The expiration of the current contract is rapidly approaching. Your Union Bargaining Committee has been formulating our Union proposals we plan to submit to the Company. 

            While it is too early to tell how the final proposal will look, we must prepare for the worst. It takes many weeks of preparation to ensure that the picket lines are properly staffed, the various committees (Security, Check-in,…) are identified, and everyone knows the procedures that will be used in the event that the Company forces you to reject the contract proposal. The Strike Committee is responsible for ensuring these activities are coordinated and in place. 

            To that end, the District needs each of you to complete the bottom portion of this SpeedFacts and return it to your Shop Steward as quickly as possible. The information you provide will be used to update your home address and phone numbers and to begin the process of assigning picket duties. Per your IAM Constitution, members are required to work strike duties during a strike in order to receive International and/or District Strike Pay. The District has determined that a 4-hour picket duty one time a week will adequately man the gates where pickets will go up. In the form below, please complete all lines and indicate your first and second choice for picket duty. The assignment of duties will be on a first-come first-served basis so get this form back to your Steward right away. Once a particular day/time is filled, that slot will be closed and we will attempt to give you your second choice. If your first and second choice slots are filled, we will try to assign a time similar to the one you requested. When the picket roster is completed, the Shop Stewards will be given the information to take back to the members as notification of your particular duties.  

            Thank you for your continued support. The Bargaining Committee fully recognizes the fact that it is the solidarity and support from each of you that enables a successful completion to the negotiating process. Must return by Monday, May 10, 2010.

Fraternally,
Gordon King

President Directing Business Representative