May 2008

It's been going on four weeks now and I am still waiting on the pay letter for the Chem. Lab wage inequity grievance settlement. We have an arbitration date available this month and I asked to fill that date with the Work Keys testing grievance but the Company said it was not ready and the case was to complicated to be able to ready. The grievance was filed in June 06. I would think they would have enough time to put together a argument in that amount of time wouldn't you?

One of our members just recently injured their hand and had to go to the hospital to get stitches. The Nurse Case Manager called American Mobile Testing for a drug test at the hospital but sent them to the wrong one. They were waiting at the Guard Shack  for them and told them that they had to come into the side room and sign some papers. When they followed them into the room American told them that they were being test and to sign a release for the test. Our member didn't know what to do and asked for Union Representation. The tester said if he didn't sign and take the test he couldn't return to work. Again he asked for Union Representation and was allowed to call me. I want to take this time to inform the membership the expectations of the Union.

1. Under the agreement if you refuse to take a test you will be terminated.

2. The Union takes the position that a Union Representative is required to be there under the Weingarten Rights because of the possibility of termination.

3. If you are at the hospital ask for representation. I have left Human Resources  my phone numbers to contact me and instruction to call any representative on shift if I can't be contacted.

4. Don't jeopardize your job we can always use the grievance process.  
    

Weingarten Rights
If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined of terminated, of affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union representative, officer, or steward present at the meeting.
Without representation I choose not to answer any questions.

There will be more to report on later this month and I will update the web site as soon as I can.

 

In Solidarity

Dan Sampson

C&T Unit Chair

 

To study for the Work Keys test visit their web site at

 http://www.act.org/workkeys/assess/foundational.html

Kaiser will reimburse you if you are asked for an interview and required to take the test so keep your receipts. Good luck and if you need any help please contact the hall.