The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1362, voted to authorize a strike against Rockwell Collins.þþThe union members voted for the strike authorization by 84 percent.þþOn July 18 Arbitrator Robert Grey upheld a grievance filed by the IBEW that stated Rockwell had violated its union contract by outsourcing custodial work for its Cedar Rapids facilities.þþAt the time, the avionics company said the outsourcing was necessary to cut costs.þþThe company acknowledged two dozen custodial employees had been laid off as a result of the outsourcing.þþ“Maintaining or increasing the company’s competitiveness,” Grey wrote in his July decision, “is undisputedly a valid business priority. However, on this record, if the company were free to avoid or unilaterally dismantle its collectively bargained wage obligations on the basis of labor cost savings alone, such fundamental contractual provisions would be rendered meaningless.”þþGrey then gave Rockwell and the Local 60 days to find a solution to the grievance.þþ“We respect the right of our employees and others to voice their opinions,” Rockwell spokeswoman Pam Tvrdy-Cleary said Thursday. “We believe we have acted on this matter in good faith and in full compliance with the current collective bargaining agreement.þþ“Rockwell Collins will continue to work with the union to resolve this matter.þþIn announcing the strike authorization, the union said in a statement that, “We hope this sends a clear message to the company to comply with the arbitrator’s decision.”þþLocal members were told to report for work “until otherwise directed,” the IBEW statement said.
Source: www.thegazette.com
