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Updated March 2nd with more comments click here

TO MY BROTHERS AND SISTER AT HYTEK FINISHES:

NEGOTIATIONS FOR A GOOD CONTRACT ARE SELDOM EASYAND SOMETIMES PAINFUL. BUT YOU MUST REMEMBER IF YOU BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING THEN IT IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR. YOU ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE IAM FIGHTING FOR YOUR CAUSE, YOU COULD OF HAD A WEAK PARTNER IN THIS BATTLE. SELDOM IS THERE A GOOD TIME TO WITHHOLD ONES WORK BUT YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE IAM STAND WITH YOU AND BESIDE YOU IN THIS...read more

Previous Updates from this site Click Here

Negotiations Update - February 22nd 2012

Negotiations with Hytek concluded Friday with one company lawyer complaining about the high cost of the other.  The IAM is very disappointed that the company response to negotiations is to hire another expensive legal mind, instead of addressing your needs.

We have bent over backwards to understand their business needs, but Hytek has not come to the bargaining table with the same spirit" said Kevin Cummings.  "The IAM tried very hard to not file charges against Hytek, hoping to get a contract without involving the NLRB - but the company was more interested in stalling and ignoring the workers issues".

Negotiations will continue this next Friday, and we will keep you informed of progress if there is any.
Kevin Cummings
GLR Western Territory

Negotiations Update - February 13th 2012

Friday, your negotiating committee presented proposals that would streamline the classification system and standardize the pay structure at Hytek. We have shared your concerns about the confusing and frustration point system, the medical insurance, the favoritism and the hostile work environment.

"The members have been clear from the beginning, but it has taken a while for Hytek to take their concerns seriously" said Kevin Cummings, heading the IAM negotiating team. "We had good discussion today, I am hopeful that we will soon have a proposal that properly addresses the issues that brought the IAM to the facility."

Paul Elliott said "I was really pleased with the company's sudden willingness to bring these negotiations to a close soon. We have presented proposals that we think are reasonable, the ball is in their court".

"Too bad we had to file Unfair Labor Practice charges to prove we were serious. Maybe it was necessary, but today we felt a more cooperative spirit" said Cummings.

Negotiations will take place Friday, and the Company has committed to bringing a response to the Union proposals of today.

"I am hopeful that we've had a breakthrough in the negotiations, the IAM wants to build a good relationship with Hytek, but it must begin with respect for the workers" said Cummings. "The support we continue to get from the members keeps us going, and we are very thankful."

Kevin Cummings
GLR Western Territory

Negotiations Update - February 8th 2012

Brothers and Sisters – after many weeks of working hard to bring you a contract proposal that you would be proud to accept, we still have much left to do.  We are continuing to meet with the Company, and intend to bargain in good faith, however we have had to file charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)over a series of Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs)that have inhibited our ability to get an agreement you can vote on.

The laws are in place to protect the ability of the parties to negotiate in an open and non-intimidating manner.  That means that employers are not to unilaterally make changes to workplace policies, practices and procedures, or working conditions.  In addition, it is a violation of the National Labor Relations Act for the Company to stall or try to frustrate the process of negotiations, or do anything to penalize you for choosing to exercise your rights as US citizens.

Many proposals have been passed back and forth, a lot of time was spent trying to get the company to back away from their insistence on keeping their system of favoritism and unfairness in place.  Your IAM negotiating team has heard you loud and clear, and we are not interested in accepting a system that is not fair and transparent, and Hytek management has not shown any willingness to give up any level of undue control.

We are still trying to make some progress on the Esterline medical plans that are driving too many of you to the poor house, but the Company won’t listen to you.

We need your continued support, and we thank you for your patience and your determination.  We will not give up, and in the end we will get a contract that rewards your hard work and dedication.

In solidarity,

Kevin Cummings

IAM Grand Lodge Representative

Alaska, Montana, Oregon and Washington

Negotiations Update – January 10th 2012

Update from the perspective of your voices at the table.

Paul – I am hopeful that we are getting closer to an agreement we can live with.  The Union has made proposals and presentations that the Company is reviewing.  Both parties have made movement, and I remain positive.

Jay – We are cautiously optimistic.  I am happy with the way the Union has presented our issues and provided several ways for the Company to address them.  We still have some major areas that need work, but there are glimmers of hope.

Heather (Business Representative assigned to Hytek) – I toured the facility last week with John Lopez, our safety expert.  I have to say I was impressed with his ability to walk through an area and identify concerns and ask pertinent questions.  We will continue to be vigilant, and need your help in making sure that the workplace is as safe as possible.

Kevin – We continue to work toward agreement on many issues, but there is still work to do on some big items – Medical, Wages, Job Classifications and Training, as well as Union Security.  We have requested information on a few items that will allow us to better understand and respond to the Company.  We need your support as we continue, the Company needs to know that our proposals are based on your needs.
We also want everyone to be very careful on the job.  Your work is hazardous, and in an environment where you are encouraged to go as fast as possible – that is a recipe for disaster.  Please follow all the precautions and procedures.  Use the Personal Protective Equipment you need.

The IAM is proud of the recent spotlight on our cooperation with Boeing – we have shown that we can do well for our members while promoting a system that lets the Company prosper.  We want to do that with Hytek as well. 

Check it out, “Benefits of deal between Boeing and Machinists go far beyond the company”
http://heraldnet.com/article/20111224/OPINION03/712259975/1010/BIZ01#Benefits-of-deal-between-Boeing-and-Machinists-go-far-beyond-the-company

In Solidarity,
Your Union Negotiating Team

Negotiations Update December 14th 2011

The IAM is very proud to announce an overwhelming turnout and vote by our Hytek members on Tuesday. By a margin of 99 percent, the members stood strong in their preliminary strike authorization.

"Negotiations with Hytek have not produced adequate attention to their concerns" said Kevin Cummings, IAM Grand Lodge Representative. "These workers perform a highly skilled and critical function in a toxic and carcinogenic atmosphere, and deserve better respect and compensation than they are getting. Let's hope Hytek comes to their senses and quits talking about how much they care, and starts acting like they care. We aren't asking for the moon, just a fair contract that recognizes the sacrifices of their workers."

Negotiations are set to resume in early January.

 In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Team

Negotiations Update December 8th 2011

Negotiations at Hytek have not moved forward as we had been hoping. 

 There have been a few areas of progress, but major issues still exist.

 The Company is insisting that you just deal with their medical insurance.  They have refused to accept solutions that would provide better medical coverage for the same or less money.  Their only solution for their insurance disaster is to have you put more money in the Health and Savings Account – yet they are not offering enough of a wage increase to allow you to have thousands of dollars to put into the HSAs.

The Company is also insisting that the frustration and division created in the organizing drive be continued. Our strength is in standing together.  We need all of you to sign up as members, and come out for our information meeting and vote next Tuesday.

 Your negotiating team has presented your concerns and hopes, and have been disappointed in the lack of care for your families and future exhibited by the Company team.  We need all members to show up next Tuesday – come out strong and come out energized. 

 It is your contract – you do the work and you deserve better.

 In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Team

.pdf of the flier for Strike Sanction Vote

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 12/2/2011

“Your negotiating committee has worked hard to represent your concerns, but the current offer is below what we wanted to bring you.  The major hang-ups are the medical, better wage improvements and union security”, said Kevin Cummings of the IAM International.  “I am very proud of the professionalism and hard work of your committee”.

Jay Lang said, “the medical is a BIG issue - I have heard you loud and clear.  We have repeatedly expressed your frustration, but our words are not getting through.  It will take all of us to get our message across.”

Your Union is only as strong as we are together – the company is depending on a divided membership – we have to prove them wrong.

Paul Elliott said, “we have worked hard and put in long days to get where we are – there has been progress, but I’m disappointed that Hytek has not taken our concerns to heart.”

Contact your steward and sign up, if you haven’t already done so.  We need everyone to come out and vote, and we need everyone to stand united in our efforts.  We have made progress, but the last few issues will only be solved with your determination and support.

It’s your contract – you decide!

Visit www.voteyesiam.com/hytek and let us hear from you

send comments to IAMhytek@iam751.org

In Solidarity,
Your negotiating committee

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 11/14/2011 

Today, the Company and the Union met for a full day of negotiations.  There was quite a bit of discussion on skills and classifications—your concerns and issues are at the center of the talks.

Jay Lang:  “Good to see positive movement in the areas of job classifications and progression.  It seems we are finally being heard.  I hope we can make some progress in regard to the medical plan.”

Paul Elliott:  “Things are moving forward.  The Q&A on the issues is really interesting.  I continue to be pleased by the way the Union is so prepared on every issue.

Kevin Cummings, Union lead negotiator:  We had a productive day.  We have started to outline a framework for the classifications, the way to progress through the skills and how that translates to your check.  We made progress—there is still work to do, but I’m confident we can get there with your support.

In Solidarity,
Your negotiating committee

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE
11/1/11

Today, the Union met with the Company and exchanged proposals on a number of issues. The day was productive as the needs and desires of this membership were expressed to the Company.

Jay Lang said, "There was movement in several areas. But there is still a lot of work to be done. I am pleased with the progress so far. Our committee has put in a lot of hard work and have done a good job of responding to Company positions."

"I want to thank this membership for their support," said Kevin Cummings of the IAM. "The Company needs to hear your voice. Now is the time to be strong and address your needs. The key is our solidarity."

"I am very happy that we are deep into specifics of the contract. We aren't exactly where we need to be yet, but together we will get there. The stronger we are, the more we stand as one, the better this contract will be," commented Paul Elliott.

In Solidarity,
Your negotiating committee

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE
10/26/11

Your negotiating committee met with Hytek representatives for another full day of negotiations. Both parties shared proposals and openly discussed issues and concerns.

Reached Tentative Agreements on several Articles that will be part of your new contract.

Also, the Union signed an important Memorandum of Understanding with Hytek that provides for your participation in the Hytek Performance Share Program. This Program can provide for your participation in incentives to employees based upon the overall business performance of Hytek. This is an opportunity for bargaining unit employees to benefit financially over and above the guarantees from the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Union supports any program that rewards your hard work and dedication.

Keep up to date by monitoring this website http://voteyesiam.com/hytek/.

In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Team

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE
10/13/2011

The morning session started with clarification on some of the Union's proposal and conversations around bits and pieces of individual proposals. Before breaking for lunch there were spirited discussions about the process with both parties agreeing how to proceed.

Kevin Cummings, chief negotiator for the IAM, said “There was open dialogue that needed to be said.  Our goal is to negotiate a good contract that addresses the concerns of this membership and provides for a long-term relationship.  We want Hytek to grow and this membership to share in the benefits of that growth.”

After lunch, further discussion continued on specific proposals with conditional tentative agreements reached on several standard language articles. However, the Company committed to have an extensive written counter proposals when we meet on the October 26th.

Jay Lang, a member representative, said “I appreciated the Company promising to bring a set of proposals to our next meeting—it is time to start finalizing some of these issues".

Paul Elliot, the other member representative at the table was also optimistic both parties will come to agreement. He said “I noticed again our Union side representatives were very prepared with everything.” He added, “Having a professional, detailed response to any questions the Company representatives had was impressive”.

Negotiations resume on October 26th to give the Company time to properly respond. We encourage all members to stay engaged, stay informed and most of all, stay together in solidarity and we’ll get there.

We also want to thank our negotiating committee team members for keeping us informed and keeping the members informed throughout this process. 

Keep up to date by monitoring your website http://voteyesiam.com/hytek/.

In Solidarity

Your Union Negotiating Team

Negotiations Update with Hytek Finishes - October 6th 2011

Your union negotiators presented Hytek with a comprehensive proposal today addressing the issues you identified as important.

Representing you at the bargaining table were:
Kevin Cummings International Grand Lodge Rep
Jesse Cote Organizing Director
Chuck Craft Union Rep
Ed Lutgen Union Rep
Jay Lang Member Representative
Paul Elliott Member Representative
Suzan Merritt Negotiations Support
Heather Barstow Union Rep (out ill)

Representing the Company
Doug Mooney – Attorney
Kyle Martin
Mark Davidson
Cynthia Hunsperger


The following articles were passed across the bargaining table along with stated justification for each.
Article 1  Bargaining Unit
Article 2  Management Rights
Article 3  Union Security
Article 4  Union Representatives
Article 5  Union Stewards
Article 6  Hours of Work
Article 7  Wages
Article 8  Holidays
Article 9  PTO (Personal Time Off)
Article 10 Lost Time Benefit
Article 11 LOA/Paid Time Off/Jury Duty/Bereavement
Article 12 Health and Welfare
Article 13 Pension and 401(k)
Article 14 Seniority
Article 15 Grievance/Arbitration Procedure
Article 16 New Job Classifications
Article 17 Safety
Article 18 Training & Apprenticeship
Article 19 Definitions (discussed but not passed)
Article 20 Miscellaneous
Article 21 No Strikes/Lockouts
Article 22 Successors and Assigns
Article 23 Separability
Article 24 Alteration of Agreement
Article 25 Term & Notice of Change or Termination
Signature page
Appendix A Job Classifications (proposed but language not passed)
Appendix B Skill Based Pay (discussed but specific language not passed)
Appendix C High Performance Work Organization (discussed but specific language not passed)
Appendix D Joint Co/Union Alcohol & Drug Dependency Program

Jay Lang said “The IAM wasted no time and were very prepared and professional in their delivery of what we described as important to us. I was definitely impressed.”

"I think the tone of our first negotiations session was good although it was apparent these wouldn’t be easy. What I do know is the more members we have participating in the process, the better off all of us will be in the end" said Lang.

Paul Elliot was amazed how prepared the IAM was. “I’m just getting to understand this process but I support the IAM fully and our negotiators represented us well”.

Both parties set future bargaining sessions beginning next week October 13th, the 26th and November 1st and 4th. The IAM is optimistic we can get this done within these sessions so you have a proposal to vote on as soon as possible.

Keep up the solidarity in the shop because the negotiators are only as strong at the table as the members are in the shop. Solidarity works.

In Unity,
Your Union Negotiating Team

Negotiations Update September 27th 2011

.pdf here

Update September 21st 2011

Union Representatives assigned to negotiate on your behalf will be touring the Hytek facility this Friday. We would encourage you to wear your union tees and talk with them during your lunch.

Off shifts are encouraged to attend as well.

In Solidarity,

Your Union Negotiating Team

Update - September 15th 2011

To help with issues in your shops, including discipline, the IAM has appointed temporary Union Stewards to help you.  Don’t hesitate to seek one of the following Stewards if you need help:
Deeanna Fox                                
Tracy Hedges          
Smith Larson                    
Mike Lopez
Delois Heard
Jay Lang
Mark Lopez

• Thanks to the membership for participating and selecting the following members to help with upcoming contract negotiations.  (Additional names may be added). 

Jason Biehner                   Tracy Hedges
Jay Lang                            Smith Larson
Michael Lopez                  Deeanna Fox (alternate)
Paul Elliott

• We will be meeting with the committee members soon to help work on the proposal that addresses your issues—issues you are highlighting on the contract surveys that have been mailed to you.  Be sure to get them back to the Union in the addressed, postage paid envelope that was included no later than September 21st please.  The first negotiation meeting between the Union and the Company is scheduled for October 6, 2011!

Be a part of the process and make your voice heard by completing a Union membership application!  You can get one from any one of the newly-appointed temporary Union Stewards.

Certification Document

.pdf here

CONGRATULATIONS!

You WON!

By a margin of more than 2 to 1, you will be now represented by IAM District 751 once the results are certified by the NLRB in the next 7 to 10 days pending any objections.

Although this is a great victory for you and your co-workers this is only the first quarter of the game. There is much work to be done to prepare for your negotiations.

More information on nominations of committee members will be coming soon but right now is the time to celebrate.

We would also like to thank the many volunteers who gave of their time to meet with you and answer your questions as well as the members on the in-plant committee.

In Solidarity

Your Unionizing Team

Member T-Shirts

If you filled out a membership application and would like to recieve your t-shirt please send an email to IAMHytek@iam751.org with your size choice.

Please include your home email address so we can set up your own contract communications list when we get there.

Final Meeting Before The Vote, Today!

12:45-1:45 OR 2:45-3:45 OR 8:30-9:30

Tuesday August 9th, 2011
Holiday Inn & Suites (Olympia Room)
22318 84th AVE S
Kent WA 98032

Video - Q & A On Unionizing With The IAM

August 5th Update - Meeting Notice and Flier

Information

Medical Plans

Pension Plans

August 2nd Update - Meeting Notice and Flier

Get Us Your Sizes please

Your coworkers have selected the design above as your own custom T-shirt.

IMPORTANT - please send an email to IAMHytek@iam751.org with your size choice.

Please include your home email address so we can set up your own contract communications list when we get there.

Click on the image for a larger view

More ides for T-designs

Your Election is Set

T-Shirt Design Ideas and Meeting Notice

We need your input.

We are in the process of coming up with your very own t-shirt design. Below are a couple of examples as suggested by a few of your co-workers.

Come to the Wednesday meeting at the Hampton Inn (address here) and give us your input.

These are conceptual designs, we are always open to other suggestions for design and/or slogan changes.

Welcomes You To Your Web Site

Congratulations!

Click on the letter of support
from the UFCW Representatives
for a larger view

Videos Supporting the Move from UFCW to the IAM

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The Authorization Card

If we didn䴜t get a chance to speak with you personally but you would like to join with your co-workers whom have already indicated support, you can do so by printing and mailing the Authorization Card shown.

Fill out the card and send it to:
Aerospace Machinists Industrial District Lodge 751
c/o Unionizing Department
9125 15th Place South
Seattle WA. 98108-5190

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Five Offices Provide Expert Services to Our Members

Seattle Union Hall - Main Headquarters 9125 15th Place South (206) 764-0324	Auburn Union Office 201 "A" Street SW (253) 833-5590	Renton Union Office 233 Burnett Ave. N. (425) 235-3777
Everett Union Hall 8729 Airport Road (425) 355-8821	Spokane Office 4226 E. Mission (509) 534-9690

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The Machinist Health and Welfare Trust

The IAM has their own Regence Blue shield administered health and welfare plans to fit our members' families' needs. In fact, many times employers contact us because these plans are cheaper than what they currently pay to cover their employees with comparable benefits. This makes for a smoother organizing process. Sometimes we can make it a win- win situation for everyone. We can raise your standard of living and, at the same time, save the company money

The IAM National Pension Plan

The IAM National Pension fund is called a "Defined Benefit Pension Plan". Defined benefit pension plans are insured by the Federal Government
and any excess in fund assests MUST go to improve members benefits. Most employers hold and control what is called a Defined Contribution plan.
They control the assets and they determine what to do with the excess in assets. Most invest this money in their company. I.A.M. members know
that strength lies in numbers. The same holds true for the National Pension Plan. Our strength lies in these numbers: