Monthly Publication September 2015
Prof and Tech negotiations Member survey www.speea.org
Prof and Tech contracts Nominating Committee for Negotiations Team The Nominating Committee, shown here, coordinates the application process and conducts interviews for the Prof and Tech Negotiation Teams. Application details will be coming soon to www.speea.org. Shown here, from left, are Behyar Goudarzian, secretary, Doug Brazeal, chair, Heinz Holzinger and Karen Karonis. Not shown: Mike Shea, vice chair. See more – page 2. Mike Shea
Unions secure Get to know Council SPEEA pilot layoff support –4 officers – 6-7 an ATF – 10 Volume 59, Number 9, September 2015 ISSN 0194-8687 President Ryan Rule Executive Director Ray Goforth Executive Board Bob Wilkerson Treasurer Jimmie Mathis Secretary Members of the Negotiation Prep Committee are shown here (above: Tukwila and below: Everett) at a meeting last month. They are working on member surveys to determine priorities for upcoming negotiations. Joel Funfar NW Regional VP Brent McFarlane NW Regional VP Shannon Moriarty NW Regional VP Prof and Tech contracts Keith Covert MW Regional VP SPEEA Council Officers Theryl Johnson Chair Gearing up for negotiations Nikki Wagener Treasurer Members of the Prof and Tech bargaining units are gearing up for contract negotiations. Sandra Hastings Secretary Midwest Regional Council Officers Negotiation Prep Mark Gayer Chair Committee Matthew Joyce Treasurer One of the first steps in pre- Melisa Lowe Secretary paring for negotiations is Northwest Regional Council Officers finding out what’s important Tony Hickerson Chair to members in the upcom- Orlando De Los Santos Treasurer ing contract talks. Members James Raskob Secretary of the Negotiation Prep SPEEA Publications Committee are conducting a brief online survey (the first Bill Dugovich Communications Director of several) to ask members Lori Dupuis Graphic Designer/Web Developer about workplace issues and Karen McLean Publications Editor top priorities. Amber Musselman Communications Support The committee is also working [email protected] • www.speea.org on member outreach, through lunchtime meet- ings, for example, with topics such as ‘Intro to published monthly by: Negotiations.’ Ask your Council Rep to schedule Society of Professional Engineering Employees Act today! in Aerospace, IFPTE Local 2001, AFL-CIO, CLC a lunchtime meeting in your area. Take the online contract survey 15205 52nd Ave S • Seattle, WA 98188 • (206) 433-0991 at www.speea.org Negotiations Nominating Reproduction rights reserved. No part of this publication may be Display SPEEA visibility items – reproduced without permission. When permission is granted, mate- Committee including the ‘Be Prepared’ negotiations card rial must be used in context and credit given to the SPEEA SPOTLITE. The Nominating Committee coordinates the Attend Original articles and feedback are solicited. application process for the negotiation teams as a lunchtime meeting – ask your well as interviewing the candidates. Council Rep to schedule Subscription rate: $2.00 per year. Get active – join a SPEEA committee $2.00 of the annual membership dues is paid as a The nominating committee includes Doug year’s subscription to the SPEEA SPOTLITE. Brazeal, Council Rep and chair, Mike Shea, Talk to your Council Rep (contact informa- Council Rep and vice chair, Behyar Goudarzian, tion at www.speea.org – Member Tools/Find POSTMASTER: Address changes to: The SPEEA SPOTLITE, secretary and Area Rep, Karen Karonis, Council Your Council Rep) 15205 52nd Ave S, Seattle WA 98188. Rep, and Heinz Holzinger, Area Rep. By serving Periodicals Postage Paid at Seattle, Washington Sign up on the nominating committee, they are auto- for home email at www.speea.org and text SPEEA to 30644 matically ineligible to apply for their bargaining SEATTLE HALL unit negotiation team. Look for more updates at www.speea.org. 15205 52nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98188 Negotiation Team application – details com- M-Th, 8 am to 5 pm • Fri, 8 am to 4:30 pm ing soon. Phone: (206) 433-0991 • 1 (800) 325-0811 Negotiation Team elections Correction EVERETT HALL Council Reps will vote early next year on five In the August Spotlite article on the Puget Sound 2414 106th Street SW, Everett, WA 98204 members for their bargaining unit (Prof or Tech) Labor Agency (Celebrating 40 years of caring), M-Fri, 8 am to 4:30 pm teams. Members of the two teams participate in the non-profit number was listed incorrectly for Phone: (425) 355-2883 training and work with staff to negotiate with Fred Meyer Community Rewards program. The The Boeing Company based on input from the correct number is 93350. WICHITA HALL members, case histories and market analysis. 973 S Glendale St, Wichita, KS 67218 M-Th, 8:30 am to 5 pm • Fri, 8 am to 4:30 pm Prof and Tech contracts expire Oct. 6, 2016. Phone: (316) 682-0262 2 SPEEA SPOTLITESEPTEMBER 2015 President's Corner By Ryan Rule, SPEEA President Recognizing our bond with Machinists and other unions ith the majority of our members shar- mitment to work together, the SPEEA Executive Recognizing our common issues and work ing Boeing as our employer, SPEEA Board and Machinists District Lodge 751 recent- with fellow union members is appropriate with and Machinists District Lodge 751 ly approved a joint statement of support. While Labor Day, Sept. 7, almost here. First proposed Wmembers have always shared the bond of being it is sometimes easy to forge agreements and in 1882, the idea to establish a federal holiday co-workers, as well as union brothers and sisters. then let them fade into the background, this recognizing the contribution of workers finally Working jointly this past year to bring account- statement is different – our unions are already became a reality in 1894. Frequently, Labor Day ability to Washington State’s Aerospace Tax cooperating, collaborating and working together. is seen primarily as the end of summer; however, Preferences resulted in almost daily communi- The statement is actually our commitment to it is much more than that as it honors our work cations between our staffs and leaders. That work continue. as engineers, technical workers, pilots, machin- has ebbed somewhat with the legislature out of Of course the Machinists are not the only union ists, fire fighters, truck drivers, security guards session, but with our two bills and the need still at Boeing SPEEA regularly works with. As a and every American worker. It’s our day to enjoy! alive, the joint work continues. member of the Coalition of Labor Unions at The renewed certification of Trade Adjustment Boeing (CLUB), we work issues and cooperate Assistance (TAA) for laid off Boeing workers is whenever possible with all the unions at Boeing. Joint statement of support another example of SPEEA and the Machinists CLUB unions recently sent a letter inviting new SPEEA – IAM Lodge 751 Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg to meet, and working together on an important issue to Recognizing the inherent bond among the help our members and other Boeing employees we are hopeful that this may take place in the near future. manufacturing and engineering workforce at who were victims of layoff. District Lodge 751 The Boeing Company, IAM District Lodge President Jon Holden has my personal thanks SPEEA also works with many other unions 751 and SPEEA, IFPTE Local 2001, agree for taking the lead to prepare and file for this individually and as members of labor councils to cooperate, collaborate and work together important benefit. This help from the IAM is in Washington, Kansas, Oregon and California. when possible on issues that impact our rep- even more significant when we take into account Members working at Spirit AeroSystems and resented employees. that more SPEEA members than Machinists Triumph Composite Systems extend our expertise Approved Aug. 6, 2015 were laid off during the past year. beyond Boeing into the supplier network. It is also To recognize and formalize our two unions’ com- a regular practice for members and staff to visit labor councils and offices while on union travel. Area Reps help with outreach anizheh Sedghinasab, a technical ana- Bair has another good reason to get lyst, does not shy away from a prob- involved in SPEEA – she wants to help lem. She wanted to know more about with communication regarding nego- MSPEEA, so she asked a lot of questions. tiations. “That’s the biggest reason – Now she’s a Council Rep who wants to get more because I hope to make a difference Area Reps to help her share information from next time,” said Bair, who works in 787 and to SPEEA – particularly with negotiations customer engineering. on the horizon. Sedghinasab is thrilled to have the help “I wanted to learn,” she said about her decision to with member outreach and communi- cation. Already, she said people are coming to Manizheh Sedghinasab, center, is shown here at a fill a Council Rep vacancy. “The best way for me Northwest Council meeting next to Council Rep Jim Lee. to learn was to help people. With contract nego- her with questions related to SPEEA. SPEEA Treasurer Bob Wilkerson is seated behind her. tiations coming up, I wanted to be a part of it.” “To meet more than 200 people (average dis- She also reached out right away to recruit more trict size) on a one-by-one basis is not easy,” said Area Reps for the Tech district E-8 in Everett. Sedghinasab, who works in Knowledge Based Page Engineering. “But if something comes up to the Trade Act a lifeline, but sign of deeper problems...... 4 Laura Bair is one of the Area Rep, they can refer them to me.” people who responded State legislators deserve more credit...... 5 to the request for more Area Reps such as Bair will go a long way toward A closer look at SPEEA’s newly elected Council officers...... 6-7 helping with that goal. members to sign up as Good times with SPEEA ...... 7 Area Rep. Sign up as Area Rep IFPTE convention: 'We’ll win if we stick together’...... 8 “I chose to sign up to Labor training offers ‘eye-opening’ perspective...... 9 Interested in working with your district’s Council become an Area Rep to Next steps on ‘bridge’ benefits lawsuit...... 9 learn more about SPEEA,” Rep to share information and help answer ques- Pilot offers navigation tips for ATF application...... 10 Bair said, “so I can then tions? Talk to your Council Rep, who can pro- vide visibility tools and training to help. ‘Breakthrough Leadership training...... 11 Laura Bair turn around and share that knowledge with my INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION peers.” OF PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL ENGINEERS Local 2001, AFL-CIO, CLC 3 SPEEA SPOTLITESEPTEMBER 2015 Trade Act Unions secure continuation of federal layoff support fter heavy scrutiny, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) recently determined workers in Washington laid off by Boeing Aare eligible to apply for federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA or “Trade Act”). Learn about layoff tools at SPEEA Machinists District Lodge 751, in partnership SPEEA hosts informational sessions for members to learn more about layoff benefits and job retraining options. Shown with SPEEA and the Washington State Labor here at a meeting earlier this year were presenters (from left): Charles Best Jr., director of the King County Reemployment Council (WSLC), AFL-CIO, petitioned for TAA Support Center – Worker Center, AFL-CIO, Antje Koenig, WorkSource Seattle-King County and Fran Kwak, King County Community and Technical Colleges. Linda Collins, Washington State Employment Security Department (not shown), also benefits in May in anticipation of the certificate presented. The next meeting is at SPEEA headquarters, Monday, Sept. 14. See details at www.speea.org (Northwest calendar). expiring on June 12. TAA helps industries and workers adversely impacted by international trade. Legislative Corner “TAA rarely makes someone whole after losing a good job, but it is the best possible reemployment support available in what can be a devastating time,” said Chelsea Orvella, SPEEA legislative Trade Act a lifeline, but sign director. The new certification is retroactive to June of deeper problems 12 and covers union and non-union layoffs from, By Chelsea Orvella one of the most difficult times in a person’s life. or supporting, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. SPEEA legislative director TAA operates differently, however, at the policy Triumph Composite Systems (Spokane) and he recent certification of the federal Trade level than where the rubber meets the road for laid- Spirit AeroSystems (Wichita) are currently cer- Adjustment Assistance (TAA) benefits for off workers. For people who lose their jobs, it is a tified by separate petitions filed by IAM and laid-off workers at Boeing Commercial lifeline and often an opportunity for a new career. SPEEA. TAirplanes in Washington is great news. In terms of the public policies that shape our If determined eligible (individual basis), workers In my career, I’ve worked with TAA in several dif- country, TAA is a band-aid for the deeper prob- using TAA may receive extended income sup- ferent capacities - first for Congressman Smith, a lems – namely the loss of good, middle-class jobs port, paid tuition, relocation assistance and other key figure in expanding the federal program, next – caused by flawed international trade policies and benefits otherwise not available. at the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC), the growing weight of shareholder profits over “Every laid-off member should seek out the AFL-CIO, assisting dislocated workers and now investments in workers and communities. program immediately after their last day on the at SPEEA, IFPTE Local 2001. Still, in recently talking to a former SPEEA job – whether they think they will use the ben- There is no other state or federal dislocated worker member laid off from Boeing, I am reminded efits or not,” said Orvella. “There are important program that comes close to offering the income, how valuable the TAA program can be in some- deadlines they don’t want to miss.” tuition, relocation and other reemployment sup- one’s life. His path forward after losing his job port available through TAA. was not without financial stress and con- The benefits ease the strain cerns about the future for himself and his Trade Adjustment Assistance of unemployment during family. Yet, using TAA, he is completing a Bachelor of Applied Science degree and is enthusiastic about getting his foot in Laid-off workers from The Boeing Company in Eligibility the door in a new, cutting-edge industry. Washington may be eligible to apply for train- ing, income support, and other benefits through • Worked for or support- He offered the advice that TAA is not for the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance program ed Boeing Commercial the faint of heart. It can be difficult to (TAA or ‘Trade Act’). Airplane (BCA) pro- navigate the forms and steps to receive grams or products the financial support. Individual workers have Laid-off workers receive a letter detailing the to apply for benefits within certain time limits benefits and next steps. • Laid off between April 26, 2012 and August 6, 2017 and then doggedly pursue the support needed to Benefits include: make the program work for them. With perse- • Live or work for Boeing in Washington verance, this former SPEEA member navigated • Out-of-area job search allowances state* TAA to ultimately begin an exciting new career. • Relocation assistance * Separate petitions (filed by SPEEA and the In Washington, TAA is administered at • Training/tuition assistance Machinists) cover Triumph Composite Systems, WorkSource offices throughout the state. For • Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) - Spokane, and Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita more information about TAA and applying for income support Learn more at www.speea.org (Member Tools/ benefits, visit www.speea.org (look for Layoff • Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance Layoff Information). Information button.) (RTAA) for older workers At a glance
4 SPEEA SPOTLITESEPTEMBER 2015 State legislators I SUPPORT deserve more credit SPEEA delegates join hundreds of other labor representatives at the Washington State Tax Incentive tate legislators may not receive the same Labor Council convention at SeaTac. Accountability amount of attention as their federal breth- ren, but they should. I recently attended
District Lodge Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) 751 Sthe National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and was impressed with what I saw. The state law- Labor statewide stands makers asked thought-provok- with SPEEA/IAM on accountability ing questions of panelists, clearly mong the many resolutions voted on its workforce within the state”; and understood com- at this year’s Washington State Labor WHEREAS, hundreds of aerospace companies, plex processes Council (WSLC), AFL-CIO, conven- receiving millions of dollars in aerospace tax like redistricting, Ation, hundreds of delegates voted unanimously incentives, are paying thousands of aerospace and had histori- to support tax incentive accountability. workers less than $15 per hour; and cal knowledge The resolution, initially passed unanimously of legislation to WHEREAS, after the November 8, 2013 give perspective last year, supports efforts by SPEEA, IFPTE Legislative Special Session passage of ESSB Local 2001 and the International Association of to today’s poli- 5952, The Boeing Company eliminated over cies. They had a Machinists (IAM) District Lodge 751 to secure 3,000 engineering and other jobs from their good family wage jobs. genuine desire to Washington state payroll, moving many of those David Fritz addresses a panel do right by state This year’s resolution also calls for adding tax jobs to Missouri, South Carolina, Alabama and of speakers. employees and accountability to the WSLC candidate ques- Oklahoma City; and citizenry. tionnaire. WHEREAS, the states of Missouri, South See the complete resolution below. Carolina, Alabama and Oklahoma have enacted The conference provides state legislators through- aerospace tax incentive packages contingent on out the country a place to convene and learn the Shortly after the state voted in 2013 to extend tax latest about such issues as health care, retirement, breaks in return for 777X work, Boeing started the aerospace industry producing certain job growth; and taxation and fraud prevention. They also create announcing mass layoffs. policy positions that reflect their states’ interests SPEEA and the IAM teamed up to initiate leg- WHEREAS, Washington’s lack of job require- and send those to their federal counterparts. islation that would require state aerospace tax ments in exchange for tax incentive eligibility puts our state at a competitive disadvantage for I listened to panel discussions ranging from the incentives to generate the jobs and good wages wild west of bit-coin transactions to the moni- that were intended. aerospace jobs when compared to Missouri, South Carolina, Alabama, Oklahoma and other jurisdic- toring of state programs with results-based pro- Resolution in support – Aerospace Tax tions which require job growth and job retention cesses. Incentives Accountability Measures in exchange for tax incentives; now, therefore, be it Though discussions were public-sector related, WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature RESOLVED, the WSLC work with its they touched on issues concerning us – such as passed ESSB 5952 during the November 2013 affiliates for passage of legislation to be retirement. For instance, workshop panelists dis- special session, an act relating to incentivizing a referred to as the Aerospace Tax Incentive cussed the cost-effectiveness of defined benefit long-term commitment to maintain and grow jobs Accountability Act ensuring the tax breaks retirement plans (pensions) compared to defined in the aerospace industry in Washington state; and given to the aerospace industry provides the contribution plans (401(k) and how those plans were made more common by the federal gov- WHEREAS, ESSB 5952 legislation states that stated intent of the original aerospace tax incen- ernment trying to protect employees’ retirement “The legislature further finds that the industry tive legislation with the stated outcome of pre- funds from corporate raiders. continues to provide good wages and benefits serving jobs; and, be it further for the thousands of engineers, mechanics, and RESOLVED, that the WSLC will work for pas- Following the conference, legislators took with support staff working directly in the industry sage of aerospace tax incentive accountability leg- them information from other states’ legislators throughout the state. The legislature further islation requiring living-wage jobs for employees and stakeholders. Although they often hear pri- finds that suppliers and vendors that support in exchange for companies receiving the benefit marily from lobbyists, SPEEA delegates to NCSL the aerospace industry in turn provide a range of aerospace tax incentive; and, be it further spoke on behalf of labor and aerospace issues. of well-paying jobs”; and RESOLVED, that the WSLC will add a question The conference provided legislators with the WHEREAS, ESSB 5952 also declares, “It is the to its candidate questionnaire addressing the tax technical side of legislation, but not the human legislature's specific public policy objective to incentive accountability issue; and, be it finally perspective. For that, we need to make sure they maintain and grow Washington's aerospace indus- hear from us. RESOLVED, that WSLC prioritize passage try workforce. To help achieve this public policy David Fritz objective, it is the legislature's intent to condition- of the Aerospace Tax Incentive Accountability Act legislation in the 2016 legislative session. Everett Council Rep and Northwest Legislative ally extend aerospace industry tax preferences until and Public Affairs vice chair July 1, 2040, in recognition of intent by the state's Take action – tell your legislators these issues are aerospace industry sector to maintain and grow important. See how at www.speea.org.
5 SPEEA SPOTLITESEPTEMBER 2015 A closer look at SPEEA’s newly elected Council officers he following officers were nominated and bers come to me. Their opinion influences how I Orlando De Los Santos, NW Council treasurer elected by their peers to serve as leaders will vote (at Council meetings). As long as mem- Cabin Systems, Interior Furnishing Equipment (IFE) of the regional and national Councils. bers talk to their Council Reps, it’s a member-run TAs officers, they facilitate debate on motions, organization.” Tech (Renton) oversee Council budgets and document Council ______business. They also serve as Council Reps for Orlando De Los their districts. Santos, who grew up Sandra Hastings, SPEEA Council secretary in Milwaukee, recalls Quality Technician in the Flammability Lab (Everett) walking the picket SPEEA Council line when he was Sandra Hastings 10 years old, with (National) was born in Spokane, his father, a shop Wash., but grew up steward at a foundry. Theryl Johnson, SPEEA Council chair all over the world, “My dad had me Real-time software engineer (Plant II, Seattle) including France, fetch wood for the Morocco and burn barrel,” he said, Theryl Johnson, Australia, because adding SPEEA’s burn who grew up in Lake her father served in barrels were much Charles, Louisiana, the Air Force. “My more high-tech. decided to step up father always told from Area Rep to me to join the mili- “What I’ve learned Council Rep because tary or the union (as a Council Rep) has helped me become a better of an email she sent to – because they’re all leader. I try to be better at communicating with SPEEA leaders. They family.” She received people in my district, from members to managers, responded to her con- the Washington State VPs, directors and Human Resources. I try to help cerns and invited her Labor Council Elsie Schrader award for her lead- them see that what we’re doing is important.” ______to get more involved. ership and activism on behalf of women in the Now she urges others labor movement. to make their voices James Raskob, NW Council secretary “As a union, we are powerful, as an individual, Mechanical Systems Design and Analysis engineer heard. “If you don’t you can be stepped on... The idea is to know your like something, it’s rights. Once I found out my rights, I took action.” – KC46 (Developmental Center/Seattle) not an invisible process,” Johnson said. “Come to a meeting or send me an email. We want your James Raskob, who feedback.” Northwest grew up in Winchester, “The best part about SPEEA is that we have a lot Mass., recalls his first of people – whether Council Rep, officer, Executive interaction with a Tony Hickerson, Northwest Council chair Council Rep during Board or member – who really care about the future Tech designer (Kent) of employees. They make sure we do what’s best for the 2012 contract negotiations. “That’s everyone – the employees and their company.” Tony Hickerson, ______when my SPEEA who grew up in desk tent was stolen. Nikki Wagener, SPEEA Council treasurer Washington, D.C., I asked my Council served in the mili- Rep if it was OK to BCA Stress Analyst engineer for the tanker – tary prior to work- have it.” When he Section 48 – damage tolerance (Harbour Pointe, ing at The Boeing found out the desk Everett) Company. He tents are protected remembers when he free speech under When Nikki came into the SPEEA federal labor law, he Wagener, who Tech bargaining unit, put up more. grew up in Cache, members gave him a SPEEA cup, a pocket “The most important thing to me (about being a Oklahoma, came to Council Rep) is helping someone out. When the Boeing, she didn’t protector, a SPEEA pin and a sense of whole world feels against you, you’re not alone in know what to think this.” about unions. But belonging. “They she also didn’t like came around me and said: Now, you’re one of seeing her pension us. What I got was invaluable. That team was like and benefits stripped the Army team that I truly missed. Someone’s away - “with no say got my back.” Council officers: whatsoever” – at “What I’ve learned from SPEEA is that activism • Govern Council meetings her non-union job. is all about the conversation. As long as people are “With SPEEA, they talking, there’s a fighting chance for bringing people • Oversee Council budgets can’t just take away around to the correct point of view.” benefits while we’re ______• Document the meetings/votes under a negotiated contract.” “It all goes back to communication, having our voices heard. I don’t take action unless fellow mem-
6 SPEEA SPOTLITESEPTEMBER 2015 A closer look at SPEEA’s newly elected Council officers Midwest Mark Gayer, Midwest Council chair Matthew Joyce, Midwest Council treasurer Melisa Lowe, Midwest Council secretary Investment Recovery Property Systems Design engineer (Wichita) Procurement agent/Major Structures Group (Wichita) Management Specialist (Wichita) Matthew Joyce, Melisa Lowe, who Mark Gayer, who who grew up in grew up in McCall, grew up in Rose Manhattan, Kansas, Idaho, has a bache- Hill, Kansas, has a goes to new-hire lor’s degree in human master’s in business orientation to talk resources develop- administration but about SPEEA. He ment and operations didn’t know much starts by pointing management and a about white-collar to the SPEEA/Spirit master’s degree in unions before joining collective bargaining management. She SPEEA. Since then, agreement which and her husband he’s learned more states the company both have served about labor rights. has the right to in the military. He “The grievance pro- grant more favor- is also involved in cess takes time, but it able terms. “When his union as a shop does work,” he said. managers have bad steward. “We try to “Almost all professions news, they usually try to blame the union or be role models for are represented by some kind of union. They include the contract. When they tell you this, point to our two girls – for standing up for what you rocket scientists, NASA, pilots, doctors, attorneys, section 2.1(b) as stated above.” believe in.” engineers, and the list just keeps going on. Unions “What I like best about SPEEA is the employ- “The best part about SPEEA is that employees have have made the middle-class. We have to keep the ees have some kind of recourse when the company a voice. You never know when you might have a unions to save the middle-class in America.” doesn’t follow its policies and procedures – employees manager who doesn’t see eye-to-eye (with you). It’s wouldn’t have that otherwise.” good to know you have someone who can represent you – fight for your rights. It speaks volumes.” Good times with SPEEA
Hot dog feed at Bellevue Bellevue Council and Area Reps hosted a hot dog feed for more than 100 mem- bers. Area Reps Mark LeFebvre and Peter Lee grilled more than 200 hot dogs, which were all gone by the end of the lunch event July 29. Shown here are MAC committees take a swing at golf members Lee Thrush, Amy Dirkes, Eric Blume (Area Rep), Alan Crews, In the Northwest, more than 90 players took part in the Membership and Gerritt McDaniel. Activities Committee (MAC) golf tournament July 18. Shown above are the winning foursome, Randy Hagen, Apollo Chaichote, Vincent Romero and Kevin Vigen, and at left, Jennifer Leides won the longest drive. Golfers contributed $410 to the SPEEA Cares fund, too. The Midwest MAC is planning its tourna- ment for Saturday, Sept. 19. To play, email joeabbott@ spiritaero.com or [email protected]. (Photos by Kohana Aisaka and Nick De Los Santos)
Beach volleyball at new hire event The New Hire Committee organized a beach barbeque at Golden Gardens at Shilshole Beach in Seattle July 19. In addition to a BBQ with hotdogs and ham- burgers on the grill, they played beach volleyball in the sand. About 30 members and their families participated in the event.
7 SPEEA SPOTLITESEPTEMBER 2015 Shown here are SPEEA delegates and officers who participated in the IFPTE triennial convention July 27-30 in Las Vegas. Front row: Nikki Wagener, Judy Mogan, Dan Nowlin, Sandy Hastings, Carrie Rule, Ryan Rule, and Mohammed Khan. Back row: Jimmie Mathis, Daniel Peters, Roger Aisaka, Mike Arrington, Dave Baine, Joel Funfar, Bob Wilkerson, Donna Lehane and Stan Sorscher. IFPTE 58th Triennial Convention
Speaker: ‘We’ll win if we stick together’ By Bill Dugovich IFPTE President Greg Junemann called on del- SPEEA Communications Director egates to reinvigorate themselves and stand up Highlights of the convention for members and fellow workers. t the IFPTE convention, SPEEA del- • Election of officers. IFPTE regional vice egates heard a message that hit close to “Silence is compliance,” Junemann said. “We presidents were officially elected to serve home – tax incentive accountability. must step forward and set an example for mem- their three-year terms of office, including A bers. It’s our duty to lead.” SPEEA-Area Vice Presidents Joel Funfar That came from nationally recognized labor (also SPEEA NW regional VP), Donna Lee Saunders The IFPTE delegates voted to approve resolu- leader – , president of the Lehane (Wichita Council Rep) and American Federation of State, County and tions supporting union organizing, the Ex-Im bank, Paycheck Fairness and Black Lives Matter Ryan Rule (SPEEA president). President Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and IFPTE Greg Junemann was re-elected as well as guest speaker. as well as other motions. They also voted to elect officers, including SPEEA-Area vice presidents. Secretary-Treasurer Paul Shearon. He singled out the tax breaks provided to The In addition, they took part in training provided • Passage of the Atomic Energy Resolution. Boeing Company by Washington and other by leaders from the international office and local SPEEA member Alex Sonnabend partici- states as an example of government-sanctioned unions, including SPEEA. pated in a subcommittee that addressed transfer of power and wealth from working fami- concerns and drafted the resolution. lies to corporations and the wealthy. SPEEA members attending include: Joel Funfar (also SPEEA • Formation of the Young Members “Boeing is breaking every NW regional VP), Committee to recruit young members into promise they made,” Donna Lehane (Wichita leadership and build organizations that are Saunders said. “They are Council Rep) and Ryan more welcoming to newcomers. pitting state against state Rule (SPEEA president) and working families who were elected to serve • Formation of the IFPTE Veterans against working families. as SPEEA-Area vice Committee to promote the interests of We are fighting back, and presidents on the IFPTE veterans who are IFPTE members as well we will win if we stick Executive Council and as active-duty personnel who may one day together.” delegates: Roger Aisaka, be in an IFPTE local in Canada or the U.S. SPEEA delegates joined Mike Arrington, Sandy • Workshop on organizing led by SPEEA and more than 150 delegates Hastings, Mohammed IFPTE staff as well as other IFPTE local from across the U.S. and Khan, Judy Mogan, staff. Through case studies based on IFPTE Canada for the conven- Dan Nowlin, Daniel campaigns, the workshop emphasized the tion July 27 to 30 in Peters, Carrie Rule, value of one-on-one communication. Las Vegas. The theme Nikki Wagener and Joel Funfar, Chelsea Orvella Sandy of the triennial confer- and Bob Wilkerson. Jimmie Hastings ence, “Every Member is a are shown here at the IFPTE convention. Mathis, (SPEEA sec- Leader,” provided a foun- retary, former SPEEA- SPEEA is on dation for the delegates to help set the agenda Area VP and member of the IFPTE Finance Facebook and focus of IFPTE until the next convention Committee) also attended. Staff were Bill in three years. Dugovich, Ray Goforth, Chelsea Orvella, April Rebollo and Stan Sorscher (who was a Like Us delegate).
8 SPEEA SPOTLITESEPTEMBER 2015 Midwest Next steps on ‘bridge’ benefits lawsuit ICHITA – A Fairness Hearing was held in federal court Aug. 19 in Wichita for the early retiree/pension W‘bridge benefit’ proposed settlement. The next step is for the judge to issue an order Carrie Rule, seated above, is shown here at a Labor Notes training in 2014. She’s next to SPEEA members Roy Garcia accepting or denying the settlement on the law- and Daniel Peters. suit, initially filed by SPEEA. The proposed settlement affects about 1,800 people represented by SPEEA and two other Labor training offers unions when Boeing sold its Wichita commercial facility in 2005. All of those eligible received a ‘eye-opening’ perspective letter explaining the settlement. ant to better understand the broader SPEEA filed the initial lawsuit because employ- struggle for workplace rights and liv- ees were denied the contract benefit of ‘bridg- ing wages? Want to see how SPEEA To apply ing’ to early retirement benefits offered in their Wcompares to other unions? Want to find where Email [email protected] and include SPEEA contract. This applies to those who were you fit in to your union? a short note stating why you want to age 49 to 55 at the time of the divestiture. Make time for a one-day training, Labor Notes, attend. Saturday, Sept. 12 in Seattle. SPEEA will cover Labor Notes Training the cost of your registration. Saturday, Sept. 12 Martin Luther King CLC “I didn’t know what to expect,” said Evan Wipf, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Lunch provided) a Bellevue Council Rep, Washington Labor Education and prior to attending a Research Center New leader of Labor Notes training in 6737 Corson Ave. S., Seattle Chicago. “But it was a (Georgetown) county labor great way to get a much Learn more about the training at broader perspective of www.labornotes.org/pugetsound. council the labor movement. SPEEA will cover registration for a icole Grant Seeing the kinds of fights limited number – email apply@speea. is the new secretary-treasur- other people go through org with a short note stating why you er for the Martin Luther King County – it opens your eyes to want to attend. Central Labor Council (MLKCLC). NShe is the first woman to lead the county’s larg- what’s going on.” est labor organization, which has more than Carrie Council Rep 150 affiliated unions (including SPEEA, IFPTE Rule for a number of members to attend. also attended past Local 2001). She fills the interim vacancy left by Labor Notes training and Workshop topics include: Evan Wipf Dave Freiboth who went to work at the Port strongly recommends it of Seattle. for others, regardless of their union involvement. • Skills of a Successful Organizer “It’s good for anybody to attend, even if you’re not • Contract Campaigns that Win Grant served as executive director of the Certified Electrical Workers of Washington since 2009. very involved,” she said. “Something like this might • Beating Apathy change your outlook.” She led their political programs in support of • Beyond Grievances: Action on the Job pro-working family legislation. She also served The timing is especially relevant for Profs and • Strong Labor-Community Alliances as vice president of the Washington State Labor Techs as they gear up for contract negotiations. Council (WSLC), noted an article in WSLC’s “They have tactics you can use,” said Wipf, “with The Puget Sound Labor Notes training supporting The Stand website. a focus on one-on-one conversations you can have organizations include: SPEEA, IFPTE Local 2001, Washington State Labor Council, Washington State In 2011, she was honored with the WSLC Elsie with people that get them to see how they fit into Schrader award for outstanding advocacy. the big picture, as in ‘we’re all in this together.’” Labor Education and Research Center, Washington Young Emerging Labor Leaders, the International Grant joined her first labor union while still Rule is glad she had the opportunity to attend, at Association of Machinists (IAM) District Lodge in high school in Seattle. After earning a bach- first as a newer member, and later as an elected 751 and many other union locals. elor’s degree from the University of Washington leader. “It’s a very positive atmosphere. There is in politics, economy and law, she successfully a lot of camaraderie and energy,” she said. “It’s About Labor Notes completed the apprenticeship program with the just truly an amazing experience.” International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers For more than 35 years, Labor Notes has worked (IBEW) Local 46. She worked for several years About the training to empower union members through workshops, on commercial, industrial and residential electri- conferences and a national magazine, “Labor cal installations. The Labor Notes training in Seattle is a con- Notes,” covering workplace issues from the densed version of the national conference. employee’s perspective. SPEEA is planning to cover the $20 registration
9 SPEEA SPOTLITESEPTEMBER 2015 Associate Technical Fellow (ATF) Pilot offers navigation tips for ATF application By Karen McLean SPEEA publications editor
ENTON – Capt. Jim Wilkerson has a lot of work experience – as a retired Air Force pilot and a Boeing instruc- Rtor pilot for the 747, 777 and 787. He’s also an instructor for Required Navigation Performance (RNP), and holds a Letter of Authorization from the FAA to validate Required Navigation Performance (RNP) instrument flight procedures in the simulator and aircraft. But applying for the Associate Technical Fellow, as an expert in his field, was more challenging than one might expect. That’s one reason why Wilkerson, a Council Rep for the SPEEA Pilots and Instructors Unit (SPIU), offers to help others any chance he gets. “It’s one of the expectations, now that we are ATFs,” said Wilkerson, a manufacturer instruc- tor pilot. “You know how hard it is, now go help others.” Training available Wilkerson emphasized the work that goes into applying. He encouraged applicants to take advantage of the training available, which includes an application review and practice Pilot’s flight photos in exhibit interviews. Capt. Jim Wilkerson, Council Rep for the SPEEA Pilots/Instructors Unit, is shown here with two “My final application was the 10th revision,” he said. of his photos selected by the Museum of Flight for its Spirit of Flight exhibit (opening Sept. 12). The photo on the left is "Birds Get the First Flight of the Morning" – taken around sunrise, April He noted how the applicants must show their 2015 at Pierce County's Thun Field. On the right is "Space Shot Then and Now" - taken in April contributions in categories such as mentoring, 2015, at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. The photos will appear in the technical vision, expertise in your field and Great Gallery at the Seattle museum along with other jury selected pictures that capture ‘Spirit of impact in and outside of Boeing. Flight.’ Wilkerson is one of the Associate Technical Fellow (ATF) pilots. “One of the more challenging aspects of apply- ing,” said Wilkerson, “is while you are focused on your job at Boeing, how do you expand meeting. your industrial work and represent Boeing in “We’re all professionals,” he said, but added, “you the industry or regulatory setting?” never know when you might need some help.” Seattle Sounders For Wilkerson, he noted his work introduc- ing a new use for simulator training regard- About the Technical Discount soccer ing digital communications. Wilkerson is also Excellence program involved with a number of industry groups on tickets Performance Based Navigation (PBN), including Associate Technical Fellows (ATFs) are selected occer fans can save money and support the European Aviation Safety Agency. through a rigorous and competitive applica- a good cause. Get your discount tickets tion process. They join Technical Principals, Prior to Boeing, Wilkerson flew tankers and for the Seattle Sounders vs. LA Galaxy, Technical Fellows, and Senior Technical Fellows transport planes in the Air Force for 14 years of SSunday, Oct. 4 in Seattle. This is a fundraiser as top technical leaders in their area of expertise active duty and also has an engineering degree. for the Puget Sound Labor Agency (PSLA) at The Boeing Company. He also flew in the Air Force Reserves for his first which gets a portion of the proceeds. Tickets seven years at Boeing, where he started in 2001. Candidates for ATF are nominated every other are only $26 – regularly $38. year and will begin next spring. The applicants Why SPEEA for this year’s Technical Fellow selection process Seattle Sounders FC vs. LA Galaxy are in review. Sunday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Wilkerson recently stepped up as Council Rep Century Link Field, Seattle because he appreciates the importance of what To learn more, go to technicalfellowship.web. CRs do in the workplace. boeing.com on the Boeing intranet. Deadline to order tickets – Wednesday, Sept. 9 They help answer questions about SPEEA and See link to purchase tickets at www.speea.org can represent a bargaining unit employee who (link to SPEEA and labor events happening in invokes his/her Weingarten right to represen- your region). Pass code is PSLA. If you have tation in case of a disciplinary or investigatory questions, email [email protected].
10 SPEEA SPOTLITESEPTEMBER 2015 ‘Breakthrough Leadership’ coming in October By Melanie Kharrazi About the EWP presentations and identify six sources of influence you may Ed Wells Partnership staff not be fully utilizing. Register for this event at http://edwells.web.boeing.com/ re you the best-kept secret in your organi- • Broadcast - In the BEN: “Build Your Event/7386 zation? What does it take to be recognized Brand as an Emerging Leader,” Miller will . as an emerging leader or technical expert? discuss the three essential elements of an A effective personal brand and four key steps About the speaker On Thursday, Oct. 8, the Ed Wells Partnership for making your value visible. Learn how is bringing one of our most engaging leadership to attract high-profile projects and solidify A leading authority on leadership, Miller is a instructors to Seattle for two very special events. your reputation as a leader. This course will sought-after, dynamic, and engaging conference speaker. She delivers more than 60 speaking pre- Jo Miller, be broadcast from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. creator sentations on leadership annually to audiences of the always popu- (PST) Oct. 8. Launch the webcast from http://ben.web. of up to 1,200 for conferences, associations, and lar Ed Wells vir- the BEN schedule page at boeing.com/bencursched.html Fortune 1000 corporate initiatives. tual class, “Poised . for Leadership,” • Classroom – You can meet Miller by attend- will present in a ing “Breakthrough Leadership – Becoming a About Ed Wells Partnership lunchtime Boeing Person of Influence” at the CCEC building in The Ed Wells Partnership (EWP) is a joint Education Network Everett from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Oct. 8. People (BEN) webcast, SPEEA/Boeing initiative offering professional who break through into leadership positions development, technical training, career develop- and later that day get there by mastering the art of influence. at an in-person, ment/coaching and technical conference grants Explore ways to gain a voice and a seat at the to SPEEA-represented Profs and Techs. after-work event in table in your organization. Understand the Everett. mechanisms of power within your organization Jo Miller ‘Up’ with SPEEA at AquaSox Solidarity Night ho knew a group of SPEEA members number of animals that I finished, but we all could take their technical skills and made a number of swords, a couple crowns, quite apply them to something that kept a few very large flowers, a huge pack of dogs, a cat Wkids lined up in anticipation? or two, a frog that could actually jump, a couple The members created balloon toys – such as butterflies, a dragonfly, several horses and horses flowers, crowns, fire breathing dragons and yes, with wings. even airplanes for the SPEEA booth at the Union We even made a few fire-breathing dragons (these Solidarity Night at the AquaSox minor league took awhile to build). We also made some machine baseball. guns for mischievous-looking boys (only after giv- More than 1,000 free tickets were handed out ing strict instructions not to shoot them at people), by labor unions affiliated with the Snohomish and by special request, a couple airplanes (build- County Labor Council. The event held every ing those came to us fairly naturally – go figure). year is especially popular when it falls on the Once again, like prior years, we had a line of kids $2 concessions night ($2 each for a hot dog, or in front of the SPEEA booth until the game was peanuts, for example). almost over. We had as much fun making them SPEEA was one of the many labor unions there as the kids had playing with them. with booths for visibility items. SPEEA members We were usually more amazed than they were who helped at the table include Dennis Davaz, that we were able to make something pretty close Rod Siders and Nikki Wagener. Lee Bowsher, to what any kid wanted! Wagener’s father, also helped out. Special credit goes to Webbly, the Everett Davaz, SPEEA Area Rep and booth volunteer, AquaSox mascot, who was a pro, according to shared his impressions: Davaz. “I wish we had his balloon-twisting Jedi skills – he was amazing to watch.” Webbly, the Everett AquaSox baseball mascot, is shown At first, I think I popped more balloons than the here with SPEEA Area Rep Dennis Davaz. Photo by Lee Bowsher.
11 SPEEA SPOTLITESEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL ENGINEERS Periodicals Postage Paid at Local 2001, AFL-CIO, CLC Seattle, Washington
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Training/events See online calendar for details/RSVP where you plan to attend Puget Sound Labor Day celebration Monday, Sept. 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lower Woodland Park, Seattle Free hot dogs, ice cream, games, live music Hosted by the Martin Luther King County Labor Council Labor activist training Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. South Seattle Community College (Georgetown) Email: [email protected] Performance Management: Closeout MAC tailgate at the Wichita Wingnuts Monday, Oct. 5, at 4:30 p.m. About 60 SPEEA members enjoyed a tailgate party hosted by the Midwest Membership Activities Committee (MAC) Aug. SPEEA Everett 22. The crowd ate barbecue and many received random drawing prizes at the SPEEA party prior to the Wichita Wingnuts Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 5 p.m. game vs. the Laredo Lemurs (Wingnuts won). MAC hosts the event every year, which includes a group discount rate for lower box seats at the game. Shown above: Wichita Council Rep Daniel Ryan with his son, Shawn, standing, daughter-in-law, SPEEA Tukwila Angela, and grandchildren Jack, Joe and Madisyn Ryan. Engineer of the year - guest speaker SPEEA Diversity Committee Get the Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. (PST) Spotlite App Mark your calendars SPEEA Everett, Tukwila and Wichita, Go to www.speea.org from Join us for upcoming events. your mobile device for the Engineer of the year – Vedad Mahmulyin, Wichita link, or visit your App Store Boeing engineer of the year, will talk at the Labor Day picnic Diversity Committee meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 4 p.m. (PST). The SPEEA Tukwila, Everett Saturday, Sept. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. and Wichita offices will be connected by televideo Machinists Hall, 3830 S. Meridian for all who are interested in hearing Mahmulyin Free food, bingo and door prizes speak about his journey as a refugee from war-torn Bosnia to an award-winning engineer. ICT-SOS Race for Freedom – Veteran’s Parade – In Wichita, SPEEA mem- 5k family fun run/walk bers participate in this parade to honor veterans. Saturday, Sept. 12 You are welcome to join us and bring family and Carpenter Place, Wichita friends to help hand out flags along the parade route. The parade starts at 11 a.m., Saturday, SPEEA Midwest Golf Tournament Nov. 7. If you’re interested in volunteering, email [email protected]. Saturday, Sept. 19 Augusta Country Club See more details about upcoming events at www. Sign up by Thursday, Sept. 10 speea.org (Northwest and Midwest calendars). Midwest Membership Activities Committee 12 SPEEA SPOTLITESEPTEMBER 2015