11-30-09

Economic proposals exchanged today . Company proposed no wage increase . Increase insurance forty percent . Totally unacceptable .

11-29-09

STRIKE COMMITTEE

Dickey Sebastian
Tim Smith
Bobbie Haston
Louise McAbee
D’Aundria Carr


PICKET COMMITTEE

Jean Baker
Shannon Baker
Paul Armstrong
Vickie Emmons
Danny Hooper

STRIKE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Renaee Creson
Jeanette Price
Debbie Morris
Teresa Brandon

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE

Wanda Foxx
Shelia Boardman
Vickie Travis
Cathy West
Lisa Peters
Nicole Ellison


KITCHEN COMMITTEE

Phil Templeton
Harry Stevenson
Wallace Vance
Mike Duggin

SERGEANT AT ARMS

Harold Scott
Butch Carter
Gary Bell
Coleman Glass
Mike Alexander
Clyde Dollar
John Whaley
Adam Mullins

New Post 11-25-09

We only have 1 more week of negotiations left. Last week was a difficult
week but your committee handled it very well and was very firm about the
issues that they believe in.
We had to bring a mediator in last Friday November the 20th. The company
is trying to hold on to having the capability of making you work 11 1/2
hour days at straight time,taking away 3 holidays and not changing
anything to the 2 tier program. Our membership told us loud and clear that
they want some change to the 2 tier and your committee is still fighting
for that change. We need everyone to stand strong,because the message we
send the company is very crucial. We will start back negotiating next
Monday November 30th.All Union members in the plant wear your Union shirts
and your buttons and show that you support this Union and the fight that
we all are fighting for.

The committee

New Post 11-23-09

Friday November 20, 2009
Day 11 of bargaining was spent for the most part discussing one topic. That topic was continuous operation. The Company is attempting to convince us that they have a need to operate some of the fabrication departments twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. This type of operation brings up a whole new set of issues that must be worked out before even considering whether or not to accept it. Holidays, funeral leave, vacation and hours of work are just a few of the problem areas. This subject as well as the Company's reluctance to alter the two tier system will make the final week of negotiations very difficult. Your Union and your committee will do everything possible to get a good contract for the membership. We must have the continued support of each and every member to accomplish this. The message that you send this company is vital. Negotiations will resume on November 30th. With your help inside the plant we will have the best offer possible for you to consider on December the 5th.
Your Committee
--
Business Rep
IAM & AW District 711
1901 Lindell Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203

New Post 11-21-09

Thursday November 19, 2009
Negotiations continued today. This was day ten of bargaining with the parties meeting for eleven hours.
Issues discussed today were mainly non-economic contract language, including bid and bumping language. Job classifications were also discussed.
There was also discussion on the 2 tier wages and benefits for members hired after 2004.
The Company has taken a hard position against eliminating or making any improvements on the two tier.
Your committee has not and will not back away from this issue and will continue to push for the elimination of the two tier.
The Union has proposed the IAM National Pension Plan for all employees covered under the collective bargaining agreement.
Please continue to show your support for your committee and remain united.
Your Committee
--
Business Rep
IAM & AW District 711
1901 Lindell Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203

Committee Names

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Sam Sawyers
Berry Ford
Janice King
Janice Shipp
Tiffany Jones

VOTE COUNTERS

Valerie Roton
Phil Templeton
Wanda Scott
Cheryl Moore
Debbie Rogers
Della Parker

M.N.P.L. COMMITTEE

Dickey Sebastian
Rex Sullivan
Vickie Emmons

New Post 11-20-09

Tuesday November 17, 2009
Today we met with Goodman to discuss Medical Insurance, 401K and Pensions. Mike Davis from Benefit Trust presented a package of medical coverage for the Union. The Union is proposing the same coverage for all employees regardless of their hire date. Company proposals still have the two tier system that has people hired after 2004 on a lesser policy than those hired before that date.
Tim Holt from the IAM National Pension Fund presented a pension plan that would provide all employees with a good pension. The Company is proposing to stay the same 401K plan. We all know how dependable 401Ks are. We will be back at the table tomorrow.
Your Committee--
Business Rep
IAM & AW District 711
1901 Lindell Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203

Negotiations Monday Nov. 16

The company has three proposals that I would like to share . First the company wants a continuous operation . This means you you would work three days for 11.5 hours and one day for 5.5 hours . This would allow the company to stop any overtime and schedule work any day of the week including weekends . Secondly the company wants a zero tolerance drug policy . The company by random selection would choose 10 people to be tested . If you are tested and found to be positive you will be fired for the first offense . The company wants to do away with the last chance . Thirdly the company wants sign a 5 year contract . Danny Hooper

New Post 11-11-09

Negotiations with Goodman will resume on Monday November !6. This Union and your committee are making every effort to represent you in these negotiations. On Tuesday, Goodman is bringing their people from their benefits department. We will be discussing insurance, pensions and 401K. The fact that the Company is bringing in experts on these topics shows their importance in these negotiations. This Union is not entering into these discussions without help. The International will have Tim Holt from our pension department and Carla Hill from our insurance department at the table. The International not only has these people helping us, we will also have an economist, Tazewell Hurst, and we have had the assistance of Grand Lodge Rep Tony Blevins from the Dallas office and Rickey Wallace from District 711 since the beginning. Your Union is doing everything possible to insure that you get the best contract available. The negotiations at the table are only part of the process. We need the help of all our members inside the plant and in the community. Talk about the fact that you are a Union member and the fact that you are very interested in these negotiations. Support your Union and let Goodman and this community know that you support this Union.
We will keep you up to date as these talks progress,

Jerry Benson
Business Rep
IAM & AW District 711
1901 Lindell Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203

Negotiations coming soon

Hey it is great to see the blog up and running. Just wanted to give an update on contract negotiations. The committee will go back into negotiations with the company on Monday 11-16-09. Going into that day we will only have 20 days until we vote on a contract. Lets stand strong and together. United we stand Dived we fall.

Daryl Weir