When
751 Union Steward Jason Bailey learned work from his shop was
being considered for subcontracting, he jumped into action to
ensure the work remained in the automotive shop at Plant II. Thanks
to his efforts, the shop will continue to service, repair and
maintain Boeing-owned automobiles driven by approximately 60 Puget
Sound executives.Jason's shop is responsible for maintaining and repairing all motor vehicles for Seattle, Plant II and Kent, yet their work scope goes beyond the normal Boeing-owned vehicles. The shop also has traditionally performed all the maintenance and repair work on Boeing executives' automobiles. This covers approximately 60 vehicles driven by executives in the Puget Sound region. Jason and his co-workers have taken great pride in working on the vehicles and delivering top quality service with a quick turnaround.
In December when an executive's vehicle was brought in, Jason realized it had been serviced somewhere else and immediately began inquiring about the situation. He learned that Boeing was planning to outsource the work and take the vehicles directly to the individual automobile dealers, which would have reduced the work load in his shop and possibly resulted in layoffs. Jason brought the matter to the attention of his supervisor, Dale Broughton, emphasizing the importance of keeping this work in-house to preserve jobs and outlining the excellent vehicle maintenance of the past.
Apparently, Jason's argument was very persuasive, as Broughton met with executive car management and convinced them to continue servicing the vehicles at Plant II.
Jason noted, "As soon as I learned they were going to take the vehicles elsewhere, I began voicing my concern and highlighting our strengths. Many times these decisions are made without weighing all the consequences and knowing the full story. Once management understood the importance of keeping the work in-house, along with our excellent service record and the convenience it provides, they met with the executive car management and convinced them to continuing bringing the vehicles here. I hope Stewards in other areas are as vocal and speak up to preserve our jobs and challenge decisions to offload our work."