Justice
took over three years, but an arbitrator's decision on April 22nd
gave 751-member Beverly Valledor her long-awaited vindication
and overturned the Company's unjust termination.Beverly, who has 25 years at Boeing, was ecstatic as Grievance Coordinator Larry Monger delivered the news that she would not only return to her job at Boeing, but would receive full back pay and benefits. Considering she has been off work since January 29, 1999, it will prove to be a very costly mistake for Boeing. As the Aero Mechanic went to print, the actual settlement payment was still being calculated; however, a rough estimate of wages and benefits (including vacation/sick leave, retirement and medical benefits) value the decision at over $205,000.
Beverly declared, "The Union was there for me and never gave up. When Boeing said no, they continued to fight and took my case to arbitration. Without the Union, I would never have got my day in court and had the chance to tell my side of the story. The Union really came through for me."
The Company terminated Beverly for "extended absence" when she attempted to return from an industrial medical leave. The problem arose when Beverly's doctor extended her medical leave. Rather than using a new form, the doctor simply crossed through the dates and faxed it to Boeing. Imagine Beverly's surprise when she reported to medical to return to work and was instead handed termination papers. She tried to explain her side but the Company refused to listen.
Administrative Assistant Ron McGaha, who worked on the case, stated, "The award demonstrates it pays to be Union. The award is equivalent to over 415 years of Union dues."
Business Rep Paul Knebel, who filed the original grievance, noted, "Boeing had plenty of opportunities to do the right thing, but instead forced us to arbitration. The Union is proud to have played a role in ensuring this employee not only gets her job back, but is made whole as though she were never off the payroll."