The
phrase "It pays to be Union," never rang more true than
for 751-member Myron Cochran. In fact, he is alive today because
of the diligence and concern of Union Representative Paul Knebel
and Quality Through Training Program (QTTP) Administrator Gary
Jackson.Myron, who lived alone, suffered a massive stroke while at home one evening that left him virtually paralyzed and unable to get to the phone to call for help. Instead, he lay there helpless on his kitchen floor for three days - hoping someone would discover him.
Thanks to the efforts of the Union representatives, police were called to the home and kicked in the back door, which ultimately saved his life. Today, Myron is recovering from the stroke and very grateful for the service his Union provided.
Myron stated, "I was so thankful that my co-workers told the Union about my absence and asked the Union to look into it. I wouldn't be here today if they hadn't followed up and persisted until they found me."
The harrowing experience happened during the final weeks before the contract vote as Union staff were out on the shop floor to answer membership questions. In a crew meeting on Seattle Field, a member expressed concern that Myron had not called in for several days and noted the behavior was very out of character - sending up red flags that something was wrong. The member asked IAM/Boeing Quality Through Training Program (QTTP) Co-Director Gary Jackson and Business Rep Jerry Shreve to look into the situation. Upon returning to the Seattle Union hall, they relayed the information to Business Representative Paul Knebel, who regularly visits ill members in the Seattle area as part of his job. Paul had his secretary, Stephanie Wilson, begin making calls to Myron's home, but she was never able to reach anyone. She also contacted Boeing to get emergency numbers for Myron and continued calling.
In 22 years of Union service, Paul has learned to trust his instincts, and something just didn't feel right about this situation. Paul noted, "I stopped by the house that evening on my way home from work and saw no sign of life. The next morning on the way to work, I stopped by the home again and noted the papers continued to stack up on the porch. I had a very bad feeling that something was wrong."
Paul told Gary Jackson about the house calls, and the two decided to return to Myron's house that afternoon. They called 911 when there was still no sign of activity. When no one had shown in half an hour, Paul and Gary called the police, who promptly arrived, kicked in the back door and got Myron to a nearby hospital.
The rescue was a true team effort
as the Union Stewards, Union Representatives, Union Staff, Union
secretary, Health and Benefits office, and even the shop supervisor
(looking up emergency numbers) played a role in resolving the
issue. After the police had kicked in the door, co-workers chipped
in and repaired the door so it will be good as new when Myron
returns home.District 751 President Mark Blondin applauded the efforts of Paul Knebel, Gary Jackson, Jerry Shreve and Stephanie Wilson and presented them with a special recognition award for their lifesaving efforts.