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The following information comes from the Defense Link Website L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $37,704,693 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-05-D-0023) to exercise an option for logistics support for TH-57B/TH-57C aircraft. Work will be performed in Whiting Field, Fla. (99 percent) and Patuxent River, Md. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
TH-57 NEGOTIATION COMMITTEE’s REPORT Friday, February 3, 2006
February 2, 2006: Day one began with an opening statement by both the Company and the Union. Each party laid out their concerns and the hopes for meaningful dialog by which we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement. The Company stated it was satisfied with the long standing working relationship it has developed over the years with the Union. The Union expressed the concerns of the bargaining unit regarding issues that have arisen due to hurricanes, hail storms, and unforeseen situations that have impacted on the membership family’s income. The Union submitted its non-economic proposal to the Company for study and comment. During the first day, one issue was tentatively agreed to. The Company was represented by Mr. Len Rehm, Labor Relations Manager, and Ms. Susan Garrison, TH-57 Business Manager. Your Union Negotiating Committee was represented by all Committee members as listed below. After both parties met, from 0800 to 1630, the Negotiating Committee remained in the Board Room to work on counter proposals to the Company’s two pages of proposals and counter proposals received by the Union on this day. Your committee tirelessly worked until 2330 at the Hampton Inn before going home for a few hours of sleep.
February 3, 2006: Day two started off at 1000 at the negotiations table, with the disappointing news that Ms. Garrison was unable to attend today’s negotiation session due to an illness. We pray that she recovers soon. Ms. Garrison was replaced by Mr. David Carrington, as the local representative for the Company for further discussion of our issues and listening to the Union’s justification of our positions. The Union presented several counter proposals that had been drafted the night before and between 0800 and 1000, prior to meeting with the Company. The Union was attentive to the Company’s positions and justifications. The Committee members were given an opportunity to relay the membership’s issues and reinforce the Business Representatives’ words presented across the table in our behalf. The open dialogue, hopefully, will help resolve some of the issues to progress the Union’s efforts to develop a package that addresses the membership’s concerns. After the Company concluded the days negotiations at approximately 1430, the Committee continued to work and consider avenues that were “within reasonable agreement” for further counter proposals. Unfortunately, the Company’s Labor Relations Managers will not be available to meet with your Negotiating Committee again until March 9, 2006. We have tentatively agreed to meet from March 9, 2006, to the midnight hour of March 17, 2006, if necessary, to get a package to take back to the membership for consideration. Very little movement has been seen from the Company regarding the Union’s proposals. Of course, the Company’s stated position is that the Union has taken few concessions toward the Company’s proposals or language that is necessary for their continued operations of the facilities. The day concluded early and the Committee continued the use of the conference room in an attempt to counter the Company’s stand to keep issues “status quo.”
As we continue the process, we need to ensure that the Company is aware your elected representatives at the table are speaking in your behalf. Your solidarity on the shop floor, work spaces, and flight line will help us all succeed in obtaining a contract that addresses our issues which you indicated were the most important to you in your survey you recently completed.
As always, we remind all workers to follow all Company instructions, work rules, maintenance instructions and be vigilant of all safety rules. We have proven our skills, knowledge and experience to the United States Navy for several years now and must not let up; now or ever. We are dedicated to providing the safest training aircraft for the military that can be provided.
We surveyed the membership and have listed your issues in your contract proposals. Your support of our efforts to obtain your designated goals will only be realized by your voluntary show of support of your Negotiating Committee. Your Union Negotiating Committee is committed to promoting the interest of the membership. We are united in this endeavor. We appreciate the show of support and encourage you to pray for the best and prepare for the worse.
In Solidarity, Your TH-57 Contract Negotiation Committee Tony Howard, TH-57 Committee Chairman
Lou Paroby, TH-57 Committeeman
Rich Hartley, TH-57 Committeeman
Danny Givens, IAMAW District Lodge 75 Business Rep
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