Stewards Only

Know Your Rights

Welcome to your Web Site at Star Forge

Here you will find valuable information about your campaign to secure justice on the job.

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September 21st 2016 - Contract Ratified

Members have voted for the contract proposal by a 67% Yes vote. Congratulations!

 

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September 20th 2016 - Vote Information and Proposal

 

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September 2nd 2016

Your union negotiating team met with lawyers for CE Star – the potential new Jorgensen Forge owners – on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 30-31. We followed that up with meetings with the advisory committee members you nominated on Thursday, Sept. 1.

Here is what we can tell you about what has happened so far:

We have presented the CE Star representatives with a counter to their initial proposal. They are reviewing it, and I expect to get a response from them prior to our next round of meetings, which will be Sept. 13-14, according to Joe Crockett, Business Representative and head of negotiations with CE Star.

We used your existing collective bargaining agreement as the starting point for our proposal, and we asked for improvements in a number of areas.  We told them at the table that our priorities are wages, skill based wage process improvements and health care.

CE Star’s representatives continue to say that the new owners plan to operate the business and want the ownership transition to be as seamless as possible. As a result, they seem motivated to get an agreement done.

We would like to see that too, but our overriding goal is to get an agreement that you -- the people who make Jorgensen Forge operate– can support. And until the deal closes, our existing contract with JFC’s current owners remains in effect.

You should get another WARN notice around Sept. 12. The notice is required by law, and it will give you warning that you could be terminated in 14, days which would be Sept. 26. However, it’s our belief that CE Star doesn’t want that to happen, because they don’t want any disruptions in the business or to take a chance with being able to offer you employment at terms you want to accept.  In other words, they want a new collective bargaining agreement.

Continue to check here for updates, and if you have any questions, contact your steward or Business Rep Joe Crockett.

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August 30th 2016 - Update

We have scheduled contract talks with representatives of the new ownership group for today and Wednesday, Aug. 30-31, here in Seattle.

At that time, we will present them with counters to their initial proposals.

On Sept. 1, we will call the first meeting of the negotiations advisory committee, whose members were picked from the nominations you made. (Those people will be contacted individually before the meeting.) We will get their input on what we’ve heard from the company before we go back for further talks.

As always, our goal remains to win improvements over the current contract.

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August 19th 2016 - Information

Union officers are ready to start negotiations with the potential new owners of Jorgensen Forge Corp.

The two sides have held their first meeting, which marked a very positive step in the Jorgensen Forge bankruptcy process, said Business Rep Joe Crockett.

“They made it clear that their intention is to negotiate a brand-new full-up agreement,” he said. “If we can reach an agreement, their intent is to offer everybody a job.”

Our union represents 63 hourly workers at Jorgensen Forge, whose futures have been unsettled since May, when Jorgensen’s parent company, Constellation Enterprises, filed for bankruptcy.

The company was put up for auction on Aug. 9. Only one bidder emerged, a group calling itself CE Star Holdings, which is made up of companies that the former owners owed money to.

Under bankruptcy law, the new owners are not obligated to recognize the former owners union contract – unless they intend on hiring more than half of the current workforce.

Last week, lawyers for the new owners met with Crockett and other union officers to state that they want to do just that. They presented the union side with a preliminary contract proposal.

Crockett said he is working on a counter offer, and plans to ask the new owners for dates they’re available to meet for bargaining. The two sides aim to have a deal ready for union members to vote on before the end of September.

“My goal is to bring something to our members that’s as good as what they’ve got now, if not better,” Crockett said.

Crockett took nominations for members who would serve on a negotiations advisory committee.

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July 15th 2016 - Information

During this uncertain time at Jorgensen Forge, I want to assure you that your union will continue to look out for your interests.

IAM 751 continues to be your bargaining agent, and our union will continue to represent you. Should the deal with the as-yet-unnamed potential buyer go through, we would negotiate a bridge agreement with the new employer that would spell out the wages, benefits and work rules you could expect.

As a union, we have no way of knowing what a new buyer’s plans would be. But I do know this: You, the workers, are among the most-valuable assets the company has. You are the engine that drives profits, and without you, JFC is just a collection of big buildings and equipment.

We will update you as soon as we have more information to share.

In solidarity,

Joe Crockett
Business Rep 

 

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April 7th 2016 - Classes Offered

All members are encouraged to sign up for union educational classes. Classes are free and can be taken in any order. Classes are updated frequently so check back often by hitting the registration button.

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April 17th 2015 - Congratulations!

The contract proposal was accepted by 94%.

In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Team

 

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April 16, 2015 Negotiations Update

We will be holding a vote on the revised offer on Friday, April 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the IAM Seattle Union Hall, Hall C (9135 15th Pl. S). You will ONLY be voting on the revised contract offer. You ahve already voted to STRIKE. If the offer is rejected, a strike will be called.

Because you voted down the contract AND authorized a strike, your negotiating committee met with the Company on April 14, 2015 and worked hard on your top three issues: wages, PTO and more information on the Skill Progression process the monetary increases involved. Click below on the highlights and revised contract, and be sure to vote tomorrow.

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April 15th 2015 - Update Meeting Notice and Vote Information

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April 14, 2015 Negotiations Update

We met all day today and into the evening and will continue negotiations tomorrow (Wednesday). We should have additional documents to present to you at a meeting scheduled for this Thursday from noon to 7:00 pm.

We have tentatively scheduled vote for this Friday April 17th.

Check back here tomorrow for additional information and instructions.

We appreciate your patience and solidarity

Your Union Negotiating Team

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April 9th - Members Voted to Reject Their Contract Offer and Have Authorized a Strike

We now have the legal authority to call a strike at any time.

However, it is important on a first contract that we bring the company back to the bargaining table to address your issues with a proposal that will meet your approval.

Members should continue to go to work as normal during this period.

We will be available for all members on Monday, April 13th at the Seattle Union Hall to discuss what needs to be addressed before sitting down with the company.

We need to hear from you! So it is critical you attend on Monday in order to voice your concerns and suggestions.

Representatives will be available beginning at noon on Monday.

Your solidarity has been your strength and we need to continue to count on each other as we enter this next round of bargaining.

In Solidarity,
Your Union Negotiating Team

 

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Update April 8th 2015

Voting tomorrow Thursday April 9th on the tentative agreement.
Seattle Union Hall - Hall C
1:30 pm to 6:00 pm
9125 15th Place South
Seattle, WA. 98108

Thank you for the feedback from the meeting. We understand it is not a perfect contract, no first contract ever is. There are many benefits in this first agreement and there are some changes to what you are used to. Negotiations is give and take but your negotiating committee believes this agreement lays a good foundation for which to build from.

These were tough negotiations but your representatives on the committee did a great job and have a full understanding of what the discussions were at the table.

Before you vote please look at the entire agreement as a package and compare this to where you were before this agreement. Keep in mind the many benefits working under a union contract brings such as:

No longer an "At Will" employee - Your employer must now have "Just Cause" to carry out any discipline

Guaranteed Wage Increases - Guaranteed amount in writing with an opportunity for more once slotting is complete.

Grievance Procedure - To address issues relating to the enforcement of this agreement and issues on the shop floor.

Your negotiating committee, working on your behalf, recommends you accept this proposal. Study the proposal and discuss it with your family prior to the vote. While the negotiating committee makes a recommendation, ultimately it is up to each member to decide if the proposal adequately addresses the issues of the group. We will continue working on your behalf and welcome your input and feedback throughout the life of the Agreement.

Thanks again for your support,
IAM Negotiating Team

 

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Tentative Agreement Reached!

April 2nd 2015 - Your bargaining committee is pleased to announce that we have reached a tentative agreement with management at Jorgensen Forge on a three-year collective bargaining agreement.

Your negotiating team is recommending that you accept the contract offer. It is a good first agreement that addresses your priorities.

We will hold two meetings next week to brief you on the details of the tentative agreement. Those meetings will be at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at the Seattle Union Hall, 9135 15th Place S. For those who are not members at this time, we will have applications available at the meeting. Remember, you must be a member in order to participate and vote.

Also at the meeting, we will have summary sheets highlighting the key provisions in the new agreement, plus printed copies of the complete contract for everyone who wants one. Members of the negotiating committee will be on hand to answer all your questions.

We plan to have a vote on the tentative agreement on Thursday, April 9, again at the Seattle Union Hall. We’ll discuss the voting times and procedures at the meetings on Tuesday.

Congratulations on reaching this important step in the process. We look forward to seeing you all on April 7.

In Solidarity,
Your Union Negotiating Team

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March 12th - 2015 Negotiations Update

Brothers and sisters. 

Your negotiating team met with the company on March 10th as scheduled.  The discussion in this meeting centered around the Compensation Article.   Your negotiating team continued to refine a  Wage Structure document we have been working on from our in depth discussions that have taken place over several meetings.  Both sides are determined to develop an Article that puts in place a fair and understandable wage system with a structured method for advancement that will provide opportunities to improve your economic future.  The next meeting date has not yet been established but should be during the week of the 23rd through the 27th of March.   During the time this week and next week, we will remain in contact with the Company exchanging ideas and proposals for our next formal session at the bargaining table.  We are getting ever closer to the end of the negotiation process with our goal of having a CBA proposal for you to vote on soon!

In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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March 6th 2015 - Negotiations Update

Brothers and sisters, 

The scheduled meeting for February 26th was cancelled by agreement of both parties.  The next meeting was scheduled for March 4th and your negotiating team met with the Company on that date as scheduled.  The company presented a proposal on Wage Guideline Structure which the negotiating team is analyzing. The company agreed to and signed a temporary agreement on the Paid Time Off Article.  The next scheduled meeting will be held on March 10th.  Again, meeting by meeting your Collective Bargaining Agreement is taking shape!  As the negotiations come down to the last few articles your solidarity is more important than ever.  We are in the home stretch and it is critical that we show the company that we are united in our efforts to gain a fair contract and improve your working conditions.   Please do not doubt the fact that your solidarity is making a difference at the bargaining table.  It may be difficult for you to see, but we see it and want to thank you all for your efforts! 

In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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February 20th 2015 - Negotiations Update

Brothers and sisters, 

Your negotiating team met with the Company on February 19th as scheduled.  Union negotiatitors and company representatives exchanged counter proposals on Workweek/Hours of Work/Shifts/Overtime, Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence.  The company also made a counter proposal on a Discipline and Discharge article.  By the end of the day Temporary Agreements were signed on Workweek/Hours of Work/Shifts/Overtime, Leaves of Absence and Discipline and Discharge articles. 

There was good discussion around wage guideline structure proposals and Paid Time Off as well.  Your negotiating team will meet with the company again on Thursday, February 26th.  Progress is being made and we are excited to see your Collective Bargaining Agreement taking shape!  We would like to thank you once again for your patience and solidarity as we push through to the finish line.   

Your  unity is making a difference!

In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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February 18th 2015 - JFC Strike Santion Vote

Workers at JFC voted 97% for strike approval.

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February 13th 2015 Update - Meeting Notice for Wednesday February 18th 2015

Meeting Notice	Negotiation Process -1	Negotiation Process - 2

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February 4th 2015 Update

Brothers and sisters. Your negotiating team met with the Company on January 29th as scheduled. The Union presented a counter proposal on seniority and a proposal on Discipline and Discharge. The company was not prepared to respond to the Union proposals at that time and the meeting was adjourned until the next scheduled negotiation date on February 3rd. 

On February 3rd your negotiating team again met with the company. The company presented their counter proposals on Leaves of Absence, Seniority, Workweek/Hours of Work/Shifts/Overtime, Holidays and Paid Time Off. 

Once again there was good dialog, and with each proposal exchange there were more areas agreed upon. Slowly but surely the CBA is taking shape. Negotiations take time and we are happy to see progress being made. We know it can be difficult to see the time go by and, while we want to get you a contract as soon as possible, we are committed to achieving the best Collective Bargaining Agreement we can negotiate and are committed to take as long as is necessary to do so. Once again we would like to express our gratitude for your solidarity. It makes all the difference knowing that you are standing strong and united and gives us strength at the table.

 The next scheduled negotiations will be on February 10th.

In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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January 16th 2015 Update

Brothers and sisters. 
On January 12th JFC union members met at the Seattle Union Hall to listen to a presentation on the IAM National Pension Fund by Tim Holt, Director of Education for the fund. This presentation was given so that the members could be educated on the benefits of the plan prior to it being presented to the Company representatives next day. On January 13th your negotiating team met with the company again. Tim Holt gave a presentation on the IAM National Pension Fund to the Company representatives. There was discussion on allaspects of the plan and everyone left with a better understanding of the benefits offered by the plan. The dignity of knowing you will have financial security in retirement with aDefined Benefit Pension is something every worker in America deserves.

The Company and Union exchanged proposals and counter proposals on Management Rights, Leaves of Absence , Paid Time Off, Workweek, Hours of Work, Shifts and Overtime as well as a draft on wage structures. Progress is being made in many areas of these articles and several Tentative Agreements have been reached on other articles that will build your Agreement. As always, we appreciate your continued support as we strive to reach the finish line and negotiate a great Collective Bargaining Agreement that respects your rights and provides the security you deserve for you and your families.

On January 7, 2015, the union filed three Unfair Labor Practice charges against Jorgensen Forge with the National Labor Relations Board in Seattle.  The three charges are:

1. Repeated failure of the Company to provide complete and accurate responses to our requests to provide an up to date list of all employees in the bargaining unit.
2. Failure of the Employer to bargain over their knowledge they were anticipating a problem with the payroll occurring January 2, 2015 and further their direct bargaining with the employees over the remedy.
3. Failure of the Employer to bargain over an employee ranking system generated earlier in 2014 after the IAM was voted to be the bargaining agent; their refusal to bargain the process and to share the results of the   evaluations.

During our negotiations at the table and by mailings to the company these violations were repeatedly pointed out to Jorgensen giving them more than ample opportunity to straighten up and fly right.  You and this Union have a protected Federal right to force a Company to bargain in good faith that includes providing the information necessary for meaningful bargaining to take place.

Click here to view the NLRB Charging documents

In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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Update December 19th, 2014

Brothers and sisters.  Your negotiating team met with the Company once again on December 18th as scheduled.  The Union and Company exchanged proposals and counter proposals on many articles , including Sick Leave, Field Work, Leaves of Absence, Training and Vacation.  There was good dialog in regard to each article and progress was made in several areas.   The next meeting with the Company will be on January 6th.  We recognize that his can be a lengthy process and we just want you to know that we truly appreciate your continued solidarity and are committed to getting you the best CBA possible.

 Your negotiating team would like to take the time to wish you and your families all the best during the Holiday Season and once again express our gratitude for all you have done as members to make this negotiation process successful so far.  We truly could not do this without you all! 

In Unity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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Update December 15th, 2014

Brothers and sisters.  As many of you have probably heard, before the November 20th negotiating meeting began, Stace Rudd abruptly left the site and negotiations for the day were cancelled.  Subsequently it was learned he has left the Company and Bob Zubaty will now be the Company representative at the negotiations.  Your negotiating committee met at the Seattle Union Hall on December 3rd at 5pm to discuss the plan moving forward.  We will be meeting with the company on December 18th as planned with Mr. Zubaty in attendance.  This is the only date the company has agreed to negotiate for the entire month of December, however The Company has now agreed to meet once a week during the months of January and February.   During the December 18th  meeting the union will be presenting counter proposals and new proposals for articles with the Company to achieve more tentative agreements and continue to build your Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

Your continued patience and solidarity during these negotiations is appreciated by everyone on the committee.  We cannot express how much it helps to know that you are behind us as we work to negotiate a successful Collective Bargaining Agreement.  We would also like to express the best to you and your families as we celebrate this Holiday season!

In Unity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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Update as of November 12th, 2014

Your bargaining committee met with the company again on November 11th.  The committee and company are very close to tentative agreements on several areas, including articles on New Employees, Miscellaneous, Grievance and Arbitration Procedure and a Union Stewards article.  The discussion over the  economic portion of the agreement is still ongoing and the next meeting is scheduled for Monday November 17th.

The committee would like to thank the members for their solidarity during the negotiation process.  That continued support is more important than ever as we work to negotiate the best agreement possible.  Remember, you must be a member to vote, and joining now provides strength that will directly affect the agreement you get to vote on.

There is a saying that all men are equal and all men are brothers, but often some are more equal than others!  It has been proven throughout history that equality only comes when people stand united and fight for it.  This is the struggle you are currently engaged in and we appreciate knowing that you have our back as we negotiate on your behalf!!

In Unity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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Update November 10th 2014

Your bargaining committee met with JFC management again on November 6th. The Company presented counter proposals on a few articles including grievance and arbitration procedures. Your committee presented a counter proposal to the grievance and arbitration article and to address the members concerns, presented a comprehensive economic proposal to the company. Included in this proposal were articles on compensation, leaves of absence, work week, hours of work, shifts and promotional procedures. The company received the proposals and will meet with the committee again on November 11th.

We will provide another update as soon as the next session is complete.

In Unity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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October 27th 2014 - Update

Your negotiating Committee met on October 21st for another full day of negotiations.

We continue to exchange counter proposals while working on improving the language in each proposed contract article.

The I.A.M. committee members will be taking a tour of the JFC facility tomorrow at 10:00.  Be sure to say hello as we walk through your area! And remember to show support for your negotiating team by wearing your t-shirts tomorrow and show the company that we are united!

The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place on October 30th. 

 Please remember that the best thing you can do to help at this point is to fill out those membership applications.  Your solidarity will make a huge impact at the bargaining table.  Your strength is in your unity!

In Unity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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October 17th 2014 - Update

Your negotiating committee met on October 16th for a full day of negotiations.

We received counter offers to our first pass to the company. The talks have been generally respectful. We presented counter proposals and continued negotiations throughout the day.

Progress is being made on the non economic issues and we are cautiously optimistic we will be able to come to agreement on the issues you told us were important to you.

The next round of negotiations is scheduled for October 21st.

Keep those membership applications coming in as it takes all of us together to achieve a successful outcome.

In Unity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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October 7th 2014 - Update

The JFC members met at the Seattle Union Hall on both October 2nd and October 6th in preparation for the upcoming contract negotiations with the company. 

On the 2nd, a vote was taken to narrow the committee down to the final nine members that will be serving on the committee during negotiations.  The meeting on the 6th, the committee discussed how the negotiation process works and what type of articles will be proposed to the company.  They also discussed what language those articles might contain.    

The committee would like to remind the members that you now have a right to representation in any interviews by the company that could lead to disciplinary action. This includes initial investigatory meetings.  If you are called into such an interview with management or H.R. be sure and ask for one of your committee members to attend with you. It is your federally protected right to do so because you are a union but YOU have to request it.  

The committee would also like to thank those that attended the membership fair and encourage those that have not yet filled out a membership form to do so. 

Remember, there are no membership dues until a contract is ratified by a majority of the group voting and you must be a member to vote on any contract proposals. Although we have a high percentage of membership to date and growing, if your co-workers are waiting to see the results of negotiations before filling out the membership application, then the company proposals will be less than they otherwise would be if 100% of your co-workers were on board as one unified group.

Your negotiating committee is only as strong as the memberships' resolve and solidarity is in the shop and Company proposals will undoubtedly reflect this. The reality is, when you stick together and support each other, success happens! 

Solidarity is the key in these negotiations.   

In Solidarity,
Your Union Negotiating Team

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September 30th 2014 - Update

           
On September 25th your first and second shift JFC negotiating committee members met at the Seattle union hall. The committee continued discussing employee concerns they would like to see addressed during the negotiation process and the improvements they would like to see in each area of concern. 

The committee noted that some employees were worried about the space for a Social Security Number being on the membership application and would like to point out that it is not required to fill that section in. 

You only need to fill in the highlighted areas on the application and the Social Security slot is not one of those.  

The next committee meetings will be held on October 2nd at 1 p.m. for 2nd shift and 5 p.m. for 1rst shift. 

Thanks to all for your time and dedication to participating in these meetings. Your participation is a crucial part of the process!

In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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September 23rd 2014 - Update

Your negotiating committee met at 5 p.m. on September 17th.  The committee reviewed the membership surveys and the order of importance of the categories according to the responses given.    

The committee discussed job descriptions, wage structure and pay raises, COLA, work week schedules, overtime, seniority, retirement and the current level of medical and dental coverage.   The discussion centered around how to best make improvements to those areas.  Thank you to all those who took part in the surveys!  Your participation will help your negotiating committee negotiate a contract that reflects your specific needs!

The committee also discussed the membership appreciation fair coming up September 27th   from 10:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.  at both the Puyallup Fairgrounds and the Monroe Fairgrounds.  Admission is free for I.A.M. members and their families.  This is a great opportunity to meet your fellow I.A.M. members.  We would love to be able to meet you and welcome you to the team! 

If you are not a member yet please talk to your committee members or come by the Union Hall to fill out an application.  It costs nothing and you will not pay dues until your contract is ratified. 

In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Team

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September 18th 2014 - Membership Fair Invitation

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Reminder - Letter and Meeting Thursday September 11th

Letter	Meeting Notice	Map to Meeting

 

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Election Certification

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To All Jorgensen Forge Hourly Workers,

You are invited to the membership appreciation BBQ on Thursday August 14th at 5:30 pm. Located just across the river from Jorgensen Forge at 9125 15th Place South (South Park) Seattle WA. 98108.

If you cannot make that meeting, there is another membership BBQ mtg for 2nd shifters on August 21st at 10:30 am. Same location 9125 15th Place South.

This is a family event so come on by and meet other Machinists Union members and their families

Also, tee shirts will be available for $5 at the meeting.

Welcome aboard and I hope to see you all there.

In Unity

Loren Guzzone

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Letter to Jorgensen Forge Workers

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Workers at Jorgensen Forge vote to join Machinists Union

TUKWILA – Workers who forge essential components used on aircraft, drilling rigs and ships have voted to join Machinists Union District Lodge 751.

By a 3-to-2 margin, workers at Jorgensen Forge Corp. in Seattle voted to join the union on Aug. 7. The vote affects more than 100 hourly workers at the company’s plant on East Marginal Way in Tukwila.

The vote came despite what IAM 751’s lead organizer, Loren Guzzone, called a "very aggressive campaign against workers who were simply trying to exercise their federally protected collective bargaining rights."

The results still must be certified by the National Labor Relations Board. Once that happens, the union will contact the company to request dates to start contract talks. In the meantime, it will continue surveying members to determine their priorities for their first union contract.

The JFC workers are specialists who forge everything from propeller shafts used in ships and submarines to parts used in the aerospace, maritime and drilling industries. Their products are created from stainless steel, aluminum, titanium and other metals.

“The workers at JFC have seen the benefits of collective bargaining, and they want that for themselves and their families,” said District 751 President Jon Holden. “I congratulate them, and welcome them to our union.”

Holden also thanked the IAM 751 Organizing Department staff and the union activists who went door-to-door talking to JFC workers. “It took tenacity, but you helped these workers gain the benefit of being represented by our union.”

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Congratulations!!

YOU WON!

The results of the vote have determined you voted UNION YES.

Stay tuned for more information of the process moving forward.

 

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Notice of Election - Time and Location

click on the image for a .pdf

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Meeting Tuesday July 29th - All JFC hourly workers welcome

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You Can Vote

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Stipulation Agreement and Your Election is Set!

Click the image to see the official US Government stipulated agreement

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We Filed!

 

 

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Meeting Notice

 

 

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We are here to support your efforts for dignity and respect on the job.

 

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The Confidential Form - Video

 

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