The IAM is filing Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) over Hawker Beechcraft’s distribution of the company’s contract proposal that prominently displayed the IAM logo, implying union endorsement of the offer.
“We’re prepared to work closely with any company that deals honestly with us and respects its workforce,” declared IAM President Tom Buffenbarger. “Our members at Hawker Beechcraft are highly-skilled professionals that deserve better than secret plans to outsource their jobs to Mexico and deceitful tactics at the bargaining table.”
Negotiations between the IAM and Hawker Beechcraft ended on July 30, with union negotiators unanimously urging rejection of the company’s contract offer. The following morning, the company distributed the offer to workers, bearing the union logo.
“Hawker Beechcraft officials have crossed the line repeatedly in these negotiations,” said Aerospace Coordinator Ron Eldridge. “But the use of our logo to imply we approve of their inadequate offer is a new low.”
The union is also filing ULP charges on Hawker Beechcraft’s continued practice of threatening to discharge probationary employees who honor picket lines if a strike occurs.
“Threatening and deceiving employees and the public is the mark of a management team that needs a quick trip to the ethics woodshed,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “Senior management at Hawker Beechcraft should join us in condemning this latest outrage, lest they share the blame for its consequences.”
A vote on the company’s so-called “last, best and final” offer is scheduled for August 2, 2008. The current contract expires at midnight on August 3, 2008. Updates and additional information about the negotiations are available at www.beechworkersblog.blogspot.com, www.ll733iam.com, and www.ll2328.org.
