Unionizing Information


Other Links To Information


IAM Building A Better Community


Service Contract Act (SCA)
brochure here .pdf


National Labor Relations Board NLRB FAQs


Web address is now voteyesiam.com/paejblm

Update Feb. 1, 2016 - Form to Self Nominate as Steward Availabe for PAE/M1 JBLM only Until Feb. 12 at 5 p.m.

Click here for self nominating form.


Update Jan. 14, 2016 - International Orders Steward Elections PAE/M1 (JBLM) elections will be held Feb. 18, 2016

As a result of charges filed in the District Vice President election earlier this year, International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger recalled and rewrote our District bylaws prior to his retirement on Jan. 1. A requirement of the new bylaws orders District 751 to hold Union Steward elections in the month of January.  Due to the uncertainty in your workplace we have received permission to hold the election in February.  The election date has been set for February 18 at lunch time in the shop. 
 
District 751's goal is to ensure it is a fair election. Following are the guidelines that will be used to conduct the steward election.
 
Any member wanting to be a Union Steward must self nominate between Monday, February 1 through 5 p.m. on Friday, February 12. Members can self nominate online, by email, fax, in person at the hall or over the phone. To self nominate, you must provide: Name, phone #, email address, Employee #, Employer, Work Location (city),  Area/Shop/Building #, Shift, Job Code, Organization and 'green sheet area code’ (if known).
 
Optional information: Provide the name of a member from your shop to be a potential teller and that person's contact information.
 
NOTE: Tellers will be excused on paid Union business the day of the election February 18th. Tellers will be tasked with brief training February 17th where they will be given ballot box, ballots, and lists. They will set up a poll area in the plant, verify eligibility of voters in the work area, provide a ballot to each member who signs the list and shows picture ID, tally completed ballots in ballot box, return ballot box with tally sheet and voter sign in list to the halls with signatures of each teller.
 
Elections will only be held if there are more than four candidates nominated.
Check this website for the self nomination form starting February 1st .
Members can obtain a copy of the revised District bylaws at any Union Hall.
 

Update Jan. 14, 2014 - Click on graphic below for a pdf file

Update October 24th 2013

Click on the graphic for a .pdf file


Update March 21, 2013

UPDATE March 21, 2013 - On March 20, the Union was informed by URS payroll that they mistakenly took out double Union dues for this month. The Union requested that URS make the refund and ensure it is corrected.

HR at URS informed the Union they will be handing out refund checks on Friday, March 22nd to correct their error and apologize for any inconvenience.


Your Negotiating Team Secures Bridge Agreement Which Maintains and Improves on Previous Agreement

Click here to view the complete CBA as a pdf.

UPDATE March 8, 2013 -- As you know DS2 won the bid as the prime contractor and M1 Support Services as the subcontractor replacing URS at JBLM and will take over March 23, 2013. We entered bargaining with both companies to obtain a bridge agreement on March 6, 2013 and reached agreement March 7, 2013. Our goal in a bridge agreement was to maintain all of the wages, benefits and working conditions we won in the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiated last year with URS. We reached that goal!

Your negotiating team consisted of your Union Steward Jimmy Martin along with Business Representatives Joe Crockett and Jon Holden, Aerospace Department Chief of Staff Ray Moffatt and Aerospace Coordinator Mark Johnson.

We were able to secure an agreement that not only preserved the elements in the previous agreement but made improvements in many areas. Your wages and wage increases will remain the same; but because of when your new pay periods occur, these scheduled wage increases will be applied to your rate of pay four days earlier than scheduled.

A significant improvement was made in future pension contributions. You are scheduled to receive $.30 per hour starting January 1, 2014, which will be maintained until April 1, 2014, when the contribution increases to $.50 per hour. The next scheduled increase will occur on April 1, 2015 which will increase to $.75 per hour.

Another important goal was to put in place health care plans that would be at least as beneficial as what you have now. The plans DS2 and M1 Support Services will be offering April 1, 2013, maintain and improve coverages in many areas. We have an agreement with DS2 and M1 Support Services to meet again prior to your next open enrollment period to explore options to get a single good plan covering both companies.

We are including and posting on the web site highlights of improvements in the Articles we achieved in the bridge agreement. We are planning an all-hands meeting and are working on the date, location and times and will communicate with you as soon as everything can be arranged.

Click here to view pdf of Highlights of Bridge Agreement.

Click here to view jpg of Highlights of Bridge Agreement.


February 26, 2013 - IAM Union Update

You may know by now, DS2 has won the bid for this contract at JBLM and will be taking over operations in late March. DS2 has contacted the Union in order to begin the process of negotiating a bridge agreement, which will protect your wages and benefits.

We are scheduled to meet with DS2 starting March 6th. We intend to maintain the pay and benefits you have already agreed to in the existing bargaining agreement.

While we are open to resolution with URS, we intend to continue with grievances and arbitrations already in process because it is important to enforce and defend our bargaining agreement.

DS2 has encouraged only this workforce to apply for similar positions doing similar work. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity as soon as possible. If computer access to apply is an issue, we will make computers available at any union hall.

The union's position is that everyone shall be employed with the new contractor, DS2, and that your seniority rights will be respected and upheld.

We will be meeting with your inplant committee that was used throughout the negotiation process to collect input and keep the lines of communication open.

We appreciate your support during this process, and we will keep you informed of any progress we make towards an agreement with DS2.

In Solidarity,
Joe Crockett
IAM 751 Business Representative


August 17th, 2012 - Collective Bargaining Agreement

Click here to view your complete Collective Bargaining Agreement . pdf

August 17th, 2012 - Update Steward Applications

As we have discussed, there are openings for Union Steward in several positions that we need to fill.

The process for those members interested in applying for open Steward positions at URS JBLM is:

1) Call the IAM Auburn Union Hall at 253-833-5590 OR send an email to IAM_URS_JBLM@iam751.org ¬Ýto request a Union Steward application for URS JBLM, which will then be mailed to you at your home address. Be sure to include your home address if requesting an app by email.

2) Fill out the application and mail it back to the IAM Auburn Union Hall, Attn: Joe Crockett, 201 A Street SW Auburn, WA 98001.

  • ¬Ý To be considered, all applications must be received by September 15th.
  • ¬Ý After September 15th, I will contact each applicant to schedule interviews as soon as possible based on current deployment schedules.
    I will then ask for input on the candidates from as many members as possible.

Again the goal is to provide the best representation to ensure that the new collective bargaining agreement is followed and members rights are protected. Each Steward must be an advocate for our members, communicate union issues and work to further the goals of our Union.

In Solidarity

Joe Crockett

Union Rep URS JBLM


Thursday July 19th - Collective Bargaining Agreement Voting Result

Congratulations! Members at URS-JBLM strongly ratified their first three-year collective bargaining agreement on July 19. Members voted 76% to accept the agreement.

Union Update - July 16, 2012 - Review the Tentative Agreement and Plan to Vote Thursday, July 19.

Below is a summary of the highlights of the tentative agreement reached for a first Colletive Bargaining Agreement with URS at JBLM, as well as a pdf of the entire tentative agreement.

Remember only members can vote. If you have not joined yet, applications will be available at the voting location. It's YOUR future! Vote on it!

Click here to view pdf of highlights.

Click here to view pdf of entire tentative agreement.

Click here to view pdf of Dollar Value of Agreement flyer.

Members will vote on Thursday, July 19 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Liberty Inn, DuPont (1400 Wilmington Drive).


Union Update - July 13, 2012 - Tentative Agreement Reached!

We have reached tentative agreement with URS JBLM. Currently, the last, best and final offer from URS is being reviewed line by line. We hope to have the summary posted to this website Monday afternoon.

Voting will be on Thursday, July 19, which will give you several days to review it and get your questions answered. Details on the voting location and time will be posted as well.

In Unity,
Your Negotiating Team


Union Update - June 26th 2012: Strike Sanction Vote of 95% Bolsters Union Bargaining Power.

Today, June 26, we held a strike sanction vote for the members at URS JBLM. We had a strong voter turnout that resulted in a 95% YES vote for strike sanction.

This should send a strong message to the company negotiators that they need to move on some of the key issues like wages, out-of-pocket costs for health care, sick leave, and pension. Our members said loud and clear that these issues are important.

This overwhelming show of unity bolsters the Union's position for the upcoming round of bargaining sessions scheduled for July 10-12 and demonstrates to URS you are serious about getting a fair contract that addresses your issues.

Thanks to every member for taking the time to vote and doing your part to obtain a good contract.


Union Update - June 14th 2012

The strike sanction vote has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 26 at the Liberty Inn Dupont (1400 Wilmington Drive). Stop by and vote any time between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to vote.

This is your chance to impact the proposal URS will offer at the bargaining table. A strong vote on strike sanction will signal to URS that you support the Union in negotiation efforts and are serious about obtaining a fair, first contract. Be sure to cast your ballot and say you support the Union negotiators, who are working to get you a contract that addresses your issues at URS.

The best way for you to help keep things moving forward is a strong strike sanction vote on June 26.

Click here to download a pdf explanation of the negotiation process and the strike sanction vote


Union Update - June 13, 2012

The Union continued negotiation sessions with URS management on June 12 and 13 with another session scheduled for June 14.

The Union continues to press the company on your issues; however, it is critical for members to let management know how important wages, health care, pension and sick leave are in your first collective bargaining agreement.

We are continuing to meet and have made some additional tentative agreements, but again, we need your continued support on the issues mentioned above to convince management they are top issues of concern. When we stick together, we can accomplish great things.


Union Update - May 11th 2012

On May 1st many URS JBLM members attended an informational meeting to hear the progress your negotiating committee has made in our first round of negotiations. Representatives shared with the group that several Tentative Agreements have been made and why those are significant. The committee is building the foundation needed for your Bargaining Agreement that will support the membership for years to come.

It is important to note that Tentative Agreements are just that "tentative" -- meaning that until we have a Last, Best, and Final Offer from the company Articles could change until then.

Although we are positive about the status of negotiations and feel that we are on track to bring the membership the Bargaining Agreement that addresses your concerns; there are a lot of tough issues to address including: wages, healthcare, pensions, TDY, and time off.

We have scheduled negotiations with URS for June 12th, 13th, and 14th and look forward to getting back to the bargaining table.

The most important thing we can do on the shop floor is stick together and let management know we are speaking with one voice. It is important for the company to know that your Negotiating Committee is addressing the issues that are important to this membership.

Meeting Notice for May 1st


Union Update - April 19th 2012

Your Negotiations Committee just completed the first 3 days of collective bargaining. We feel very positive about the progress we have made but still have much more work to do. We continue to push the company on the issues that are important to you.

We have received tentative agreement on 15 articles that will help strengthen the foundation we are building. Many of the monetary issues like wages, healthcare, time off and pension are not resolved but we continue to push the company in the right direction. Through the survey process the members have communicated these issues as priorities and your committee will continue to explain that to the company.

We are scheduling an all hands meeting for May 1st at the Liberty Inn located in Dupont, WA. We will send out the details and times next week.

We hope to have another round of negotiations in May or early June and will keep you informed once these dates are scheduled. The committee appreciates the support from the shop floor. When we stick together, we will accomplish great things.


Union Update: April 17th 2012

Formal negotiations opened this morning (April 17) with URS. The Union presented a full proposal to the company, which included the items you have identified as important for a first collective bargaining agreement. The Union spent a lot of time explaining the proposals to ensure the company understood the issues.

The company is working on a counter proposal. We will meet again on Wednesday. There are no tentative agreements at this time.


Union Update: April 16th 2012

Formal negotiations to secure a first collective bargaining agreement between the IAM and URS management will begin on Tuesday, April 17. At that time, the Union will be presenting a comprehensive proposal addressing the issues you identified as important through surveys, meetings and discussions with your internal shop floor committee.

You will be represented at the bargaining table by full time IAM Business Reps and staff, along with three members from the shop floor at JBLM: Jeff Sayres, Kyle Lynch and Jimmy Martin.

Formal negotiation meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week (April 17-19). As information becomes available, we will continue to keep you updated with the most current information


Union Update: April 2nd 2012

Recognizing that union negotiations are a first for many of the URS JBLM Negotiating Committee members, the IAM wanted to deliver proper training so members would be most effective. The last week of March, the URS Negotiating Committee has completed a week of intense training at the IAM's premiere training Center in Maryland -- with the focus on moving forward toward a first contract.

They built a plan that identified ways to improve communication to the membership. Together we identified issues affecting everyone on the shop floor like wages, healthcare, time off, and pension. We then drafted language to address those issues in the upcoming formal negotiations.

We identified our strengths as a group and discussed how to utilize those strengths in order to bargain the best agreement we can.

The group is eager to put their new skills to work on securing a first contract.

"During the training week, we spent considerable time discussing the important issues and concerns of our brothers and sisters at JBLM Reset Program," said Kyle Lynch. "We also developed our strategic plan to resolve these issues and concerns."

"This experience, coming to Maryland, has really opened this group's eyes and minds of what possibilities the future has in store for our URS employees in the upcoming negotiations," said Dave Anderson. "We are really looking forward to negotiating a Collective Bargaining Agreement for our people."

"After arriving here at the training center, it was quickly realized that we have a long road in front of us as a negotiating committee for the URS employees out at JBLM," said Patrick McCann. "With the caliber of instructors, coaches and information that is being provided to us, we are being set up for success for our upcoming contract negotiations."

"I am so impressed with the level of commitment from the URS JBLM members. They were eager to learn everything possible about the process, working as a team and formulating strategies for negotiations and didn't hesitate to put in some very long days," said IAM Business Rep Jon Holden.

The committee worked hard to prepare in order to negotiate a strong bargaining agreement that will be a foundation that improves the quality of life for members now and for years to come.


Union Update: March 22nd 2012

Committee members are following up with those members who believe they are misclassified and have returned a misclassification card to the Union. In order to show a misclassification, we will need to document the actual work being performed and compare it to the proper job classification. If you need a misclassification form (which was sent in previous mailings), click here to download, then fill it out and mail it back or return it to a committee member.

Committee members have met bi-weekly with Union reps to examine issues and research potential contract language, to convey specific concerns and to review information URS has provided to date. These meetings ensure ongoing communication throughout the site. Please let committee members know of any issues/incidents you believe the Union should be aware of.

Committee members will be attending a first contract negotiations class at the IAM training center in Maryland. We will be working on our Union proposal, negotiation tactics, communication and other important skills.


Union Update: March 13th 2012

Your Negotiating Committee met again last week and had good discussion regarding the following topics:

* Shared initial results of the first membership survey.
-
We are seeing specific issues of concern rise to the top
- Membership feedback from surveys helps us prioritize the issues we need to spend more time on in negotiations
- Planned to have another membership survey, which will be handed out before formal negotiations begin

* Discussed the misclassification documentation process.
- If a member feels they are misclassified they must document the actual work they are performing.
- This documentation can be used to evaluate the proper classification.
- Once documentation is received from the members, the Negotiating Committee can argue in negotiations for a proper classification.

* Additional discussion on the role of our Negotiating Committee
-
We are an advocate for our members on the shop floor.
- We take the prioritized issues from the membership and work to improve those issues in negotiations.
- We communicate important actions that have happened or that need to take place.

* Next meeting is scheduled for March 20th and another update will occur after that.


Union Update: February 29th 2012

Machinists Union leaders held their first meeting with the member negotiating committee for URS JBLM in February. The committee was selected by their peers in January to be part of the first contract negotiations after the 350 employees voted in favor of joining the union in December.

At the meeting, discussion focused on the role of the internal committee and the goal for them to be advocates in the workplace. Discussion also centered on methods to best represent and communicate with the members. As with any first contract, the goal is to improve the standard of living through contract negotiations and that is our main focus.

In March, these URS JBLM members, along with the Union negotiators Jon Holden, Tommy Wilson, Joe Crockett, Jim Bearden, and Jesse Cote, will attend an intensive week-long negotiation training session that will include drafting contract language for proposals, building future surveys for the group and other important steps in the negotiation process.

Committee members have expressed there are many members who believe they are misclassified. In order to show a misclassification, we will need to document the actual work being performed and compare it to the proper job classification. If you believe you are misclassified, fill out the form you should have received in the mail and send it back or return it to a committee member.

We continue to accept membership applications and your committee can't stress enough that a message from the shop floor as one united group goes a long way at the negotiating table when convincing management what we are proposing is truly important to you. Our strength and ability to secure gains is a direct result of our solidarity.


Union Update: February 8th 2012

We asked members to nominate co-workers that would represent you well as Negotiating Committee members and we appreciate all the input we received. The following group gives us good coverage across the URS - JBLM site and each has committed to fulfill this role as we move forward in negotiations with management.

The following URS employees have been selected by their peers to be part of first contract negotiations: David Anderson, Matthew Beatty, Antonio Lucero, Kyle Lynch, Jimmy Martin, Patrick McCann, Jeffrey Sayres, Terry Van Scoyoc and Malayna Abad. The group will receive training related to our Union, negotiations, and communication skills in order to help us be successful in negotiations

They will play a key role in the upcoming talks toward a first bargaining agreement as negotiations are expected to start soon.

It is important for the committee to do the following:

  1. Review the results of the first membership survey to identify the top issues important to the members at URS JBLM.
  2. Communicate developments to members on the shop floor.
  3. Pass on issues and concerns from the shop floor back to the Committee at the negotiating table.
  4. React to company proposals during negotiations.

The members from the shop floor will be joined by Business Representatives Jon Holden, Tommy Wilson, Don Morris, Administrative Assistant Jim Bearden and Organizer Jesse Cote.

During our meetings so far, we have heard that some members feel they have been mis-classified into a lower paying position. One of the first issues our committee will work on will be to present a process for each member that believes they are mis-classified to document the work they are performing and submit that documentation for consideration.

We continue to accept membership applications and your committee canăt stress enough that a message from the shop floor as one united group goes a long way at the negotiating table when convincing management what we are proposing is truly important to you. Our strength and ability to secure gains is a direct result of our solidarity.

In Unity,

Jon Holden


Negotiations Prep Update ă January 13th 2012

As we gear up for negotiations with URS at JBLM, there are many items which need to take place to ensure a successful outcome.

Members will receive a letter in the mail late next week outlining in more detail of what the next steps are in the process, a survey to identify issues important to you and a flyer announcing the election celebration scheduled for January 27th at the Liberty Inn in Dupont, WA. This will be your opportunity to turn in your completed surveys and nominate your negotiating committee if you have not yet done so. If you are unable to attend the celebration, please return your survey and nomination form in the addressed, postage paid envelope that will also be included with your letter.

Employees who are not members yet will also receive the letter, the celebration notice and a membership application. Please join us at the celebration on January 27th and you can turn in your membership application then (or return it in the addressed, postage paid envelope that is also being sent to you). Once you become a member, you can then complete a survey and have a chance to nominate your negotiating committee.

We look forward to seeing you on January 27th at the Liberty Inn in Dupont any time between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

In Solidarity

Your Unionizing Team


Update December 29th 2011 - NLRB Certification

We received the vote certification from the National Labor Relations Board and the IAM is now your legal bargaining representative. The IAM will continue the process of nominating your negotiations committee amongst you and your peers after the New Year.....look for the update or invite. Similtaneously we will be requesting the necessary information from your Employer to start building intelligent proposals for negotiations.

click here for .pdf

In Solidarity,

Your Unionizing Team


Update - December 8th 2011 - 71.2% Say YES to IAM Representation

71.2% voted YES to unionize! This means you have decided to join the IAM family and 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.

While this is a great victory for you and your co-workers, this is only the first step. 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.

We look forward to working with all of you in the near future.
Your Unionizing Team


Click here to view National area wage determination data
Click here to view Pierce County area wage determination data

Check out the first Collective Bargaining Agreement at URS NAS Whidbey
Full contract as word document
Full contract as pdf
Contract Summary .pdf


Questions and Answers with our newest IAM members at NAS Whidbey Island.

What Are The Benefits of a Collective Bargaining Agreement In General ABout Unionizing Process What About Dues
Click Here to Video Page Click Here for Video Page Click Here for Video Page


Union Update - May 11th 2012

On May 1st many URS JBLM members attended an informational meeting to hear the progress your negotiating committee has made in our first round of negotiations. Representatives shared with the group that several Tentative Agreements have been made and why those are significant. The committee is building the foundation needed for your Bargaining Agreement that will support the membership for years to come.

It is important to note that Tentative Agreements are just that "tentative" -- meaning that until we have a Last, Best, and Final Offer from the company Articles could change until then.

Although we are positive about the status of negotiations and feel that we are on track to bring the membership the Bargaining Agreement that addresses your concerns; there are a lot of tough issues to address including: wages, healthcare, pensions, TDY, and time off.

We have scheduled negotiations with URS for June 12th, 13th, and 14th and look forward to getting back to the bargaining table.

The most important thing we can do on the shop floor is stick together and let management know we are speaking with one voice. It is important for the company to know that your Negotiating Committee is addressing the issues that are important to this membership.

Meeting Notice for May 1st


Union Update - April 19th 2012

Your Negotiations Committee just completed the first 3 days of collective bargaining. We feel very positive about the progress we have made but still have much more work to do. We continue to push the company on the issues that are important to you.

We have received tentative agreement on 15 articles that will help strengthen the foundation we are building. Many of the monetary issues like wages, healthcare, time off and pension are not resolved but we continue to push the company in the right direction. Through the survey process the members have communicated these issues as priorities and your committee will continue to explain that to the company.

We are scheduling an all hands meeting for May 1st at the Liberty Inn located in Dupont, WA. We will send out the details and times next week.

We hope to have another round of negotiations in May or early June and will keep you informed once these dates are scheduled. The committee appreciates the support from the shop floor. When we stick together, we will accomplish great things.


Union Update: April 17th 2012

Formal negotiations opened this morning (April 17) with URS. The Union presented a full proposal to the company, which included the items you have identified as important for a first collective bargaining agreement. The Union spent a lot of time explaining the proposals to ensure the company understood the issues.

The company is working on a counter proposal. We will meet again on Wednesday. There are no tentative agreements at this time.


Union Update: April 16th 2012

Formal negotiations to secure a first collective bargaining agreement between the IAM and URS management will begin on Tuesday, April 17. At that time, the Union will be presenting a comprehensive proposal addressing the issues you identified as important through surveys, meetings and discussions with your internal shop floor committee.

You will be represented at the bargaining table by full time IAM Business Reps and staff, along with three members from the shop floor at JBLM: Jeff Sayres, Kyle Lynch and Jimmy Martin.

Formal negotiation meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week (April 17-19). As information becomes available, we will continue to keep you updated with the most current information


Union Update: April 2nd 2012

Recognizing that union negotiations are a first for many of the URS JBLM Negotiating Committee members, the IAM wanted to deliver proper training so members would be most effective. The last week of March, the URS Negotiating Committee has completed a week of intense training at the IAM's premiere training Center in Maryland -- with the focus on moving forward toward a first contract.

They built a plan that identified ways to improve communication to the membership. Together we identified issues affecting everyone on the shop floor like wages, healthcare, time off, and pension. We then drafted language to address those issues in the upcoming formal negotiations.

We identified our strengths as a group and discussed how to utilize those strengths in order to bargain the best agreement we can.

The group is eager to put their new skills to work on securing a first contract.

"During the training week, we spent considerable time discussing the important issues and concerns of our brothers and sisters at JBLM Reset Program," said Kyle Lynch. "We also developed our strategic plan to resolve these issues and concerns."

"This experience, coming to Maryland, has really opened this group's eyes and minds of what possibilities the future has in store for our URS employees in the upcoming negotiations," said Dave Anderson. "We are really looking forward to negotiating a Collective Bargaining Agreement for our people."

"After arriving here at the training center, it was quickly realized that we have a long road in front of us as a negotiating committee for the URS employees out at JBLM," said Patrick McCann. "With the caliber of instructors, coaches and information that is being provided to us, we are being set up for success for our upcoming contract negotiations."

"I am so impressed with the level of commitment from the URS JBLM members. They were eager to learn everything possible about the process, working as a team and formulating strategies for negotiations and didn't hesitate to put in some very long days," said IAM Business Rep Jon Holden.

The committee worked hard to prepare in order to negotiate a strong bargaining agreement that will be a foundation that improves the quality of life for members now and for years to come.


Union Update: March 22nd 2012

Committee members are following up with those members who believe they are misclassified and have returned a misclassification card to the Union. In order to show a misclassification, we will need to document the actual work being performed and compare it to the proper job classification. If you need a misclassification form (which was sent in previous mailings), click here to download, then fill it out and mail it back or return it to a committee member.

Committee members have met bi-weekly with Union reps to examine issues and research potential contract language, to convey specific concerns and to review information URS has provided to date. These meetings ensure ongoing communication throughout the site. Please let committee members know of any issues/incidents you believe the Union should be aware of.

Committee members will be attending a first contract negotiations class at the IAM training center in Maryland. We will be working on our Union proposal, negotiation tactics, communication and other important skills.


Union Update: March 13th 2012

Your Negotiating Committee met again last week and had good discussion regarding the following topics:

* Shared initial results of the first membership survey.
-
We are seeing specific issues of concern rise to the top
- Membership feedback from surveys helps us prioritize the issues we need to spend more time on in negotiations
- Planned to have another membership survey, which will be handed out before formal negotiations begin

* Discussed the misclassification documentation process.
- If a member feels they are misclassified they must document the actual work they are performing.
- This documentation can be used to evaluate the proper classification.
- Once documentation is received from the members, the Negotiating Committee can argue in negotiations for a proper classification.

* Additional discussion on the role of our Negotiating Committee
-
We are an advocate for our members on the shop floor.
- We take the prioritized issues from the membership and work to improve those issues in negotiations.
- We communicate important actions that have happened or that need to take place.

* Next meeting is scheduled for March 20th and another update will occur after that.


Union Update: February 29th 2012

Machinists Union leaders held their first meeting with the member negotiating committee for URS JBLM in February. The committee was selected by their peers in January to be part of the first contract negotiations after the 350 employees voted in favor of joining the union in December.

At the meeting, discussion focused on the role of the internal committee and the goal for them to be advocates in the workplace. Discussion also centered on methods to best represent and communicate with the members. As with any first contract, the goal is to improve the standard of living through contract negotiations and that is our main focus.

In March, these URS JBLM members, along with the Union negotiators Jon Holden, Tommy Wilson, Joe Crockett, Jim Bearden, and Jesse Cote, will attend an intensive week-long negotiation training session that will include drafting contract language for proposals, building future surveys for the group and other important steps in the negotiation process.

Committee members have expressed there are many members who believe they are misclassified. In order to show a misclassification, we will need to document the actual work being performed and compare it to the proper job classification. If you believe you are misclassified, fill out the form you should have received in the mail and send it back or return it to a committee member.

We continue to accept membership applications and your committee can't stress enough that a message from the shop floor as one united group goes a long way at the negotiating table when convincing management what we are proposing is truly important to you. Our strength and ability to secure gains is a direct result of our solidarity.


Union Update: February 8th 2012

We asked members to nominate co-workers that would represent you well as Negotiating Committee members and we appreciate all the input we received. The following group gives us good coverage across the URS - JBLM site and each has committed to fulfill this role as we move forward in negotiations with management.

The following URS employees have been selected by their peers to be part of first contract negotiations: David Anderson, Matthew Beatty, Antonio Lucero, Kyle Lynch, Jimmy Martin, Patrick McCann, Jeffrey Sayres, Terry Van Scoyoc and Malayna Abad. The group will receive training related to our Union, negotiations, and communication skills in order to help us be successful in negotiations

¬ÝThey will play a key role in the upcoming talks toward a first bargaining agreement as negotiations are expected to start soon.

¬ÝIt is important for the committee to do the following:

  1. Review the results of the first membership survey to identify the top issues important to the members at URS JBLM.
  2. Communicate developments to members on the shop floor.
  3. Pass on issues and concerns from the shop floor back to the Committee at the negotiating table.
  4. React to company proposals during negotiations.

¬ÝThe members from the shop floor will be joined by Business Representatives Jon Holden, Tommy Wilson, Don Morris, Administrative Assistant Jim Bearden and Organizer Jesse Cote.

¬ÝDuring our meetings so far, we have heard that some members feel they have been mis-classified into a lower paying position. One of the first issues our committee will work on will be to present a process for each member that believes they are mis-classified to document the work they are performing and submit that documentation for consideration.

¬ÝWe continue to accept membership applications and your committee can’Äôt stress enough that a message from the shop floor as one united group goes a long way at the negotiating table when convincing management what we are proposing is truly important to you. Our strength and ability to secure gains is a direct result of our solidarity.

¬ÝIn Unity,

¬ÝJon Holden


Negotiations Prep Update ’Äì January 13th 2012

As we gear up for negotiations with URS at JBLM, there are many items which need to take place to ensure a successful outcome.

Members will receive a letter in the mail late next week outlining in more detail of what the next steps are in the process, a survey to identify issues important to you and a flyer announcing the election celebration scheduled for January 27th at the Liberty Inn in Dupont, WA. This will be your opportunity to turn in your completed surveys and nominate your negotiating committee if you have not yet done so. If you are unable to attend the celebration, please return your survey and nomination form in the addressed, postage paid envelope that will also be included with your letter.

Employees who are not members yet will also receive the letter, the celebration notice and a membership application. Please join us at the celebration on January 27th and you can turn in your membership application then (or return it in the addressed, postage paid envelope that is also being sent to you). Once you become a member, you can then complete a survey and have a chance to nominate your negotiating committee.

We look forward to seeing you on January 27th at the Liberty Inn in Dupont any time between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

In Solidarity

Your Unionizing Team


Update December 29th 2011 - NLRB Certification

We received the vote certification from the National Labor Relations Board and the IAM is now your legal bargaining representative. The IAM will continue the process of nominating your negotiations committee amongst you and your peers after the New Year.....look for the update or invite. Similtaneously we will be requesting the necessary information from your Employer to start building intelligent proposals for negotiations.

click here for .pdf

In Solidarity,

Your Unionizing Team


Update - December 8th 2011 - 71.2% Say YES to IAM Representation

71.2% voted YES to unionize! This means you have decided to join the IAM family and 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.

While this is a great victory for you and your co-workers, this is only the first step. 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.

We look forward to working with all of you in the near future.
Your Unionizing Team


Click here to view National area wage determination data
Click here to view Pierce County area wage determination data

Check out the first Collective Bargaining Agreement at URS NAS Whidbey
Full contract as word document
Full contract as pdf
Contract Summary .pdf


Questions and Answers with our newest IAM members at NAS Whidbey Island.

What Are The Benefits of a Collective Bargaining Agreement In General ABout Unionizing Process What About Dues
Click Here to Video Page Click Here for Video Page Click Here for Video Page