Strike Update September 22, 2008

Remember to bring your signed/stamped picket duty card for a speedy transaction to collect your strike benefit check on Saturday!

Click here for a pdf version of Strike Check Q&A, as well as zip code locations for check distribution.

Q. How much is strike pay?
A. Strike pay is $150 per week beginning the third week of the strike.

Q. Where and when do I get my strike check?
A. Every Saturday, beginning September 27. We have reserved check distribution locations at: Evergreen Fairgrounds (14405 179th Ave. SE, Monroe),
Seattle Union Hall (9135 15th Pl. S),
Green River Community College (12401 SE 320th St., Auburn)

NOTE: Your zip code determines your location (click on location above for zip codes). If your zip code is not listed, your checks will be at the Seattle Hall.

Q. Is there a set time for me to pick up my strike benefit check?
A. To keep the lines flowing and not having everyone show up at once, we are asking that you try to pick up your check at the time designated below based on the last digit of your Social Security #.

0 at 8 a.m.	5 at 1 p.m.
1 at 9 a.m.	6 at 2 p.m.
2 at 10 a.m.	7 at 3 p.m.
3 at 11 a.m.	8 at 4 p.m.
4 at Noon	9 at 5 p.m.

Q. Boeing has called me back to work from the recall list. I am honoring the strike, do I receive Union strike benefits?
A. Yes. However, when you become eligible for strike benefits depends on:
a. Date returned to work in relation to strike start date. Everyone is required to complete the two (2) week waiting period first. If your eligibility date falls in the middle of a "pay period" then your strike check will be prorated.
b. All reinstatement or initiation fees must be paid in full before becoming eligible.
c. Must perform strike duties.

Q. If I was on a leave of absence or on vacation when the strike began, when am I eligible to receive Union strike benefit checks?
A. You qualify to receive your first check the third week (have to meet the mandatory two (2) week waiting period first) after the expiration of your leave of absence or the end of your vacation. It will be necessary for you to provide the Union with verification from your doctor of your eligibility to return to work date. Your waiting period starts on that date. You must perform strike duties as soon as possible after becoming eligible for strike benefit checks.

Q. Why do I have to verify my social security number when I pick up my first strike check?
A. Federal Law requires Grand Lodge to report all strike benefits paid in the amount of $600 or more in a calendar year to the Internal Revenue Service.

Q. What if my strike benefit check is not there when I go to pick it up?
A. There may be a problem with your dues or membership. Go to the troubleshooting desk at your check pickup location and they should be able to help you.

Q. I cannot be there to pick up my check. Can I have my spouse or someone else pick up my check?
A. No. All receipts must be signed by the member for whom the check was issued. Each member must personally sign for their check. Checks are not to be given to any person or member other than the one for whom it is intended. Your checks will carryover to the next Saturday. Checks will be distributed on Saturdays only. Please do not go to any of the Union halls during the week expecting to pick up your checks as they will not be available.

Q. I owe dues/fees to the Union but don't have any money to bring myself current. How can I pay so I can get my strike benefit check?
A. If your fees/dues are not current with the Union, then your check will be at the troubleshooting table. The Union will cash your strike benefit check and take any monies owed at that time.

Q. Do I have to do strike duty to get strike check benefits?
A. It is the expectation of Grand Lodge that, in order to be eligible for your strike check benefits, you need to perform the duties assigned by those in charge of the strike.

Q. What do I have to bring with me so I can get my strike benefit check?
A. Picture ID and your picket duty card or verification that you have been doing strike duty.

Q. How do I change the location to pick up my strike check?
A. Contact your local Union hall and submit your request with a secretary between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. In order to move check location for a Saturday, request must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Q. Why can't the strike checks be mailed?
A. Strike checks are issued by the International or Grand Lodge, which is governed by the IAM Constitution. The IAM Constitution requires the member's signature on both the receipt and check stub, as well as verification of their identification. It is an issue of checking identity and accountability.

Q. Why do we only have three locations?
A. We try to make it as convenient as possible and have traditionally split into three locations - a north site, a central site and a south site. Keep in mind it takes literally hundreds of volunteers just to staff three locations. We recognize the high cost of fuel and encourage you to organize a carpool.

REMINDER: Members should be aware of the rules outlined in the IAM Constitution governing the distribution of strike benefits.
Following are some of the conditions which must be met:
* Must collect the checks in person and show picture ID.
* Member must be in good standing with dues paid through August.
* Must perform picket duty.
* Since federal law requires the Union to report all strike benefits over $600 to the IRS, you will be required to verify your Social Security number.

If you would like to volunteer to help with the checks on Saturdays, please call 1-800-763-1301, ext. 3319 (Monday-Friday) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Indicate which location you would like to volunteer for and whether you would like the morning shift (7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or the afternoon shift (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.).

Remember to bring your signed/stamped picket duty card indicating you have completed your picket duty to collect your strike benefit check!