February 2010 Aero Mechanic Newspaper online

Click here to download the February edition of the Aero Mechanic newspaper (2.7 mb).

751 Response to 747-8 First Flight on February 8, 2010

District 751 President Tom Wroblewski stated:
"Today's first flight of the 747-8 was very impressive: the size, the speed, the power and the beauty of that airplane are remarkable, and to know that our members put that plane together makes me very proud.

Our members have been building 747s for more than four decades, and each new generation has brought new skills to the table. That's helped Boeing keep the airplane fresh. While other planes launched in 1969 are sitting in museums, the 747 is flying proudly into a new century, thanks to our members.

The 747-8, and the Machinists Union members who build it, are nothing short of incredible. Today¹s first flight is a testament to the best aerospace workers in the world, who are located right here in Puget Sound. The skills and expertise of our members continue to ensure Boeing remains successful."

South Park Bridge Closure Feb. 10 thru Feb. 13

http://gismaps.kingcounty.gov/roadalert/

Watch for South Park Bridge closure beginning Feb. 10 thru Feb. 13

Affects members going to meetings at the Seattle Hall Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

King County Road Alert Spotlight
The King County Road Service Division is advising motorists that the South Park Bridge spanning the Duwamish River will be closed to both vehicle and marine traffic from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily Wednesday, Feb. 10 through Saturday, Feb. 13. The four-day closure will allow engineers to perform noise and water quality testing and simulate vibration that might occur during bridge construction. During the closure, engineers will conduct pile driving to measure noise, vibration and take water quality samples. Data collected during the tests will assist the county in planning for construction of a new bridge when financing becomes available. During the closure, motorists can detour via the First Avenue South Bridge. The bridge will remain open for bicycle and pedestrian use.

Boeing to Change Health Care Plan Administrator in 2011

On January 13, Boeing announced effective January 2011 they are changing medical administrators from Blue Cross Blue Shield Regence to Blue Cross BlueShield of Illinois.

We have a contract in place so all benefits and services remain the same. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Medco Working to Fix Issue for Those on Traditional Medical Plan

We have heard reports from members at Boeing enrolled in the Traditional Medical Plan, who have tried to get prescriptions filled, that they have been limited to a 34-day supply on their prescription drugs rather than receiving a 100-unit supply. 

Medco is aware of the issue for those on the Traditional Medical Plan and are working on a technical fix.

As soon as we know what the resolution will be for those who may have been impacted, we will communicate the information on the web. Again, this only impacts those on the Traditional Medical Plan who have recently been denied a 100-unit supply for a prescription from a retail pharmacy per Medco.

Information for Members on Selections Regarding Prescription Coverage

Last year Boeing determined it was more cost effective to have Medco manage the prescription drug services for those enrolled in both the Traditional Medical Plan and Selections plans. This information was announced during the fall open enrollment. The contract language and benefits have not changed.

Effective January 1 everyone in Selections should have received new cards, one for their health care and one for Medco (prescriptions). If you are in Selections, your prescription card must be presented the first time you visit a retail pharmacy in 2010 -- even if it is to refill an ongoing prescription. If you have not received your new card, you can call Medco Member Services at 1-800-841-2797 to request your new member ID number.

If you are in Selections, it is important to verify that your retail pharmacy is in the Medco network. If you use one that is not in the Medco network, you will be responsible for the full costs of the medication. You can find out if your current pharmacy in the network or find one close to your home by using their website at www.Medco.com.

Again, the prescription drug and contractual benefits are unchanged. However, Medco has a slightly different formulary or preferred drug list than Selections had before. Most will pay less for their drug formulary changes. Some drugs may fall in a different category of the formulary, and therefore cost slightly more, but this situation should affect only a very few participants. The co-pays for a 34-day supply remain at $5 for generic, $15 for formulary brand-name, and $30 for nonformulary brand name. 

If you have ongoing prescriptions, you may want to sign up for the 90-day supply mail order pharmacy which can save you money on your co-pays. Click here for additional information on Medco Selections Prescription Services.

March 1, 2010 is the Deadline for 2009 Safety Shoe Reimbursement

Now that the holiday break is behind us and a new year has begun, don’t forget to apply for your safety shoe reimbursement for your shoes purchased in 2009!

Each year IAM/Boeing Joint Programs allows a grace period for employees to take care of their previous year’s safety shoe business.  March 1, 2010 marks the deadline for turning in applications for safety shoe reimbursements for purchases made in 2009. Read more

Response to Boeing’s Alenia Purchase on Dec. 22

Today's announcement of the deal with Alenia proves that Boeing's plan to outsource 787 manufacturing around the globe didn't work, and it would be really easy for all of us is to sit back, point fingers, and say "I told you so."

But that's not going to get more 787s flying. No matter whose corporate logo is on the side of those Charleston buildings, the Dreamliner is a reality today only because of the efforts of our skilled craftsmen and women here in Puget Sound, who've solved the problems created by Boeing’s outsourcing plan, and who today watched the second 787 take flight in Everett. This is a feat we all can be proud of.

This union is committed to the success of the 787, and we all will do all we can to ensure that Boeing can meet its commitments to deliver the first planes to All Nippon Airways and the other launch customers by the end of 2010.

At the same time, I want to assure members that we're also doing all we can to ensure Boeing lives up to the commitments it made to you in the 2008 contract. Boeing's pouring billions into this South Carolina adventure; our contract ensures that leaders in Chicago won't finance this scheme by cutting benefits for you, the people who are the company's heart, soul and profit-generating engine here on Puget Sound.

December 09/January 2010 Aero Mechanic Newspaper online

Click here to download the Dec 09/Jan 2010 edition of the Aero Mechanic newspaper (3.1 mb).

787 First Flight a Testament to Our Skilled Workforce

December 15th 2009 - “This really is a day to celebrate. Our members have worked very long and very hard to make this day possible, going clear back to 2003, when we lobbied Boeing to locate final assembly here. We’ve had a lot of disagreements and disappointments along the way, but our members have overcome incredible challenges and really come through for the Boeing Co. They’ve done an outstanding job, and I couldn’t be more proud of them. The 787 wouldn’t be flying today without the dedication, skills and devotion of our IAM members," stated Tom Wroblewski District 751 President

IAM 751 members here in Puget Sound have worked a tremendous amount of overtime to make today possible. Most members assigned to the 787 have been working 12-hours-a-day, seven days a week. When Boeing needed us, our members came through. Our members ARE the solution to the 787 outsourcing problems.

IAM 751 members ended up doing a lot of work that Boeing thought it could outsource. When Boeing needed a quick turn-around on parts for the side-of-body fix, they turned to the highly skilled members in Auburn. In Everett, our members reworked and repaired every problem delivered to them by vendors. It wasn’t easy work by any means, but they did a great job and deserve credit.Their skills and expertise are evident throughout the 787.

We see the surge line as a great opportunity. It’s the true second line – where we’ll be building 787 airplanes on two lines in Everett while Boeing is still trying to build the new Charleston plant. It is our chance to prove to the world that our members really are first in aerospace and that we will continue to make quality, innovative Boeing airplanes long into the future. 

High Resolution Graphic Here .pdf

Changing Economic Factors Result in Zero COLA for December, 2009

Calculations for the December 4, 2009 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) resulted in a negative 21 cents ($ -.21). However, since there has not been a positive COLA accumulation since the contract was signed and previous COLA payments were already rolled into the base rate, no money will be taken away from the pay of our members. Pay cards have been printed with an updated calendar.

COLA is generated quarterly under the IAM contract and is based on the federal government's Consumer Price Index. The next quarterly COLA will be March 5, 2010.

Machinists Union Helps Deliver T.A.A. Benefits for Laid-off Boeing Workers

Several thousand laid-off Boeing Co. workers have been granted additional federal assistance because of action taken by the International Association of Machinists.

Acting on a new petition filed by the Machinists Union District 751, the U.S. Department of Labor ruled that Boeing workers are eligible for benefits under the Trade Adjustment Act, which provides special assistance to workers who have lost their jobs due to foreign competition. This ruling covers Boeing workers at plants throughout Puget Sound and in Portland, Ore, who were laid off on or after May 22, 2008. The benefits will be extended to cover any workers laid off over the next two years. Read more.

November 09 Aero Mechanic Newspaper online

Click here to download the November 09 edition of the Aero Mechanic newspaper (2.1 mb).

Message from District President Tom Wroblewski to 751 Members in Response to Doug Kight's 10/29/09 Memo

October 29, 2009 - "I'd like to respond to Doug Kight's e-mail to managers explaining what he says were the stumbling blocks that kept us from reaching an agreement to keep the second 787 line in Everett. It's misleading, it's disappointing and it's not truthful. Read more..

October 28, 2009 - "Boeing has betrayed our loyalty once again, walking away
from our discussions just like they walked away from Seattle eight years ago
to move to Chicago. Read more..

No Changes to IAM/Boeing Joint Programs Education Assistance Program

Boeing's announced changes on September 25 to their Learning Together Program (LTP) apply to salaried non-union employees only. There are no changes to the IAM/Boeing Joint Programs Education Assistance Program because we have a Union contract in place.

Washington Climbs Business-Climate RankingsForbes Now Ranks State No. 2 in Nation

This week brought three new reports that all indicate Washington state is extending its comparative advantage over other states for having low taxes, less regulation, a skilled and productive workforce, and other factors that make it one of the best states in the nation to do business. The new Forbes 2009 business-climate rankings released Wednesday boosted Washington one spot from last year to the 2nd best state in the nation. Our state also jumped three spots to No. 9 for its business-friendly tax policies as judged by the conservative Tax Foundation. And the economic development think tank Cfed, gave Washington an "A" in its assessment of wealth, poverty and family financial security.Looks like the WSLC will have to update its "Outside the Echo Chamber" reports with all the good news. This series of reports examines objective analyses of our state's competitiveness and refutes internal agenda-driven criticism of the state business climate by some business lobbying groups and politicians. Read more.

Machinists Ready to Assist Boeing in Securing Air Force Tanker

We believe that Boeing's KC-767 represents a "win-win-win" for American, in that it's the best option for the war fighter, best option for the taxpayer, and the best option for the U.S. economy. We also believe that the new tanker procurement planned outlined by the Air Force today will prove our contention. As the Secretary said in his comments, it's clear that the Air Force is looking for a "mature" and proven airframe: "This is not a Manhattan Project where new inventions are called for."
Boeing recently unveiled a great new website: www.unitedstatestanker.com. At the site you can learn about the need for a new mid-air refueling tanker, read about Boeing's history developing, building and improving tankers since the 1940s, read about Boeing's KC-7A7 tanker specifications and more.We think this approach clearly favors the Boeing bid: Airbus is still trying to invent its first aerial refueling boom, which is a piece of military technology that Boeing pioneered. In addition, Airbus and Northrop Grumman are proposing to invent an entirely new kind of trans-Atlantic manufacturing process for their proposed KC-30 jet, using a brand new joint venture to assemble European jets in an American factory that has not been built, with a workforce that has not been hired, let alone trained. The Boeing alternative - using a proven, experienced workforce in an existing factory, supported by a network of established suppliers - is working for the U.S. Navy with the P-8A Poseidon, and it will work even better for the Air Force with the KC-767.
Read more.

Follow District 751 On

International Web Site

Goiam.org

Union Sportsmen's Alliance