Dear Members,
During the week of January 15, 2010, the Company informed the Union of its’ need to furlough 25 technicians in Bid Area 101 at EWR. The Company claimed that due to current and future facility constraints and reduced Orlando heavy check requirements, Continental will be moving a Boeing 757 twenty-four hour recovery hold aircraft from Newark hangar 55 to the Orlando maintenance facility. Since the announcement there have been many rumors on the floor. In spite of our last two updates many of these rumors still exist. We hope this memo clears up the two most prevalent rumors that we recently received phone calls on.
First, there seems to be a misconception that the number of announced furloughs is 300 and not 25. Article 6 of our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) deals with Reduction in Force (RIF). Our bumping language is quite liberal and gives our members many options in the unfortunate event of a RIF. Because the most senior of the 25 given a RIF notice in EWR has more seniority than the employee almost 300 off the bottom of the system seniority list all those who may potentially be affected must be given a RIF notice. The key word is potential, at the end of the day if the company still has the need to carry out any reductions the total number will be 25 and not 300.
For some reason we have received phone calls stating the Company will be furloughing an additional 50-75 employees. We do not know where this rumor started but the Company has not informed the Union about any potential increase in the number of reductions initially announced.
In a previous update we stated that the Company has informed us they would be reviewing their staffing levels across the system. The Company also said that they believe there are enough openings in the system that there may not be a need for anyone to actually be furloughed if they choose exercise their options to remain employed. Further, they stated there may not be a need for anyone to have to exercise their seniority in a manner that would force them to leave EWR. The Company has not informed the Union of anything different since that update. We are still waiting for the Company to give us the results of their staffing level review and any confirmed plans.
Once the Company informs the Union of their plans concerning current and future staffing levels we will update you all immediately. In the interim, please do not listen to or help give credence to any unsubstantiated rumors.
Thank you for your time concerning this matter and if anyone has any questions feel free to contact us.
In Solidarity,
Local 210-IBT
973-681-2750/51 (Office)
973-681-2752 (Fax)
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