I want to propose 301 negotiate with management that layoffs are determined by employee performance and value to GE long term. If the company needs to cut 200 hourly jobs to save cost, cut 120 DRates. You will save 80 jobs for people that will work and the plant could start actually competing from a cost perspective. If a D Rate hits the job market they are guaranteed to take a pay cut with new company. Now if a D Rate wants to stay they could agree to working for actual market wage and bump someone. I call for a vote at the next union hall meeting. I know we got the numbers to vote this in. It’s time to change with the times 301. I bet the day this gets voted in these D rates actually start working since their seniority would be worthless.
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Sleeper Slate!! We need new leadership! Strike strike strike!!
This will never happen. Merit based anything is contrary to the union ethos and the only thing that's important is how long someone has gone without being fired.
If you got hundreds to back this I can pull at least 50 votes from D rates. I’ve been talking with guys that actually do their jobs and they think this makes sense. If they add value to the team they won’t get let go. Time to cut the dead weight regardless of seniority. If this will save jobs let’s get this in motion now.
The only winner here is the company. They've gotten you to try to do what they couldn't. Apparently your definition of union is different then most. Remember, what comes around, goes around. The next generation of union employees will be looking at the current T rates for guidance and leadership. What are they going to see?
The T-rates need to understand that we know how they feel. The D rates have all been there. Some of us have been laid off 2 or 3 times. We started working at GE at a time when there was little hope of getting an upgrade to a higher paying job. For many, they were stuck in the low paying positions for many years. It is a different world now and is amazing that there are low service people working in 25 rate jobs. You all need to calm down and remember that we have all been there. Sure, it s---s. But dont take it out on your fellow workers. Upper management ran this company into the ground for their own greed, not the workers. The world power needs might be a little different these days, but they still need what we make. We used to make the best. Now most parts are made in China, and quality is suffering because the company wanted to save some money instead of selling the best product. Now customers are realizing that our products are no better than anyone else's because of this. Unfortunately, it is too late to fix this because the infrastructure to build our own parts has been given to China and Mexico. This has happened with many companies. By the time they realize how bad quality suffers, its too late. So dont blame your fellow co-workers for getting laid off, or call them lazy, or blame them for the lack of work. Upper management ruined this company with bad decisions.
You will see my name at the next union hall meeting. You will also see me there with hundreds of my brothers ready to save 80 jobs. Don’t think your old overpaid azz scares me. It’s time to let the reality set in. D Rates are going on the block, whether you like it or not. Also part of the plan is that if the company will now offer percentage pay increases again because all the bloated wages will be gone. We’re taking over!! It’s time we represented ourselves.
T rates along with some D rates(who actually work) are bringing this up for vote at the next union meeting. We’ll save the jobs and D rates can make the decision to take the market rate or their handed their walking papers. I know it’s different from old Union mentality, but this is how you react in 2018. You learn to adapt to the world around you. #realityslate coming to a town near you. Hell after we save the 80 jobs I might throw my hat in the ring to lead the National. I would have saved more jobs than current 301. Get onboard or get run over.
The problem with this is it would turn into who is the biggest management s--- a--. It wouldn’t go by how good someone is at a job. Don’t be stupid yes u know that. The seniority situation is the same in every union shop across the nation you accepted it when you got hired. I was the low man on the totem pole for a long time wait your turn it will come. If this was ever to happen you’d be screening yourself in the long run.
I propose the hall grow a set and get the company to offer a walkout package. Or grow a set and let us strike!
What happens when GE determines "market wage" is $13 an hour? Be careful what you wish for.
Most likely the OP has no skills, otherwise they would be in a job code with an adder that brought their pay a lot closer to their D rate counterpart. That being said, if you haven't taken advantage of the programs GE offers to better your position, at GE or elsewhere, then you're to blame for your own demise. Enjoy your last week....
OP:
How's this scenario...so the number is 200. You'll work OT to build up inventory, then the layoff will be 300. 200 T and 100 D. Then, the 100 D will get a call back to work. Oh wait...thats only if they take the Tbag rate!! Did the D get any kind of protective language when they voted this in? As in the 2nd tier rate couldnt be used as reprimand, or they would keep legacy status regardless of layoff? You guys don't have any appliance or lighting vets up there to school you on this playbook? Union or non union, if you make over 25 there looking at ya. Good luck getting your 1st tier reps to vote away their money...you have a better chance just voting the union out completely.
@UmVbUAo-wbi, you so right. No question GE senior leadership has mismanaged the company, but that can't hide the fact that power order have fallen drastically.
A mechanism to take out T-rates is already in place, its called attrition and VRP's. It would be smart for GE to offer even more aggressive VRP's plans ahead of next years IUE negotiations to try and get to a majority or near majority vote of T Rates. Yes, a higher percentage of T-Rates overall will lower labor cost, but as everyone seems to miss on this blog, orders are down 50% plus, you still have to cut heads!
I propose, at the next hall meeting you actually grow a set and stand up and propose that!! I know, I know, all talk no action!! Post your name, stop hiding behind unanimous posts!!!
Flattery, or whatever his name is, took a pay cut compared to his predecessor Imelted. Follow his lead.
I’m a T-Rate and agree 100%! The D-Rates need to feel the pressure!