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October 2007751 AERO MECHANICVOL. 61 NO. 9PageOCTOBER 2007Shop Floor Meetings Central to CommunicationIn late September, Union leaders began holding shop floor meetings to increase the vital face-to-face communication with members. With the contractless than a year away, shop floor meetings are one of the best avenues to notonly distribute information, but receivefeedback and input, as well.Two-way communication is key tosuccessful negotiations to ensure Unionleaders accurately portray membershipconcerns and understand issues members have identified.District 751 President TomWroblewski stated, “Shop floor meetings help raise Unionvisibility and givemembers an opporHEALTHtunity to talk to neCAREgotiators and UnionTHIS TIME!leaders. These willbe ongoing throughFor health care out the contract andinfo, see page 6 beyond. Becausethey take place atwork, members are more likely to participate. We understand how busy ev-PrioritizingHealth CareThroughout October, UnionStewards will be distributing a survey asking members to help prioritize health care and dental issues.Please take the time to fill out asurvey and provide additional comments. Membership input is criticalto our negotiations with Boeing.District President Tom Wroblewski and Business Rep Mark Johnson talk withmembers at a shop floor meeting in Auburn.eryone is and look for convenient waysto get members involved.”In October, shop floor meetings willfocus on health care. At the same time,Union Stewards will be distributing ahealth care survey to have members further clarify their priorities concerninghealth care and dental care. In conjunction with the survey and shop floor meetings, the Aero Mechanic also featuresseveral articles on health care, includingthe bargaining history, options for prescriptions drugs and news about the Traditional Medical Plan (see pages 6-7).In each round of bargaining, healthcare is consistently a top issue. Protecting and enhancing the benefits becomeseven more important as health care costscontinue to rise nationwide. Throughsuccessful past negotiations, 751 has remained a leader in health care benefits atContinued on page 12Steward Monico Bretana fillsout a health care survey.Member Gets Seniority RestoredLabor Day 2007 brought good news for 751-memseniority reinstated.”ber John Reifel. After returning to work from theThe change meant John went from the bottom of theholiday, he learned the Union was successful in gettingseniority list to being able to transfer to day shift.his seniority reinstated back to his original hire-in date“If there is another downturn, restoring my seniorityof 1996 rather thanwill be huge. It alsobeing classified as ameans I will accumunew hire with a Delate vacation at a muchcember 2006 date.faster rate,” JohnThanks to the efstated.forts of Union Busi“I was impressedness Rep Richardwith how quickly I sawJackson and Unionresults,” added John.Steward Mark Clark,“I asked my Stewardas well as fromto look into the matterWorkforce at Boeing,and that same dayJohn has credit for allBusiness Rep Richardhis previous time atJackson was in theBoeing.shop asking for addiAs his Steward,tional information.”Mark helped gatherWhen John rethe facts and docuceived his recall lettermentation. Richardin early 2005, he im751-member John Reifel (center) thanks Steward Marktook this informationmediately responded.Clark (l) and Business Rep Richard Jackson for their helpand presented it to in restoring his seniority to a 1996 date.At the time he wasWorkforce, whoworking as a manageragreed to reinstate hisat a company inseniority. While it was not actually a contractual issue,Yakima. He was stunned when he received a secondonce the Company saw all the facts and documentation,letter stating he would not be recalled. He called Boeingthey did the right thing and corrected his seniority.security (as the letter instructed), but the person was tooRichard noted, “I applaud Boeing for doing the rightbusy and didn’t have time to hear his situation orthing in this situation. It is a testimony to the workingexplain how to rectify the matter. He made a couplerelationship between the Union and the Company.other phone calls, but everyone seemed too busy to helpEven though it wasn’t contractual and they weren’tso he accepted the fact he would lose his Category Aobligated to make a change, they realized this employeerights and seniority.had followed the proper procedure and should have hisContinued on page 12Health & Benefits Rep Joe Crockett (l) reviewsMedicare supplement info with Vicki and Paul Lecroy.Union BenefitsOffice Here to HelpSelecting a Medicare supplement has become extremely complicated because there are so many plans,which are constantly changing. When Paul and VickiLecroy were faced with this decision, they knew whereto turn for advice – the Union. 751’s Health and BenefitsOffice was there to provide them with the informationand resources to make an educated choice.Health and Benefits Representative Joe Crockett worksdaily to help members who may have questions on Medicare supplements, as well as assisting with many otherbenefit questions/issues. The District 751 Health and Benefits Office has a wealth of information and resources.Members can seek help with such issues as: Medical Benefits Dental Benefits Leave of Absence Life Insurance Short-Term (Weekly) Disability Prescription Drug Coverage Retirement Plan/Pension Benefits Alcohol and Drug RehabilitationMember Paul Lecroy has always valued the Unioncontract and the resources it provides to our members.Continued on page 11CraftCollegeTraining ensuresfacilities remainthe ‘best of thebest’ in the General ElectionTUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th 5See Voting Recommendations, page 3PeddlingPoliticsInside IndexMNPL Drive kicks off tostep up our legislativeefforts3President's Message . 2Political Action . 3Community Service .4Joint Programs . 5Retirement . 9Want Ads . 10
Page 2751 AERO MECHANICOctober 2007REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENTHealth Care Is Focus of Negotiation Preparation in Octoberby Tom Wroblewski,District PresidentAs part of our preparation for the 2008 negotiations with Boeing, we willbe highlighting a different contract issue eachmonth. Members will receive magnetic buttons and stickers eachmonth displaying the issue. Then,throughout the month, the selected issuewill be discussed in shop floor meetingswith the Business Reps and talked abouton Union issue flyers.In October, we are featuring healthcare. Union Stewards will be distributing a survey asking for your input onhealth care and dental coverage. Pleasetake the time to fill out the survey. If youwant to give additional comments, do soon the second page provided. By gettingfeedback from the members, it helps meand my Union negotiating team to prioritize improvements in health care.Throughout October, Business Repswill hold shop floor meetings to discusshealth care. Shop floor meetings provideface-to-face interaction for Union leaders with members. Beyond just providing information and answering questionsmembers have, it ensures vital twoway communication and offers anavenue for members to give directfeedback to Union leaders. It iscritical that we get every memberto participate throughout the negotiation process. This will ensurewe capitalize on our bargainingposition and get the best possiblecontract for members because “It’s OurTime This Time!”This issue of the Aero Mechanicbriefly outlines the history of our healthcare, dental care and life insurance benefits. It has been a steady progression toget to the level of benefits we enjoytoday. Keep in mind that in the last tenyears, health care costs have risen substantially across the country. Take thetime to read over the history, which showshow collective bargaining has improvedour benefits.Unions have played a huge role inimproving benefits over the years. Priorto 1952 Union-negotiated and companypaid health and welfare benefits wererare. 751 first obtained this ground-breaking language in the 1952 contract and didnot obtain company-paid dependent careuntil the 1965 contract (when employeesinitially paid more than 50 percent of thepremium). Before 1952, all health andwelfare costs were paid by employees.Each round of bargaining, health careremains a top concern of our Union.Across the country, the rising cost ofhealth care benefits and employers’ attempts to shift costs to workers builds astrong case for national health care. Imagine if this issue did not have to be addressed at the bargaining table, the gainswe could make in other areas. We arealso proposing several health care billsat the state level for the upcoming session in January 2008.Obtaining a national health care policyis just one of our goals in the politicalarena, which is funded through the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League(MNPL). Securing the Air Force tankercontract for Boeing and getting more ofthat tanker built in America is also a goalof MNPL. In October, Stewards willdistribute additional information on thisvital program. Talk to your Steward aboutthe program and ask how you can getinvolved.In Eastern Washington, I got a chanceto meet some of our members who workfor Rabanco in Goldendale and discussissues for their upcoming negotiationsthis fall. Negotiations with Rabanco willLocal 751-C Proposed Are You Ready.to Move Forward?A Labor Education Conference About Our FutureBylaws Change to bePlan to atVoted November 8tend a labortiReWomen’s IssuesmeUPCOMING EVENTSBREAST CANCER WALKmittee has again formedThe District 751 Women’s ComStrides Against Breastking‘MaTEAM 751 to support theSunday, October 14th.Cancer ’ non-competitive walk onin this worthy cause.ateThis is our fifth year to participvolunteer at the walk onThere are two opportunities tolike to volunteer to assist’dyouIf.Sunday, October 14tht Justin Wieging at thewalkers on the route, please meeer to be in place prior toordin.Volunteer Tent at 7:30 a.mare meeting in front ofthe event start. TEAM 751 walkers at Bellevue Square byny’sthe fountain across from JC Pen5 K walk starts at 9:008:30 a.m. for a group photo. Thehours volunteer time.a.m. 751 walkers will receive 3Michlik atFor more information, contact Kay -1301, ext. 3316.76300kaym@iam751.org or call 1-8HisseitinorNewCareerSaturday,November39 am to 3 pmnancialAdvivisReabgLDistrict Lodge 751,International Assn. ofMachinists andAerospace WorkersTom WroblewskiPresident, DirectingBusiness RepresentativeClifton WyattVice PresidentSusan PalmerSecretary-TreasurerntHuman Rightsconference onSaturday, November 3rdpresentingthree educational perspectives from the751 Women’sCommittee,the 751 HumanRights Committee and the 751 Labor History Committee. The conference themewill be “Are You Ready.to Move Forward?”The 751 Women’s Committee, 751 Human Rights Committee and 751 LaborHistory Committee will combine their talents to host this educational conferencewith the following three workshops: 751 Women’s Committee.Are YouReady for the Unexpected? 751 Human Rights Committee.AreYou Ready for a Better World? 751 Labor History Committee.AreFiLocal Lodge 751-C has submitted aproposed Bylaws change to move thefall election next year to coincide withthe spring election (similar to the District bylaws in a contract year) – eliminating the cost of two elections and saving the Local money.First reading of submitted bylaws proposal will be at the Local Lodge 751-Cmeeting held on Thursday, October 11 atthe Seattle Union Hall (9135 15th Pl. S.,Seattle). The meeting starts at 6 p.m. inthe Stewards Hall.The second reading on the BylawsCommittee’s recommendations will beat the November meeting of Local Lodge751-C on Thursday, November 8 at 6p.m. in the Stewards Hall at the SeattleUnion Hall (9135 15th Pl. S., Seattle).Members will vote on the proposedchange will immediately follow the second reading at the November 8th meeting.ytorreopen in November. Thanks to all whotook the time to attend the barbecue andshare their concerns.We continue to move closer to obtaining a first contract for the workers atFiltrona Extrusions in Yakima. Members there remain united in their efforts.Finally, this month we lost a memberwho played a tremendous role in ournegotiations with Boeing – Al Schultz.This individual dedicated his life to helping others and was at the forefront ofBoeing negotiations from 1968 through1983. Yet after retirement from theUnion, he spent decades volunteeringfor such worthy organizations as theAmerican Red Cross and United Way.His only motivation was to pay backsociety for the fortunate life he had beengiven. He will be deeply missed andalways appreciated for the work he did.Seattle Union Hall,9135 15th Pl. S.You Ready for History to Repeat Itself?Stewards will be given advanced education credit hours for attending theconference.The event will also feature a silentauction to benefit Families & Friends ofViolent Crime Victims. Donations forauction items gladly accepted.To register, donate auction items orfor more info, contact Janeé Bromiley at1-800-763-1301, ext. 3500.Cost 10 if before October 26. Lateregistration 15.LOCAL F GARAGE SALELocal Lodge 751-F is having a huge garage sale tobenefit Guide Dogs of America. Butfirst, we must collectitems to sell so we need your help.If you have any unwanted, re-sellable household items,bring them to the Seattle Union Hall. You can donateclothing (baby & children’s only noadult clothes), toys,tools, household items, lawn caretools, sporting goods,furniture, housewares, linens, books, videos, games,camping equipment and more. Nocomputer monitors.Please do not bring junk! Only things we can sell!Plan to attend and get some great deals at the SeattleUnion Hall (9135 15th Pl. S.) on:Wednesday, October 10 from 4-6 pm and7-8 pmThursday, October 11 from 4-6 pm and7-8 pmFriday, October 12from 9:30-10:30 am &11:30 am to 12:30 pmSaturday, October 13 from 10 am to4pmJames CoatsSergeant-at-ArmsTommy WilsonRoy MoorePaul KnebelMark B. JohnsonRay BaumgardnerEmerson HamiltonStan JohnsonPaul MillikenRon BradleyJimmy DarrahHeather BarstowJon HoldenDon MorrisRichard JacksonUnion Business RepresentativesUnion Offices: 9125 15th Pl S, Seattle; 206-763-1300 201 A St. SW, Auburn; 253-833-5590 233 Burnett N., Renton; 425-235-3777 8729 Airport Rd, Everett;425-355-8821 4226 E. Mission, Spokane(509) 534-9690 or 1-800-763-1305Toll-free to Seattle from:Nationwide 1-800-763-1301Tacoma 253-627-0822Hotline: 1-800-763-1310Web site: www.iam751.org751 AERO MECHANICConnie Kelliher, EditorMember of The Newspaper Guild,CWA #37082District 751 AERO MECHANIC ( ISSN 0894-7864,USPS 008-660) is published Monthly except Bimonthly in December/January by Aerospace Industrial District Lodge 751, 9125 15th Pl. S.,SeattleWA 98108. 3.50 of the annual dues goestoward a one-year subscription to the Aero Mechanic. 4 per year for non-members by DistrictLodge 751, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO, 9125 15thPl. S., Seattle, WA 98108. Periodicals postagepaid at Seattle, WA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to District 751 Aero Mechanic,9125 15th Pl. S., Seattle, WA 98108
October 2007751 AERO MECHANICPage 3POLITICAL ACTIONM.N.P.L. Ensures Gains in the Legislative Arenaby Larry Brown,Legislative & Political DirectorAll of us hear and use acronyms.Some are very important and others notso much. MNPL is a good example ofone of those very important acronyms.MNPL stands for Machinists Non-Parisian Political League.The District 751 MNPL fundraisingdrive kicks off on October 1st. The drivewill last through October 31st. Your UnionSteward will be around to talk to youabout the important work done by MNPL.But MNPL is about more than work.We will have some fun, too. We willhold the 2007 MNPL Dinner/Dance onSaturday, December 1st. This gala eventof fine dining and dancing is only available to Machinists Union members whojoin the 751 Club. This requires only asmall contribution of just 7.51 a monthto MNPL. No doubt the dinner/dancewill be a great time but MNPL is so muchmore.MNPL is the political arm of theMachinists Union. MNPL was formedin 1947 when the Machinists Union recognized the importance of raising moneyto help our union fight for our membersin the political arena. The AerospaceMachinists of District Lodge 751 haslong been a recognized leader in MNPL.But what are some of our successes?Historically, the District has been ableto leverage great advantage for our members because we have been big-time play-Steward Sarah Parker goes over the2007 MNPL Drive rules and timelines.antees workers 60 days notice for layoffsenhance their skills so they were able toers in politics. The more recent highor plant closures (if more than 100 peoplefind other employment.lights of this would include:lose their jobs) signed into law February Our Union helped land the 787 final In 1988, with an aerospace down1989.assembly for our members in Washingturn and layoffs Funding for the Export-Import Bank,ton State. In 2003,in other sectorswhich helps finance airplane orders forour Union workedof the economy,Boeingwith our allies in theourUnionAll of these accomplishments wereWashington Statehelped pass amade possible by our MNPL contribuLegislature and thenbill in the Washtions. MNPL helped place friends inGovernorGaryington Statepublic office. But there is so much moreLocke to create a legLegislature thatthat needs to be done. In the next coupleislativepackagewould use exof years we MUST pass legislation towhich helped concess funds inmake it easier for workers to join unions.vince Boeing to buildthe UnemployThis is more than important. Quite literthe next generation airment Insurally, the survival of the American laborliner in Everett.ance Trustmovement is at stake. One of the conseFund to proAt the Federal level, we must pass thequences of the 2003 legvide extendedEmployee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Thisislative package whichunemploybill, when enacted into law, will allowhelped to keep the 787mentandM.N.P.L. - The Political Armof the Union final assembly in state,workers a more streamlined and levelworker replaying field when they want to join aalso caused an unemtraining benRemember: MNPL helps protect what is gainedunion. Currently, the law allows employmentbenefitscutforefits for laidat thebargaining table from being erased in legislation!ployers to place obstacle after obstacleseasonal workers inoff aerospacein the way of workers seeking to join aWashington. These cutsw o r k e r s . Ask your Steward for a copy of theunion. The path is long and torturous.affected building and conOnly aero2007 MNPL information booklet.And even when the employer breaks thestruction trades workers,space, timberlaw during an organizing campaign, littlefood processing and other agriculturaland fin-fisherman workers were eligibleis done to sanction the employer. Everyworkers. In 2006 the Machinists Union,to receive these benefits.23 minutes a worker in America is firedworking with others, helped restore those In 2001, working with Boeing, thebenefits.Machinists helped secure a deal with theContinued on page 8There areU.S. Air Force to lease up to at least 100many accom767 air refueling tankers. This contractplishments atwas worth 23 billion. Unfortunately,the federal levelthe U.S. government withdrew the conas well, includtract due to legal and ethical irregulariing:ties by the Company. The Union contin Boeingues to push for Boeing to secure the Airwinning the P-8Force tanker contract and to get addiPoseidon contional tanker work returned to the U.S.tract for the After the disaster of 9-11-2001 nearlyNavy, whichhalf of our Union members lost their jobstranslates intoas a result of a horrific downturn inhundreds of jobsairline and aerospace industries. Districtat the RentonLodge 751 was able to secure 43 milplant.lion in worker retraining and extended Passing theunemployment benefits. Once again,Familyandonly laid-off aerospace workers wereMedical Leaveeligible. This program gave laid-off MaAct in 1993.chinists Union members up to two years Enacting Business Rep Jimmy Darrah (r) talks about significantof benefits and training. This programthe W.A.R.N. legislative gains made through MNPL with Steward Jeffhelped thousands of Machinists Unionact, which guar- Rose.members transition into new careers or751 RECOMMENDED CANDIDATESEdmonds City CouncilVote in the General Election - Tuesday, November 6thKing County CouncilDistrict 2Larry Gossett, DDistrict 4Larry Phillips, DDistrict 8Dow Constantine, DKing County ProsecutorBill Sherman, DSnohomish CountyExecutiveAaron Reardon, DSnohomish CountyCouncilPort of SeattleCommissionerDistrict 2Brian Sullivan, DPosition 2Gael Tarleton, NPDistrict 3Mike Cooper, DPosition 5Alec Fisken, NPSeattle City CouncilPosition 1Jean Godden, NPPosition 3Venus Velazquez, NPSeattle School BoardPosition 6Maria Ramirez, NPMayor, City of RentonKathy Keolker, DPosition 5Tom Rasmussen, NPEverett City CouncilPosition 7David Della, NPPosition 7David Simpson, NPPosition 5Adrienne Fraley-Monillas*, NPState Legislature19th Leg Dist, SenateBrian HatfieldBallot MeasuresNO on I-960 – would makegovernment less responsiveand communities morevulnerable in a crisis.YES on R-67 – would stopinsurance abuse and makeinsurance companies pay onlegitimate claims.YES on EHJR 4204 – Allowsschool levies to pass withsimple majority vote.YES on ROADS & TRANSIT –Keeps our area moving andgrows jobs.
Page 4751 AERO MECHANICOctober 2007COMMUNITY SERVICENeumann Remembered for His ‘Spirit of Labor’Each year, United Way of Snohomish County honors volunteers and community members with its prestigious Spirit Awards. This year’s winners were announced at United Way’s annual Spirit of SnohomishCounty Breakfast on Wednesday, September 12. District 751 again was in the spotlight as 751-A memberBob Neumann was awarded the Spirit of Labor Award(posthumously).The Spirit of Labor Award is presented to a unionmember for outstanding leadership and communityservice through the partnership between United Wayof Snohomish County and Organized Labor. Therecipient demonstrates a commitment to our community through long-term notable volunteer service.Bob was the epitomy of the Spirit of Labor as everyday he strived to help others. 751-F member JudyNeumann, Bob’s widow, proudly accepted the awardfor her husband.Spirit of Labor Award: Bob Neumann, (awardedposthumously) Bob Neumann dedicated his last yearsto making life better for others, giving over 5,000 hoursto volunteer service.Employees Get A for Supporting KidsEmployees in the Puget Sound region receive an A for their efforts and generosity in supporting childrenduring the annual Books & Backpacks drive in July.Donations overall increased by 17 percent over lastyear’s contributions, equating to 34,772 books, 6,618backpacks and 1,171 totes of school supplies. Mostimportantly, donations from employees meant that morechildren in ourcommunities, particularly those fromlow-income families, were ready tostart school and willhave access to newbooks throughoutthe year.Books went toPage Ahead, a local nonprofit workPhoto courtesy Mark BestingtowardBoeing employees donatedchildren’s literacy.more than 34,000 new booksBackpacks andfor area children during ECF’sschool suppliesBooks & Backpacks drive.went to the WorldVision warehousewhere teachers from local schools with high percentages of low-income children can “shop” for supplies forstudents. Both agencies host events where children whoare selected because of their need come away withbooks or backpacks and supplies.“A lot of schools have limited resources and won’t letchildren take home books from the library,” said SusanDibble, executive director of Page Ahead. “When employees donate these books, it’s sometimes the onlybook children can take home.”By donating backpacks and school supplies or cashto purchase them, employees provide items for childrenwhose families cannot afford even basic items to succeed in school.“World Vision has already distributed 10,000 backpacks at back-to-school events and will host 5,000teacher visits which will distribute 1.5 million in products,” said Jim Peterson, World Vision storehouse manager for the program. “Our ability to distribute supplieswould not have grown to this proportion or even beenpossible without the continued support of Boeing employees during the drive.”There are benefits to both physical donations andcash donations. Dibble said that by donating books oftheir choosing, employees provide a diversity of titlesthat the agency can then offer to children. By donatingcash, employees offer buying power so that Page Aheadand World Vision can purchase items much below theretail rate.Bob Neumann (inset picture) dedicated his life tohelping others. Above: 751-F Steward andDistrict Council Alternate Judy Neumann (l)accepts the Spirit of Labor award on Bob’s behalf.When Bob Neumann was diagnosed with severeemphysema in 1995, doctors gave him six months tolive. He left his job as a structural mechanic at Everett’sBoeing plant and became a tireless volunteer.For more than 10 years he volunteered four days aweek, encouraging patients in the pulmonary rehabprogram at Providence Everett Medical Center to exercise. With his union, he headed an adopt-a-highwayprogram and worked on cleaning up Everett’s CasinoRoad. He worked on several other community projects,which included cleaning up schools, building playgrounds and participating in United Way’s Day ofCaring.Neumann worked at the Boeing Company for 29years and was a union steward with the InternationalAssociation of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 751A. Formerly a resident of Mill Creek, he servedas sergeant at arms for the Snohomish County LaborCouncil and was on the council’s community servicescommittee.Robert William Neumann died on February 25, 2007at age 60. He is survived by his wife, Judy Neumann,who accepted the award on his behalf. Like Bob, Judyhas also dedicated her life to helping others through herwork in the Union and the community.Volunteer Efforts Help CommunityThroughout the Puget Sound region, 751 membershave been volunteering to help on a variety of community service projects.When Northwest Harvest organized their ‘Strike OutHunger’ drive before a Seattle Mariners game, 751volunteers were there to help collect donations andfood. The one-day effort brought in 3,822 pounds offood and 12,914.90 in cash donations. Thanks to thefollowing who helped with the effort: Vennie Murphy,Nancy Wilson, Jenifer Wilson, Craig Henningsen, PaulVeltkamp, Deborah Caldwell, Larry Brown, TheresaLaCoss, Michael Cramer, Dan Swankand David Bowling.751 volunteers also recently built awheelchair ramp for an Auburn resident to help with their disabled childand another ramp for a retired 751member. Thanks to the following whohelped with the ramps: Ed Lutgen, StoshTomala, Vennie Murphy, AmandaMurphy, Jim Pete, Barb Stewart, AlexKarooiannis, Chris Louie, and BruceBob Anderson.In addition, volunteers also continue to prepare and serve meals atarea missions in Tacoma and Everett.Above: 751 membershelp with aNorthwest Harvestfood drive before aMariners game.Photo left: Ed Lutgen,Vennie Murphy,Stosh Tomala andJim Pete install handrails.Building a ramp for an Auburn resident were: Jim Pete,Vennie Murphy, Stosh Tomala, Amanda Murphy. EdLutgen and Barb Stewart (not pictured) also helped.A 751 retiree was all smiles after Chris Louie,Vennie Murphy, Alex Karooiannis and BruceBob Anderson built her a wheelchair ramp.Learn More About ECF at Brown Bag LunchesDo you have the facts about the Employees Community Fund (ECF)? Now is your chance to hearfirsthand from your co-workers, the ECF trustees,about how ECF works, where contributionsgo and how funding decisions are made. Employees at Boeing are invited to bring theirlunches and stop by a “brown bag” discussionabout ECF. Trustees will lead the discussionand answer questions. Cookies or other snackswill be available for anyone who attends. Plan onstopping by one of these informative sessions to learnthe facts.Everett Factory:Friday, October 5th, 10:30 a.m.40-35.3, 313M13Auburn:Thursday, November 6th, 10:30 a.m.17-44 Theatre
October 2007Page 5751 AERO MECHANICIAM/BOEING JOINT PROGRAMSCraft College Ensures Facilities Stay the BestRobin Buck, Morgan Bragg, andMaurice Taylor all believe fervently thatlearning to be an expert machinist is likelearning to be any other kind of professional – there’s really no end to the process.Buck is a long-time journeyman machinistwith four special certification patches onthe sleeve of his coverall. Bragg is a newlystate-certified mechanic. Taylor has graduated from his Electronic Technician apprenticeship, but all find in the Craft College a way to keep their learning going.“Education is the most important thingyou can do in your life,” Buck asserts.“The chance to learn more, to becomebetter at my job is what I like aboutworking here. Developing your craft is alifelong thing.”Like Buck, Morgan Bragg is a journeyman, with additional certification from theFluid Power Society. He has a Washingtonstate license as a machine tool maintenance mechanic and keeps the 10-, 15-,and 20-ton overhead cranes in repair, “afine job if you don’t fear heights,” he sayswith a smile. The Boeing/IAM Joint Apprenticeship Program and Craft Collegeworked together for Bragg. He combinedfour years of on-the-job training in Boeingshops all over the Puget Sound area withoff-hours training and homework and on-at the same time Craft College is helpingme earn an electrician’s certification.”Teaching what other institutionsdon’tMike DePew started the Craft College 3 years ago to provide a regularcurriculum for the Facilities mechanicsand technicians maintaining the machinesin Auburn’s Fabrication Division. Obviously some training was needed, butwhen DePew began looking at what wasrequired he was confronted with an immediate problem. Mac
Selecting a Medicare supplement has become ex-tremely complicated because there are so many plans, which are constantly changing. When Paul and Vicki Lecroy were faced with this decision, they knew where to turn for advice - the Union. 751's Health and Benefits Office was there to provide them with the information
