Mediator calls Parties to Chicago
Mediator Gerry McGuckin called the leadership of the parties to meet in Chicago on April 11th. This one day meeting will be to establish protocol for mediated bargaining. It is expected the mediator will offer future dates at this meeting for the parties to begin negotiations. In this phase of talks negotiation sessions are subject to the mediator's schedule until the parties are released for self help.
Arbitration Cases Started
Last week both the sCO and sUA medical benefit cases were begun in Chicago. As of the writing of this article all parties (union, company, and both arbitrators) were looking for future dates as neither case was concluded. When the dates are finalized they will be reported in the Dispatch.
Joint Board held in Chicago
On Wednesday March 26th, one case was heard before the Board. There were several cases on the docket but the parties settled prior to a hearing. The case that was heard dealt with 145 off site repairs and how inspectors are chosen. The Board remanded the case to the parties for resolution. If the parties cannot come to terms the Board retains jurisdiction and will call the parties to San Francisco to hear any further developments and will then render a decision.
Furloughed members urged to update their addresses
Members on furlough are advised to keep their addresses current with the company while on layoff. It is predicted that there will be many movements this year and there have been several members that have been removed from the seniority list because old addresses were on file
If you are in touch with a furloughed member, please forward this information to them. Updates may be emailed to: [email protected] . The ESC will provide a fax number and ask members to send the address change accompanied with a signature.