Update, Springfield: Work Hour Limits
Due to the new contract and interpretive issues with Article 8, we cannot refuse to work overtime past our 10 hour limit. If you are mandated to work overtime, you must follow instructions of management up to 11.5 hours.
We brought the 10 hour workhours limits issue to our National Business Agent’s office through emails, phone calls, and documentation over the last few weeks. Initially, they told us we can clock out at our maximum hours in accordance with our Step B decisions. However, after management began issuing discipline for carriers refusing overtime past 10 hours, they changed their position after contacting National Leadership.
Here’s Why
Management has begun issuing discipline based on refusals to work over 10 hours. National is worried carriers may lose their jobs through the disciplinary process while this issue is worked out for repeatedly refusing overtime. This is a legitimate concern; we don't want anyone losing their jobs.
The local Union has attempted to bargain in good faith with management over the subject by meeting with them and providing an extensive informational packet including agreements, Step B decisions, and management’s signatures to abide these agreements. Management has disregarded this.
There's an interpretive issue with Article 8.2.D between 8.5.F, which means that language is supposedly unclear. The Union has the position that the entirety of the NALC contract is enforceable, management has the position that some parts are negated by other parts.
Springfield is the first in the nation to have this issue, and we’re in uncharted waters with a convoluted Article 8.
This could potentially be a national level grievance.
Our Plan, & What You Can Do
If you are mandated to work over 10 hours and you are not on any ODL, request a steward and provide a statement. Carrier statements make or break us here, so every time you don’t provide one can cost us a win. Your steward will help you write an effective statement.
We intend to grieve each and every one of these instances and are prepared to pair them with grievances for noncompliance and abuse of carriers to make the numbers.
Your local apologizes for the confusion this has brought on; we have received conflicting instructions from our regional leadership on this matter and have attempted to educate everyone as best as we were equipped and educated to do so. While this is a setback, we will rally with our grievances.
Thank you.