TWU Local 514 President
Dale Danker
514 Members,
I hope everyone enjoyed some time off with family and friends over the holidays. It is disappointing that in Negotiations the importance of Base closure was not taken seriously by the union leadership. In secrecy, they negotiated parts of this contract that are negatively impacting those in Tulsa. I know one of our own International Reps made the statement that his guys never liked base closure so he didn’t present it, others heard him say it.
In any event that’s just one thing impacting us. I have a total of 16 Presidential grievances and over 200 sent to the GRB waiting for the possibility that the Association’s leaders will approve us or someone to get to arbitration on these issues.
There are many issues but here’s a list of a few things we are battling the company on.
1. Continuing to reduce Saturday/Sunday shifts and putting more people on Tuesday/ Wednesday off.
2. Crew chief to crew dodge-ball picking.
3. Denying DAT/Comp days.
4. The way they run vacation.
5. The way they change bid areas and locations every 4 months.
6. The way they have vendors doing our facilities work.
7. The punitive sick call points system.
8. No answers on Javits seniority protests.
9. Removing inspection work and giving it to AMT.
10. Not keeping up with safety issues on the base.
And always Association and IAM issues.
That’s the shortlist. As I walk the floor on all shifts the story is the same. The company continues to say we are on their team. I view it like this.
Company speaking, “you guys are on our team and we want your ideas and input”
TWU member speaking, ” hey boss I’ve got an idea that might be a win-win for all of us”
Company Boss reply, ” look I told you you’re a team member now shut up and do as we say”
TWU member talking to his friends afterward, “Well fellas it looks like there’s gonna be plenty of Overtime money, they are gonna do it their way”.
That’s the way I see it, folks.
We are still working to understand HIPAA vs ADA rights, Covid19 company rules that change frequently, Vax or no Vax, exemptions, and the recent Supreme Court ruling.
The company continues to tell us that improvements to the Tulsa base are happening and will continue for years to come. Also, new buildings will be built and older buildings will be torn down.
The company continues to hire new employees into the Tulsa base and I am thankful for that. The membership that hired in from 20 to 25 years ago have been on the bottom for so long. Additional headcount is a good thing.
To the IAM members in Tulsa. The TWU will continue to help you in any way we can. I understand it’s difficult to get your union to answer or return a phone call.
Dr Martin Luther King day will be observed this Monday. Enjoy the negotiated holiday and remember the fight for equality is never going to end.
As always my cell member is 918-636-6089. I’m available 24/7 and if your shop or dock would like me to come out and visit please call or text(no voicemails please). I would be happy to come out on your shift to visit and take questions.
2021 was another year with too many deaths.
Stay safe and thank you for allowing me to represent you.
Dale Danker
President TWU Local 514