Today the joint layoff/recall committee met with the company to discuss the status of the upcoming layoffs and issues around that. The meeting began with the company saying those employees who didn’t bump would be laid off, they then continued that they have only told employees that bumping is an option and not forcing them to do so. After some discussion, it seems the company understands that members don’t have to bump to survive a layoff. We left that meeting with the feeling both sides were not far apart.
The company has agreed to create a bump schedule showing all employees and bump lines so you can make proper and educated decision if you “choose” to exercise your bumping rights. We highly recommend that the members take a look at these before filling out bump forms if you choose to do so. The union has not received copies as of yet and will likely be incomplete, please keep an eye out for information as it rolls out. This cutback is not like previous cutbacks and mistakes are likely to occur, please contact a steward or executive member so we can try and get the issue resolved.