Compensation for Category A Violations

Several Union members got an early Christmas gift, as they received substantial checks after Boeing violated their Category A recall rights by placing a junior employee into their respective job titles.

What made the checks even more appreciated was the fact that the members had no idea the violations had occurred or that the Union was enforcing this provision to ensure their rights were protected. Each member got a call from the Union asking them to stop by the Auburn Union hall to pick up their compensation check. One laid-off member collected $5,400 while another active member, who had only been downgraded in the surplus, received several hundred dollars to compensate for the difference in labor grade.

Business Rep Tommy Wilson credited Union Stewards Bob Belles and John Lopez for investigating the incidents and filing the grievances that resulted in pay for our members.

Tommy noted, "These Stewards recognized a violation had occurred, checked the Category A roster and filed the grievance on behalf of the members at the top of the Category A list. By keeping a close watch on their area and being aware of the work various individuals' perform, they could effectively enforce the language to ensure every members' rights (including laid-off members) are protected."

Tommy advised, "Every member can help spot these type of violations by noting if they are given a new work assignment or a new person comes to the area. We know these grievances are occurring often; however, someone must report the facts to a Steward so the Union can take action and get the surplussed member properly compensated."

As Boeing continues to surplus employees and shops become more shorthanded, these violations will become more prevalent as management scrambles to simply put anybody into the job - regardless of what the contract says. There have even been instances of management performing the work and violating the Category A rights.

Unfortunately, most of the Category A violation settlements cannot be reported because Boeing puts a "gag order" in the settlement agreement that prohibits the Union from publicizing the outcome. However, these two recent settlements did not include the standard "gag order" and are proudly reported in this publication.