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local LODGE NEWS |
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Brother Brent Bonar
Flying High!
The
Delta program, spanning 60 years, came to a close with the launch of the
final Delta IV Heavy rocket by United Launch Alliance (ULA) on April 9
at 12:53 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space
Force Station, Florida.
The rocket,
carrying the NROL-70 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office,
marks the end of the Delta era and initiates the future of heavy lift on
ULA’s next generation Vulcan rocket.
ULA dedicated this
rocket to several personal by placing their name on the rocket. Brother
Brent Bonar was one of those chosen.
Brother Brent who
passed away last year worked on the RL10 upper stage engines on the
Heavy. He was Local Lodge 971’s Community Service Committeeman.
Brother Brent was a
true serviceman of the community which included trips to Bel Glade area
to build parks community gardens, and several trips to the Bahamas after
Hurricane Dorian to help in after storm aid.
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Local Lodge 971 members from Pratt & Whitney and Aerojet Rocketdyne Attended the Union Sportsmen Alliance on March 16th to participate in the South Florida Sporting Clays Shoot. The event was held at the O.K. Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee. This is the 2nd year for this event in South Florida. Members from unions across Florida competed for prizes as well as participating in raffles. This is also the second year Local 971 has attended.
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation
organization.More than six million active and retired AFL-CIO union
members hunt, fish or shoot. Collectively, they make up the largest
constituency of sportsmen and sportswomen in North America.
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Aerojet Rocketdyne Organizes Team To Walk For Brent
The
Palm Beach County American Heart Association held their annual Heart
Walk on November 11th.
Aerojet Rocketdyne formed a team of over 100 to participate. They
dedicated the walk in past brother Bent Bonar’s name, “We walk for
Brent”. Over $18,555.00 was raised from Team Aerojet. Brother Luc
Pelletier made the donation that put
the group over their $15,000.00 goal. He made the donation in
Local 971 and Brenda Bonar’s name. The weather was perfect for the 5k
walk. The walk started and ended at the Meyer Amphitheater in downtown
West Palm Beach. A total of $1,200,000 was raised from all teams to the
American Heart Association.Thanks to Aerojet’s Suzanne Harper for
helping organizing the team. |
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Local Lodge 971 Mourns The Loss of Brother Bonar Brent Bonar was the Local's Community Service Committeeman. He was true to the Union's motto "Justice on the job, Service to the community" Brother Brent started his aeronautical and IAM career with Eastern Airlines in Miami after graduating from Pittsburg Institute of Aeronautics in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. He returned to Pittsburg after Eastern dissolved and worked at United Airlines for 20 years. He returned to Florida and joined Local 971 and Pratt & Whitney which was later sold to Aerojet Rocketdyne. During his time with Local 971 he helped with lobbying efforts in the Florida State Capital to promote a better life for working families. His life time of volunteering to serve the community and beyond was a perfect fit for the Community Service Committee. Brother Brent promoted other members to join him in activities such as the Turkey Town event to feed the less fortunate at Thanksgiving time. Brother Brent was a shinning example of what it is to be a member of the IAMAW. |
 Brent Bonar (right) Receiving an award from Local 971 for his community service. |
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Local 971 Scores at the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Troy Tompkins, Matt Bonk and Sean Rowell attended the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Clay Shoot in Okeechobee last month. Local 971 sponsored two shooting stations. Troy won 1st place in the Military Veterans division and Matt Bonk won a 20 gauge Beretta Shotgun.
The Union Sportsmen Alliance’s mission is to unite community through
conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. They engage,
educate and organize Union members, their families and like-minded
individuals who share a passion for hunting, fishing, shooting sports
and the great outdoors.
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Business Representative Election There will be an election for District Business Representative on December 18th at the Old Town Hall Park, 1000 Townhall Ave., Jupiter Polls will be open 12:00 noon - 7:00pm. This is an important election. The Business Representative handles our Local's third step grievances, arbitrations, and contract negotiations. |
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P&W Shop Stewards Elections Results Shop Committee Areas 1,2,3, 3A,4,5 - First Shift (Manufacturing Building & Special Technologies) *Reinaldo Gonzalez Shop Committee Areas 1,2,3, 3A,4,5 - Second Shift (Manufacturing Building & Special Technologies) *Sean Rowell Shop Steward Area 3A, Gate 3 - Second Shift (GTF MRO) *Bashar Eid |
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International
Workers' Memorial Day April 28 A day of remembrance for those who were injured or died on the job. |
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Local 971 Holds Shop Steward Training
Local Lodge 971 held a Shop Committee / Steward training session last
March 4the.
Shop Committee members from Pratt & Whitney, Aerojet Rocketdyne and SBM
attended.
Instructor John Gall went over the grievance procedures of all three
contracts along with how to write and present a grievance.
Labor law pertaining to stewards and employees was also included.
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Union Raytheon Reaffirms CBA The Union met with the Raytheon team the week
of January 11th to reaffirm the 5 year collective bargaining
agreement (CBA). The discussions were focus on no economic contract
language. No major changes were made to the existing CBA. The following minor changes were jointly agreed
on.
Article VII – Grievance Procedure, Section 3 (c) A 45 day maximum time was added to choosing
arbitrators for grievances at the arbitration step. In the past there
was no time limit.
Article XII – Vacation Section
5: Added changes calculating vacation for employees transferring
from other Raytheon sites to maximize their vacation payout for the
first year. Section
6 (a): Added changes to calculations for vacation payment for
employees on death, resignation, retirement or layoff to receive maximum
vacation payout. Section
6 (b): Clarified languages on vacation payout for terminated
employees. Section
12 (a), Section 13: Clarified languages on calculating vacation
payout for employees on disability and workmen’s compensation. Section
14: Clarification and an added time line for notification (September
30th) to employees to use, or not, their vacation before the end of the
year.
Article XV -
Sick / Personal Time 1 (b):
Removed the six month requirement language for new employees to receive
sick / personal leave. |
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2023 -2024 Shop Committee / Stewards – Pratt & Whitney Shop Stewards Area 1, 1st shift: Drew Coverstone Area 1, 2nd Shit: Antonio Luis Area 2, 1st Shift: Alex Galler Area 2, 2nd Shift: Open Area 3, 1st Shift: Ryan Murphy Area 3, 2nd Shift: Rick Porchia Area 3A, 1st Shift: Miguel Ocando Area 3A, 2nd Shift: Alberto Gonzalez Area 4, 1st Shift: Erwin Cotto Area 4, 2nd Shift: Open Area 5, 1st Shift: Open Area 5, 2nd Shift: Michael Grapski Area 6, 1st Shift: Randy Guncheon Area 6, 2nd Shift: Chris Barcenas Area 7, 3rd Shift: Carlos Vasquez Safety Stewards Jeff Spaw – Chairman, William Hales, Walter Peregory Committeemen Area 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5 - 1st Shift: Earl Erwin Area 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5 – 2nd Shift: Jermaine Phillip Area 6, 1st Shift: Mike Goodwin Area 6, 2nd Shift: Chris Fowler Committeeman At Large: Tim Coverstone – Shop Chairman Job Evaluation Committeeman: Troy Tompkins, Kriss Rubenstein Areojet Rocketdyne Shop Stewards Area 1: Todd Schwier Area 2: Chris Lang Area 3: Eric Longshore Safety Stewards: Elio Avila - Chairman, Frank Allen, Matthew Keith Shop Committee Area 1 & 3: David Dray Area 2: Seith Kegley Committeeman At Large: Barry Scott |
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Summary of
COVID-19 Vaccine Policy Effects Bargaining between Aerojet Rocketdyne
and IAMAW Local 971 October 28th,
2021
Paid time off to receive
vaccination Up to a 4-hour
maximum of paid time will be provided for reasonable travel and wait
time (if any) in order to receive a COVID-19 vaccination (2 hours per
vaccination shot). Employees will be paid up to 2 days for time off due
to reaction to vaccine (up to one day per vaccination shot).
Special Recall Rights If an employee is
separated from employment on December 8, 2021 (should the government
requirement change the company will reassess its policy timelines) they
will retain special recall rights for a period of 90 days. The Company
will make every attempt possible to notify the union ahead of
company-wide publication. Special recall
rights will apply as follows: Separated
employees must be fully vaccinated to be eligible for special recall. Separated
employees must inform West Palm Beach Human Resources of full
vaccination status and provide vaccination documentation as a
requirement for rehire. Employees will
return to their previous position within the same Non-interchangeable
Occupational Group, in their same prior labor grade and will retain
their same prior rate of pay. Such recall
rights will only be available if the company has an open position in the
Non-interchangeable Occupation group. The employee could apply to an
open position in another Non-Interchangeable Occupational group and will
have priority consideration.
Reasonable
Accommodations/Exemption Employees to
submit reasonable accommodation/exemption requests through
exemptionrequest@rocket.com. There will be an automatic review process
for any declined exemption. The local HR team will communicate with any
employee whose exemption request is declined. An employee who
submits a timely (on or before November 1, 2021) exemption request, and
does not have a company response as of December 8, 2021, will receive a
temporary accommodation (most likely a weekly testing program) and
continue active employment until a response is provided.
Application of Collective Bargaining Agreement Provisions Employees who are terminated by the Company on or after December 8, 2021 for vaccine policy non-compliance, will receive all benefits afforded to them in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
An employee that has
started their vaccination, but is not fully vaccinated by December 8,
2021, will continue active employment and receive a temporary
accommodation (most likely a weekly testing program) until they obtain
full vaccination status (2 weeks after receiving last vaccine in the
regiment). The employee will have up to 6 weeks after their first
vaccine shot date to obtain full vaccination status.
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The Union and company met Oct. 7 & 8 for effects bargaining on the Raytheon
Vaccine Mandate. Below are the results:
Paid time
off to receive vaccination
If COVID-19
paid leave (0224) is exhausted, up to a 4-hour maximum of paid time
(0214) will be provided for reasonable travel and wait time (if any) in
order to receive a
COVID-19 vaccination.
Job
retention
If employees
do not disclose their vaccination status by October 15, 2021, they need
to receive at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine between October 15,
2021 and October 31, 2021 to retain their position. Following
vaccination, employees must complete their disclosure of vaccination by
October 31, 2021 and present proof of vaccination to West Palm Beach
Human Resources.
Special
recall rights
If an employee
is separated from employment on October 31, 2021, they will retain
special recall rights for a period of 180 days.
If an employee
is separated from employment on January 1, 2022, they will retain
special recall rights for a period of 90 days.
Special recall
rights applied as follows:
· Employees
must be fully vaccinated to be eligible for special recall.
· Employees
to inform their prior union committeeman of full vaccination status.
· Employees
will return to an open position within the same Non-interchangeable
Occupational Group, in their same prior labor grade and will retain
their same prior rate of pay.
· Employees
will retain their hourly seniority in effect at the time of their
separation.
· Employees
must disclose their fully vaccinated status per company requirements.
Reasonable Accommodations/Exceptions
Employees to
submit reasonable accommodation/exception requests through People
Services. If a reasonable accommodation/exception request is denied,
employees may consult with West Palm Beach Human Resources.
Application of Collective Barraging Agreement Provisions
Employees who
terminate on January 1, 2022, will receive all benefits afforded to them
in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Ratification Bonus (Letter XIV)
will be paid as $1,500 cash. The union
negotiation team started with just the company’s vaccination plan. The
union was able to negotiate terms for those choosing not be vaccinated
and for those who choose to retire.
This negotiation was against a Federal Mandate. Final date and
requirement to be vaccinated were non-negotiable for the company and the
union per the federal mandate.
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Safety Is Not Just
A Word
Recently there was an accident that almost
took the life of one of our members. An incident like this is a reminder
to all of us to reevaluate safety while performing our jobs.
Safety isn’t just following a procedure or wearing the proper personal
protection equipment (PPE). Safety is a mindset, a culture. One of the
best ways to protect ourselves on the job is to practice safety off the
job.
We can start by being aware of potential hazards around us at home. An
open oven door left unattended could cause a trip hazard or serious
burn. Mowing the law without eye or foot protection could cause physical
harm.
Make safety a mindset. By doing this we will recognize possible hazards
and ways to avoid them automatically, at home and in the workplace.
Safety On The Job:
Wear proper PPE. · If
the required PPE hinders your job requirement contact your supervisor.
He will contact the area EH&S representative for an evaluation to
correct the problem.
Help Your
Co-workers:
· If
you see a co-worker performing a task unsafely approach them and show
them the correct safe way to perform the task.
Use The RIDII
System:
· Report
It Don’t Ignore It. If you see a hazard report it through the RIDII
system via the West Palm Beach home page or report it to your
supervisor.
Getting injured
on the job not only affects you. Your actions could put your co-workers
in harms way. Your family will have to care for you or in an extreme
situation be tasked to plan your funeral.
WORK SAFE. THINK
SAFE. LIVE SAFE! |
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IAM Local 971 Has Change of Leadership
March 5,2021 Local 971 President Martin Spiro passed away. Marty was a
D.O. Test Mechanic and had 48 years with Pratt & Whitney. He has been
retired for 4 days.
At this time there has been no mention of any ceremonial services.
As per the IAM Constitution Vice President Luc Pelletier has assumed the
position of the President.
As per the IAM Constitution and the Local Lodge Bylaws Luc Pelletier has
appointed John Gall to the position of Vice President. |
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United Way Drive at P&W Under Way Pratt & Whitney has started their United Way campaign for 2020. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic major changes had to be made. Donation events are now virtual. There are many working family members in our area that have been laid off due to the pandemic. Many have had to rely on community food pantries for the first time. This puts more needs for United Way agencies. You should be receiving an email from your union at work with information how to pledge. You can also download a Pledge Form here and turn it in to your supervisor after completing it. Please watch the following video and make a pledge this holiday season. |
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Palm Beach Treasure Coast AFL-CIO Feeds Union Members The Palm Beach Treasure Coast AFL-CIO set up a drive through food bank on September 4th to feed out of work union members. |
 IAM Local 971 and PBTC AFL-CIO Executive Board member John Gall addresses reports at the food drive. |
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The Origins Of Labor Day George Washington did not chop down the cherry tree. St. Patrick did not drive the snakes out of Ireland. Toads do not cause warts and a carpenter named Peter McGuire was not the father of Labor Day. The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City with parades, picnics and speakers on September 5, 1882. It was sponsored by the New York Central Labor Union. The secretary of the New York Central Labor Union was a machinist named Matthew Maguire. From the beginning the Labor Day parade and picnic was the idea of Matthew Maguire the machinist. The resolution proclaiming the 5th of September, 1882 as a general holiday for the working men of this city was promulgated by Matthew Maguire the machinist. The invitations were sent out several weeks earlier over the name Mathew Maguire the machinist. On this first Labor Day, 1882, Peter McGuire, the carpenter, was not even a member of the New York Central Labor Union. Peter McGuire was but one of the many speakers. But apparently he had a good time at Matthew Maguire's parade and picnic. Because a few weeks later he proposed "a harvest festival of universal rejoicing for organized labor" in an article for a local union publication. And fifteen years later he anointed himself "the father of Labor Day" This misrepresentation of the facts stood unchallenged for more than three-quarters of a century because Matthew Maguire, the machinist, was a quiet and modest man. He never boasted of his role in proposing and planning that first Labor Day. But the McGuire myth was finally exploded by a retired machinist named Perlman. Digging through old newspapers, union archives and labor records from New York to Seattle, he has proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that at the original celebration of Labor Day a carpenter named Peter McGuire was nothing more than one of many guests of the man who proposed and planned it all - a machinist named Matthew Maguire. Matthew Maguire held dues book no. 217 in the IAM. |
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Helping Hurricane Dorian Survivors
Brother
Brent Bonar, Local 971 Community Service Committeeman, has been busy
since Hurricane Dorian slammed into the Bahamas Islands.
He has spent numerous hours collecting, packing and shipping
supplies to the Bahamas. But that’s just the start.
Once the supplies were ship to the islands help was needed to
unload and distribute the items.
Brother Bonar didn’t think twice to raise his hand and
volunteer. Working through his church, Christ Fellowship of Palm Beach
Gardens, he has joined a crew that is building new homes in the Harken
Estate and Hudson Estate areas. All supplies and furnishing are being
donated by the church.
Over 45 sheets of drywall were hung as well as installing new
kitchens and baths including appliances. Owners were asked ahead of time
what their color preferences were. |
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Turkey Town Does It Again
IAM Local 971 Community Service Committeeman
Brent Bonar along with IAM 971 members volunteered at this year’s Big
Heart Brigade preparing Thanks Giving Meals for those in need.
Brothers Matt Croyle, Jermaine Phillips and Joe Kapalo along with other
volunteers helped prepare 26,873 Thanksgiving Dinners.
Even baseball legend Johnny Bench pitched in a helping hand.
Turkey Town By The Numbers:
6,685 lbs. of stuffing
7,070 lbs. of potatoes
6,755 lbs. green beans
2,310 lbs. gravy 1.57 miles of aluminum foil |
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Helping Hurricane Dorian Survivors
Brather
Brent Bonar, Local 971 Community Service Committeeman, has taken the
Machinist's motto "Justice on the Job, Service To The Community" to a
whole new meaning. Brother Bonar has been busy since Hurricane Dorian
slammed into the Bahamas Islands.
He has spent numerous hours collecting, packing and shipping supplies to
the Bahamas. But that’s just the start.
Once the supplies were ship to the islands help was needed to unload and
distribute the items.
Brother Bonar didn’t think twice to raise his hand and volunteer.
Working through his church, Christ Fellowship of Palm Beach Gardens, he
has joined a crew that is building new homes in the Harken Estate and
Hudson Estate areas. All supplies and furnishing are being donated by
the church.
Over 45 sheets of drywall were hung as well as installing new kitchens
and baths including appliances. Owners were asked ahead of time what
their color preferences were.
Convoy of Hope shipped the supplies over. |
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LLocal Lodge 971’s Community Service Committeeman Brother Brent Bonar The Union presented Brother Brent with a plaque along with $150.00 Visa gift card to share with his wife. The presentation was held at last month’s union meeting.
Brent has been involved with the Big Hart Brigade which supplies
thousands of dinners to the less fortunate at Thanksgiving. He also
volunteers his time in the western community planting community gardens,
sprucing up parks and house repairs for those in need. Brent also helps
the Palm Beach Treasure Coast AFL-CIO (PBTC) with their projects like
the Workers Memorial Day events.
He helped distribute financial aid to our members through the PBTC
AFL-CIO after hurricane Irma. Using the AFL-CIO’s United Way Labor Line
Item Fund qualifying members were eligible for cash and gift cards from
home supply stores to make repairs.
Brent works with the Christian Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens
which he is a member.
Brent works in the Test Area for Aerojet Rocketdyne. He is always
looking for volunteers. We’ll post upcoming events with contact
information so our members can participate.
We all win when we help those in our areas which helps strengthen our
communities.
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President John Gall presenting Brent Bonar for his service to the community. |
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Louie Gets A Gold Card
Loue retired as a Grand Lodge Representative from the Southern Territory
but continues to pay full union dues.
He worked for Eastern Airlines and moved up the ladder in the Machinist
organization. He has served the union membership throughout the years
helping to progress the members in the South.
He stays active today participating in a youth mentoring program in the
local schools.
Lou received the honorary Gold Membership Card presented to him by
General Vice President of the Southern Territory Mark Blondin.
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 FSCM Vice President John Gall, Louie Brogna, General Vice President Southern Territory Mark Blondin, FSCM President Frank Ortis |
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UNION MEETING April 29th Old Town Hall Park 1000 Townhall Ave. Jupiter Exexcutive Board Meeting: 6:30pm General Meeting: 7:00pm |
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