and support your bargaining committee. Thank you!

Important Dates

December 19, 2020 – Strike Sanction Vote
• Employees working Saturday can leave work and vote after 9am without receiving an attendance infraction. Employees are expected to return to work to complete their shifts.

January 09, 2021 – Lodge 387 Meeting 2pm

January 24, 2021 – Contract Ratification Vote and Strike Vote, if GKN’s contract offer is rejected.

Reminder: Members who wish to receive periodic text blasts about negotiations progress should complete the enrollment card from your steward and return.

In Solidarity

Congratulations to Brothers Logan Rue and Billy Wilson! Our newest Fighting Machinists! They attended their first meeting today and were officially sworn in by Lodge President Joe Blanke.

In Solidarity

This Saturday December 12th at 2pm is our December meeting. Contract time is coming quick and we need to stand together to show we deserve a fair contract.

Nominations for the Local Lodge elections will also be this Saturday. Must be a member in good standing and have attended at least half of your meetings for the year to run for office.

Let's stand united in these confusing times. We are the ones looking out for each other's futures.

In Solidarity

It's official: The strike sanction vote will take place December 19, 2020 and the contract vote is scheduled for January 24, 2021, both at the Family Arena. Each event will have shop stewards and safety committee reporting at 8:00 a.m., with doors opening for members at 9:00 a.m. and the meeting starting promptly at 10:00 a.m. CT. Let’s send a message to the company that we are united and focused!

IAM Local Lodge 387 opened formal negotiations with GKN Aerospace, LLC, Tuesday with Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway and Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin in attendance. The union and the company exchanged initial non-economic proposals on the first day of what will be a weeks-long process, with economic proposals expected to take place at a later date.

The negotiation committee would like to thank the members for their input and support during this time. For more information, check IAM387.org for future updates and follow this page.

IAM Local 387 updated their website address.

This year has been like no other. Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.

Election day! Make sure you vote and make your voice heard.
Please vote with your Union in mind.
In Solidarity

Why should you go to your Union Meeting? Because there are rumors and chaos all over the shop. What's real? What's true?

The best place to get the answers you need is at your Union Meeting. Good news! The October meeting is tomorrow!

October 10th
2pm
837 Union Hall on Utz Ln behind the post office.

See you there!

In Solidarity

Congratulations to our newest Fighting Machinist! Howard Buggs was sworn in today and you could be too, by coming to your first meeting.

In Solidarity

NLRB Rulings Tip Balance Toward Management Coping With Contagion

The National Labor Relations Board has taken a deregulatory approach to labor and workplace law under the current administration, and the agency has largely stayed on that management-side course during the coronavirus pandemic.
The outbreak has presented novel legal issues under the National Labor Relations Act, the central statute governing workers’ and businesses’ rights concerning unionization, which the NLRB is charged with enforcing, enmeshing it in disputes that can be hotly contested even when there’s no overarching crisis.

Among those disputes: whether and how to conduct union elections and engage in collective bargaining with the contagion resurgent in the U.S. South and West, and as health authorities advise or mandate social distancing. Even the board itself has dealt with complications against that backdrop, resorting to bargaining with its own employees’ unions via teleconference, NLRB General Counsel Peter Robb said during a virtual meeting on issues related to the virus June 6.

The pandemic also pushed to the fore questions of whether unionized businesses are required to negotiate new workplace safety precautions or hazard pay for workers deemed essential. A handful of charges already have been filed alleging some companies put workers’ safety at risk during the pandemic.

Pro-business case rulings and moves from the board and general counsel since the beginning of the year include those that:
• gave employers some legal basis to lay workers off without bargaining with their union, due to the unforeseen, extraordinary circumstances presented by the pandemic;
• curtailed the agency’s own investigative and prosecutorial powers against employers;
• allowed employers whose facilities are currently closed due to the pandemic to forgo a previously required electronic notification to employees that the employer violated labor laws and explaining their rights under the NLRA;
• affirmed that employers who require arbitration of work-related disputes can also require confidentiality from workers;
• and relinquished the agency’s jurisdiction over faculty organizing at certain religious universities and colleges.

One of the most significant policy changes from the board this year came from a decision allowing employers to lawfully implement non-solicitation policies that cover most activities during work time to increase union support.

The decision in a case involving Wynn Las Vegas, LLC, redefines union “solicitation” to include any activity encouraging other workers to vote for or support a union, a departure from earlier policy limiting solicitation to efforts where an employee is urged to actually sign a union authorization card.