2002
brought more than just a new year for 14 Union members who previously
worked for Boeing in the 18-236 building in Kent. On January 11th,
these proud Union members became employees of GKN Aerospace Chem-tronics
and continued to have IAM District 751 as their voice at the bargaining
table. The ratification of the IAM contract ended months of anxiety
and frustration, as workers had struggled for months to get accurate
information and sort through the resulting rumors. In January,
Boeing sold the shop to GKN as part of their asset utilization
program.After hearing about the proposed sale, the Union met with affected employees to discuss their concerns and ensure they would continue to perform this work. When the sale was finalized, employees had to chose whether they wanted to remain with Boeing and face potential layoff or go to work for GKN under a union-negotiated contract.
GKN provides employees something Boeing has not delivered to its workers - job security. GKN is already looking to pick up additional floor space and expand the operation. Since the contract was ratified on December 13, two new employees have been hired (one a laid-off 751 member) and there is talk of creating a second shift.
"I'm glad to work for a company that is looking to grow and expand their business rather than searching for ways to get rid of my job," stated Todd Bowne. "GKN is aggressively seeking additional manufacturing work, providing us proper training and purchasing state-of-the-art equipment."
District 751 President Mark Blondin complimented the members stating, "These members stayed united and strong throughout the sale, which was very stressful because so much was unknown. They should be proud of their first contract, which laid a good foundation for future negotiations."
One worker noted, "After getting
over the initial shock of Boeing selling our shop, I look forward
to getting in on this business from the start and hope we develop
additional product lines in the future. GKN is willing to invest
in its employees - with training and state-of-the-art technology
-- a sign they should be around for years to come. At Boeing,
no one felt secure or appreciated for their contribution. While
we still work in the same building on the same machines, the atmosphere
has changed and feels less tense."The sale was puzzling to those familiar with the very specialized work performed in the shop. Boeing spent millions in the past four years to install the electron-beam welding equipment to obtain the capability to work on titanium parts. Now that the equipment is finally up and running and the employees have received proper training - Boeing sold the operation.
Several members felt they were played as a "pawn" in Boeing's global game. David Barrie noted, "We found out this was in the works for two years - yet we only learned about the sale a few months ago. Boeing betrayed and abandoned us -- even though we dedicated years to the company. I'm glad the Union was there to protect our rights and interests."