November 28, 2003 • No. 1943

NEWS

IN THIS ISSUE:

NEWSSociety of Professional Engineering Employees in AerospaceSociety of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace

WTPU recruitment contest pays off .......................... 1Overtime pay under attack in the 11th hour ...............Overtime pay under attack in the 11th hour ...............Overtime pay under attack in the 11th hour 17E7 site selection update ......................................... 1Notes from the Executive Director “A new bottom line” .............................................. 2Upgrade timing ......................................................... 2

Prescription drug plans change to new formulary ..... 3Northwest Council highlights .................................... 4SPEEA Council – Nov. 13 .......................................... 5Midwest Council highlights ....................................... 5Sick leave payout for SPEEA-represented ................ 6CLUW convention draws 800 ................................... 6

WTPU Negotiations Update ................................. 6Case study: Chest pain triggers question over who pays the bill ...................... 6Interested in joining Northwest Tellers? ................. 7MW SPEEA rings in holidays at Prairie Rose ........ 7Seattle columnist calls for halt to globalization ...... 8

WTPU recruitment contest pays off for winners and members

The contest runs through Feb. 19 (when the contract is scheduled to expire). Membership application forms are available at the MW SPEEA office and online at www.speea.orgorgor . Don’t forget to include your name and BEMSID in the “sponsor’s box” on the appli-cation form to qualify for the contest.

Questions or suggestions? Contact a mem-ber of the WTPU Recruitment Committee: Ron Long, chair; Jackie Reid, vice-chair; Patti McKee, secretary; and members: Elizabeth Birkner, Lloyd Bonham, Donna Castaneda, Randy Fleming, Hoyt Hillman, Mike Killough, and Tina Nelson.and Tina Nelson.and

WICHITA – With the next contract negotia-tions well under way, the

Wichita Technical and Professional Unit (WTPU) wants to strengthen its position at the bargaining table by showing a strong and growing membership to Boeing. The WTPU Recruitment Committee kicked off a contest to help recognize the efforts of those who are out there signing up new members. You don’t have to be a Council Rep to enter. Everyone is encouraged to sign up a new member to show Boeing we’re stronger together!

How the contest works:

• For every new member, you have a ticket entered in a drawing.

• WTPU Council officers draw the win-ning tickets at the monthly WTPU Council Rep meeting.

• Prizes each month are: three gift certifi-cates for $50. If you have signed up five members, you have a chance to win a $100 gift certificate (in a separate draw-ing). The gift certificates can be spent at stores in Towne East or Towne West malls.

• If your ticket is not pulled the month it is entered, it will stay in the basket it is entered, it will stay in the basket itgiving you more chances to win.

WTPU Council Chair Lloyd Bonham, left, joins Ron Long, WTPU Council Chair Lloyd Bonham, left, joins Ron Long, WTPU recruitment chair, Elizabeth Birkner, and BJ Moore, SPEEA staff, in the “winner’s circle.” Bonham, Birkner and Robert Cropp (not in attendance) won the November drawing.

7E7 site selection update7E7 site selection updateBoeing announced its plans to put

the design and engineering head-quarters in Everett, Wash., however

the final assembly location has not yet been announced.

Although Wichita Boeing has been named

to produce the flight deck and forward fuse-lage, the location for nacelles and struts (part of Kansas’ incentive package) has not been announced. The Frederickson site will build the vertical tailfin.

While the overall announcement is good news for SPEEA represented employees,

continued outsourcing of work and technol-ogy remains a major concern.

“We have not yet heard them articulate a long-term vision that includes creat-ing jobs and careers for the employees we represent,” said Charles Bofferding, SPEEA executive director.

Overtime pay under attack in the 11th hour

The Bush Administration successfully blocked legislation protecting over-time pay by telling Congressional

leaders to remove the Harkin amend-ment or else he would veto the package of spending bills which fund domestic government spending.

Without the amendment protecting work-ers’ overtime rights, the Bush administra-tion could put the new rules gutting work-ers’ overtime pay rights into effect as early as December.

In response, IFPTE and the AFL-CIO are calling for an “overtime pay national week of action” starting Dec. 1.

“While this may not have a direct impact on our members today, it will certainly play a key role in the next round of nego-tiations for all of our bargaining units,” said Jennifer MacKay, SPEEA president. “It will be difficult to keep those protec-tions when the rest of America’s technical workforce no longer receives overtime.”

“Talking to your friends, family and co-workers about the attack on overtime protection, and then asking them to take action is the most important thing you can do,” MacKay said. To take action, check out www.aflcio.org and follow the link for the overtime-pay news story.

2 • SPEEA NEWS / November 28, 2003 / No. 1943

BY CHARLES BOFFERDING

Notes from the Executive Director

A New Bottom LineAlong with Jennifer

MacKay , SPEEA’s president,and MW

Counci l Chair Debbie Logsdon (SPEEA’s other two IFPTE International vice presi-dents) and the entire IFPTE Executive Council, I was in Miami on Thursday, Nov. 20, to participate in a labor rally that coincided with the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) conference. The media coverage was very disappoint-ing. A handful of protesters willing to engage police to force physical conflict stole the cov-erage from tens of thousands of peaceful protesters who wanted to engage the world to make it a better place.

The greatest pity is that the core message didn’t get out. Jennifer and I were standing in line for a rental car, and the guy in front of us asked, “I know what (labor) is against, what are you for?” Actually, he didn’t know what we were against.

Not really against much Most people assume that labor is against increased trade and global treaties. Most people think that labor is against man-agement. Simply not true. To the people who say labor/management strife comes from combative labor, I say – “You can fill a page with the names of companies that want to see all unions go away, but there isn’t one union that wants to see every company go away.” Unions think jobs are good. We like to see viable com-panies doing well. We love a world econ-omy that actually works for all people. We are the one in the equation that is looking for a holistic solution that works for everyone.

What are we for?At the rally, one speaker summed it up

really well. He said that we are looking for a new bottom line. We are looking for criteria to make decisions on things more diverse than simply short-term finances. It sounded a lot like he wanted “a plan that makes sense for all stakeholders.” He was right – labor wants treaties that balance maximizing the “good” for people, profits and the planet. I haven’t heard one labor person say that all treaties are bad. I have heard a bunch say that most treaties today are simplistic and should be expanded to elevate the interests of people and the envi-ronment to the same level that the current treaties lift monetary concerns.

A new bottom line makes sense for everyone. Do we really want to live in a world where

we contaminate our planet or force people into slave labor to increase the quarterly num-bers? We need a balancing of interests. The people and our planet can’t afford treaties that are based on the single variable of finance. The horror of unin-tended consequences is clear to people such as ourselves who work on complex systems. To drive a complex economic sys-tem with simplistic criteria is a train wreck waiting to happen.

The good news is that tens of thousands of people turned out to demonstrate that peo-ple do want an economy that works for everyone. We want a balancing of interests that treat people and our planet with the same respect that corporate profits currently get. We want

workers to be productive, environments to be safe and – yes – companies to be profitable. We believe that we can get all this if we just develop a new bottom line – one that includes all of the things that are important to all of us.

Upgrade Timing

Consistent with past practices, promotions will not be pro-cessed during the retention

review and salary review processes. These exercises officially start Jan 2, 2004. Final upgrades for this year will be processed in early December. Upgrades will be processed again in April 2004 following the Selective Review process. Advice on applying for an upgrade is provided on the SPEEA website at: http://www.speea.org/general_info/files/SJC/SJC_upgrade.html If you’re currently in discussions with your manager about an upgrade, remind him/her of the pending suspension.

we contaminate our planet or force people into slave labor to increase the quarterly num-bers? We need a balancing of interests. The people and our planet can’t afford treaties that are based on the single variable of finance. The horror of unin-tended consequences is clear to people such as ourselves who work on complex systems. To drive a complex economic sys-tem with simplistic criteria is a train wreck waiting to happen.

In the photo above, SPEEA members and staff joined about 300 attending the In the photo above, SPEEA members and staff joined about 300 attending the ISeattle protest of the Free Trade of the Americas policy meeting in Miami. The rally in Seattle featured a fun run and march on Saturday, Nov. 22. SPEEA attendees included (shown l-r): Ken Haliburton, Dave Patzwald, Keith Neal, Marcus Courtney (WashTech), Stan Sorscher, Colin Callaghan, Brent McFarlane, Judy Mogan, Joel Funfar, Dave Westman and Jessica Bonebright. SPEEA attendees not shown: John Kohlsaat, Rick Hoffman and Paul Shearon. In the photo below, Charles Bofferding, Jennifer MacKay and Debbie Logsdon, were in Florida to attend the IFPTE Executive Council meeting and went to the FTAA march in Miami.

SPEEA NEWS / November 28, 2003 / No. 1943 • 3

Prescription drug plans change to new three-tier formulary

Members have been calling the SPEEA office trying to deter-mine what changes happened

during negotiations to the prescription drug programs, so we’re providing this overview of the three-tier formulary.

During negotiations, Boeing brought for-ward a new plan for represented employees. That program has three tiers of reimburse-ment and is administered by Medco Health for Regence BlueShield if you are on the Traditional Medical Plan (TMP) . . . by Group Health if you’re on Group Health HMO . . . and by Regence Blue Shield if you’re on Selections or Selections Plus.

The three tiers are referred to as: generic, “formulary” (brand names), and “non-for-mulary” (also brand names). A formulary is a list of generic or selected brand-name drugs that is established, reviewed, and updated periodically by an external group of physicians and pharmacists.

The criteria for evaluating and selecting drugs for the formulary are based on pub-lished scientific evidence and include:

• Efficacy – A drug’s ability to treat a condition or prevent a disease.

• Safety – The incidence of side effects and drug interactions.

• Outcomes – Select, higher-priced drugs must provide additional documented clinical value or else they are typically excluded from the formulary.

You need to remember two things when the doctor is writing the prescription: 1) Is this drug on the formulary? 2) If so, is it generic or brand name?

Regence – retail pharmacyIf it’s generic, it will cost you less – only $5 for a Coordinated Care Plan (CCP), such as Selections or Selections Plus, or 10% of the cost for TMP per 34-day supply. If it is a brand name on the formulary, it will cost a little more – $15 for a similar monthly supply on a CCP or 20% of the cost for TMP. If the drug being prescribed is not on the formulary, the monthly supply will cost $30 for CCP or 30% of the cost for TMP, so you should ask your physician if generic or formulary drugs would be effective.

Be sure to ask which drug the doctor is prescribing, because there could be a lesser-price generic or formulary alternative. Don’t always assume the cost of the drug is more than the co-pay. Sometimes it will be less.

Regence – mail orderIf you are taking drugs on a regular basis or for a chronic condition, then the mail order process will likely save you money. The for-mulary applies the same way, but you pay the equivalent of two months of retail co-pays for a three-month supply. For example, on both the CCP’s and TMP, you pay $10 for a three-month supply of a generic drug using the mail-order process. For the same quantity of medication at a retail pharmacy, you would pay $15 (and make three sepa-rate visits). The same is true for formulary brands at $30 – instead of a total $45, and non-formulary brands at $60 – instead of a total of $90 at a retail pharmacy.

Under the TMP, Selections and Selections Plus, prescriptions are always paid at the appropriate co-insurance or co-payment level. This means that drugs not on the formulary will always require you to pay the highest co-payment or co-insurance.

Group Health – retail pharmacyGroup Health’s physicians and pharmacists have developed an extensive drug formulary of brand name and generic drugs. Generic drugs on the formulary are covered after a $5 co-payment for a 30-day supply. Brand name drugs on the formulary are covered

after a $15 co-payment for a 30-day sup-ply. All prescriptions must be on the Group Health formulary to be covered. Group Health also has an exception process that allows physicians to prescribe drugs that are outside the formulary with the appropri-ate medical criteria. In those instances, the brand name co-payment would apply.

Group Health – Mail order A Group Health member may have pre-scriptions mailed to his or her home with no delivery fees and save money on co-pay-ments. The formulary applies the same way, but the member pays the equivalent of two months of retail co-payments for a 90-day supply. Generic drugs are covered after a $10 co-payment for a 90-day supply and brand-name drugs are covered after a $30 co-payment for a 90-day supply.

Mail order prescriptions are available by phone or through Group Health’s website at www.ghc.org.

___________

If you have additional questions regard-ing health care provisions, please contact either your Council Rep or your Contract Administrator.

Brand-Name Brand-Name Generic “Formulary” “Non-Formulary” Generic “Formulary” “Non-Formulary”TMP retail (34-day supply) 10% 20% 30%

TMP mail-order (3-mo supply) $10 $30 $60 mail-order (3-mo supply) $10 $30 $60

Selections retail (34-day supply) $5 $15 $30

Selections mail-order (3-mo supply) $10 $30 $60 mail-order (3-mo supply) $10 $30 $60

Group Health retail (30-day supply) $5 $15 $15*Group Health retail (30-day supply) $5 $15 $15*Group Health

Group HealthGroup Health mail-order (90-day supply) $10 $30 $30* mail-order (90-day supply) $10 $30 $30*Group Health mail-order (90-day supply) $10 $30 $30*Group HealthGroup Health mail-order (90-day supply) $10 $30 $30*Group Health

PPK 34 day supply $5 $15 $30PPK 34 day supply $5 $15 $30PPK

PPK mail-order 90 day supply $10 $30 $60PPK mail-order 90 day supply $10 $30 $60PPK

* Only if prescribed by physician

Midwest NOTE • WTPU is not on the 3 Tier Program at this time.

• Preferred Plus of Kansas (PPK) stipulates that the prescription coverage is a 34-day supply or 100 count dosage, whichever is less.

• PPK states if a non-formulary drug is available in a formulary drug, the non-formulary request will be denied.

• PPK states that if a prescription drug is given for a higher dosage (500 mg. vs. 1000 mg.) and the lesser dosage medication can be purchased over-the-counter product, the over the counter must be purchased, as the higher dosage medication will not be approved for coverage.

4 • SPEEA NEWS / November 28, 2003 / No. 1943

Bill Virgin, Economic Columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspa-per, spoke on “Goodbye Jobs? The long-

term threat to our economy” (see page 1). term threat to our economy” (see page 1). term threat to our economy”

Council Rep Joe Marcotte has transferred from District K-5 to District K-9, leaving a vacancy in District K-5 (Profs, Kent, 18-28 Building). [Members interested in filling this K-5 vacancy should submit their petition by the next deadline: noon, Wednesday, Dec. 10. For info, email Terry Hall at terryh@speea.org.]

Staff member Rich Plunkett reviewed the Rich Plunkett reviewed the Rich Plunkettplanned retention process. This year there will be a link to Performance Management. The 2003 PM closeout should occur before the retentioning exercise

begins in early January. New retentions will be effective Jan. 24 (and handed out by Feb. 13).

• The NW Council PASSED a motion setting up the process for election of Northwest Tellers (petitions are due by the fourth Wednesday in January, including a 150-word statement).

• A motion to formally associate with Washington State Jobs With Justice FAILED.

• The NW Council PASSED a motion supporting participation by SPEEA members and staff in rallies and other actions in direct support of other labor organizations’ strike, informational picketing, organizing campaigns, etc. with any necessary funding requiring approval of the Executive Board.

• The NW Council PASSED a motion to recognize SPEEA members who partici-pate in such SPEEA-endorsed activities by awarding them matching SPEEA-logo shirts to wear at such events.

• The NW Council PASSED a motion to extend training requirements for two months for Larry Marrell.

• The NW Council PASSED a motion requesting the Executive Board assure every member is awarded proper vaca-tion time.

• The NW Council Officers are seek-ing volunteers to serve on the NW Negotiation Preparation Committee.

There are currently openings on the fol-lowing joint committees (interested members should email their name to robinf@speea.org):

• Joint Benefits Committee (opening for one Technical Unit member)

• SHEA (opening for someone in Duwamish corridor/Kent, IDS)

• SPEEA/Boeing Partnership Leadership Team (someone from IDS–FILLED(someone from IDS–FILLED(someone from IDS– )FILLED)FILLED

The Council recognized Pat Waters (for-mer SPEEA Council Chair) for his four years leading the Council. “His steady hand guided us safely through the most challenging and exhilarating events in our history…his composed, firm and purposeful leadership are the qualities that his successors will try to emu-late … his leadership extended well beyond his official duties, setting higher standards of contribution for us to follow.”

Members who attended this year’s Union Women’s Summer School – Pat Rinnert (Customer Service), June Creson (Kent), Jill Ritchey(Renton) and Sue Robinson (Everett) – shared their experi-ences and appreciation for the opportunity to attend.

SPEEA’s NW Transportation Committee Chair Pat Waters reported on committee activities. Vision: “Open roads, cityscape, gliding by, now I’m there!” cityscape, gliding by, now I’m there!” cityscape, gliding by, now I’m there!” Mission: “Eliminate traffic congestion in the Puget Sound region.” region.” region.” Strategy & Goals: Strategy & Goals: Strategy & Goals: “Influence trans-portation legislation… reach out to other unions and groups to develop coalitions … examine new emerging technology and help create incentives to develop them.” The committee is working to develop them.” The committee is working to develop them.”with Boeing and other groups to help devel-op a poll to find out what the general public would be willing to accept next year, and what the source of funding should be. (The poll will give the Regional Transportation Steering Committee and Pierce/Snohomish/King county councils some direction for put-ting together a plan.) Pat invited interested members to attend committee meetings.

Organizational Planning Committee Chair Judy Mogan asked Council Reps to provide information to be entered into a database as a resource in finding volunteers to help with rallies, leafleting, phone banking, etc. (Contact your Council Rep if you would like to participate.)

Alan Rice reported SPEEA’s Everett Site Assembly has “Adopted a Highway”, the stretch of Airport Road running from the Boeing plant to the new SPEEA Everett office construc-tion site.

Treasurer Tom McCarty and NW Treasurer Tom McCarty and NW Treasurer Tom McCartyBob Wilkerson reviewed the status of expenditures and noted they will be moni-toring to assure we stay within our budget. Tom stated that WTPU negotiations, for a contract that expires in February 2004, will

tap into our negotiations reserves.

Kurt Hanson provided the Executive Director’s report. Charles Bofferding was in Nyon, Switzerland, to participate in

meetings of UNI P&MS (Professional and Managerial Staff ) and helping plan for the 4th international conference of engineering unions (to be held in 2007) … Bofferding, Hanson and Laura Anderson participated in a two-day joint training session in Wichita with union and company negotiation teams, facilitated by the Open Organization … Terry Hall traveled to Wichita to work with new staff member Debbie Shepard (who replaced Lacey Jilek), bringing her up to Lacey Jilek), bringing her up to Lacey Jilekspeed on all the tasks she will be doing … Mary Jo Shannon visited Wichita to help with training and recruitment … SPEEA is appealing the National Labor Relations Board’s initial denial of our charge that Boeing simply can’t throw our people out of their jobs, cut their wages and benefits while employees continue to perform the same work at the same location … Laura Anderson is engaging CAS employees in an effort to monitor the Company’s plan to outsource writing of technical manuals, getting our concerns out in the open … SPEEA is engaging members in Wichita and Everett affected by Boeing’s announced intention to sell Boeing Electronics, pressing to ensure members’ rights … and thanks to Kristin Farr, IFPTE (Matt Biggs) and SPEEA members who helped lobby for the 767 Tanker deal.

President, Jennifer MacKay reported she Jennifer MacKay reported she Jennifer MacKaywill be going to Florida next week to attend the IFPTE Executive Council meeting, and participate in demonstrations against FTAA. While there, she and Charlie will meet with our Florida members whose “tem-porary assignment” will end with the final launch in February 2004. Rich Plunkett and Rich Plunkett and Rich Plunkett Jim Singletaryare also helping to work those issues, utilizing Ed Wells and the Partnership in an attempt to find places for them to transfer or provide retraining.

Farr reported that IFPTE Local 12 (repre-Farr reported that IFPTE Local 12 (repre-Farrsenting engineers at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyards in Bremerton, WA) voted last

NW Council highlights – November 13, 2003

planned retention process. This year there will be a link to Performance Management. The 2003 PM closeout should occur

tap into our negotiations reserves.

Kurt HansonExecutive Director’s report. Charles Bofferding Switzerland, to participate in

Members who attended this year’s Union Women’s Summer School – RinnertJune Creson(Renton) and Robinson– shared their experi-ences and appreciation for the opportunity to attend.

RichRich

PatPat

Sue

JillJill

Alan

JimJim

Kurt

SPEEA NEWS / November 28, 2003 / No. 1943 • 5

week to join CESO (Council of Engineers & Scientists Organizations). This will give us an opportunity to learn more about federal sector workers, and it will give Local 12 networking access to labor unions from across the country, both affiliated and unaffiliated. (Another union also recently joined CESO – UPTE, representing engi-neers & scientists working at the national research labs associated with the University of California.)

Bill Barrett, Chair of the Membership Activities Committee, reported his committee will: help deliver pres-ents to laid-off members’ children through our Holiday Outreach Program … offer Santa Day at

SPEEA’s offices Dec. 13 … hold a silent auc-tion to benefit the Holiday Outreach Program at the March 6 recognition banquet … solicit judges for the Science Fair at Pacific Lutheran University on March 20 … hold a golf tour-nament in the spring … conduct a motorcycle rally in the summer to benefit cystic fibrosis … conduct a SPEEA Cares Day for area food banks next Fall … and participate in King County Labor Council’s Labor Day Picnic. The purpose of the committee is to promote solidarity for members with common inter-ests. Barrett invited interested members to join his committee.

SPEEA Council –November 13, 2003

The SPEEA Council PASSED a motion to support initiatives/legislation to strengthen collec-

tive bargaining; and to assist in orga-nizing and participating in a National Day of Action on Dec. 10, 2003 (World Human Rights Day), in order to bring attention to the crisis of col-lective bargaining in the United States.

Retention Briefing

A t the Nov. 13 NW Region Council meeting, Staff member Rich Plunkett reviewed the planned

retention process. Retention captains begin determining new assignments on Jan. 2. Following a Process Council review and EEO & distribution review, the notices will be printed on Feb. 9. They will be handed out by Feb. 13, and will be effective Jan. 24.

In last negotiations, the parties agreed we should have a better link between Performance Management (PM) and the retention exercise, Plunkett said. So tim-ing was a critical element. There has been

Activities Committee, reported his committee will: help deliver pres-ents to laid-off members’ children through our Holiday Outreach Program … offer Santa Day at

greater use of PM, Performance Evaluation (PE) & Performance Development Process (PDP) this past year. Hank Queen was instrumental in making sure management followed through on these. We now have the opportunity, for the first time, to link closeout of the 2003 performance evaluation with the upcoming retention exercise.

The contract provides retention exercises will be held at least three times during the term of the contract, and not less frequently than once each 12 months following the execution date of the Agreement (i.e., Jan. 21), “with precise intervals to be determined by the Company”. Since a layoff date is scheduled for Jan. 23 (for Nov. 21 WARNs), it was decided that new retentions would be effective Jan. 24. Since we want to link PM, we can’t start the exercise until January; thus it won’t be completed until early February. Notices will be handed out by Feb 13. This leaves only one week for appeals by anyone whose retention drops and who is slated for layoff Feb 20 (for Dec. 19 WARNs). Plunkett said we are lobby-ing the Company not to utilize that Dec. not to utilize that Dec. not19 WARN date, but have not received their commitment to date. They have agreed to have agreed to havegive every employee a fair chance to appeal, and have their case be heard.

Retention Briefing

Congrats to “The Great Skipper”

Current NW Council officers share in the celebration of Pat Waters (third from left in photo above) who plans to retire. Waters, an Associate Tech Fellow, was elected Council chair in 1999, later serving as the interim chair of the NW Council, and

was elected the first chair of SPEEA’s Council (under our new governing documents) in June 2001 where he served until June 2003. In recognizing Waters’ retirement at the November NW Council meeting, he received a plaque thanking him for his leadership “which extended well beyond his official duties,” and calling him the “great skipper” as a play on words incorporating his passion for sailing. He also received nautical-related gifts.

Bill

Midwest Council Midwest Council highlights – Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003

The Midwest Regional Council meet-ing for November was a short meet-ing, allowing interested Council

Reps to listen to Alan Tonelson address several unions in Wichita later that evening. All reports were requested to be in writing for distribution to the Council Reps.

Motion MW03-045 PASSED, revising CESO Association Policy to realign Irving with the Midwest for representation at CESO.

Motion MW03-046 PASSED, incorporat-ing our association with Grow Kansas into Grow Kansas into Grow KansasMidwest Policy.

Motion MW03-047 PASSED, incorporat-ing our new association with the Kansas State AFL-CIO into Midwest Policy.

Motion MW03-048 PASSED, establishing policy for election of Midwest Regional Tellers.

Shown here: (l-r) Shown here: (l-r) Paul WojciechowskiPaul Wojciechowski, NW Council secretary; , NW Council secretary; Bob WilkersonBob Wilkerson, NW Council , NW Council treasurer; Pat Waters; and Alton Folks, NW Council chair.

6 • SPEEA NEWS / November 28, 2003 / No. 1943

Sick Leave Payout for SPEEA-represented employees

At a recent briefing for employees holding WARN notices, a SPEEA Contract Administrator (CA) was

in attendance to listen to the various pre-sentations by Company and WorkSource representatives and to present informa-tion regarding layoff and recall consider-ation. During the course of the discus-sion regarding “sick leave payout”, the CA became concerned that the information being presented was from the non-repre-sented employees’ perspective only and did not accurately represent the contractually- required benefits of our members. Instead of getting into a debate during the course of the presentation, the CA informed the audience that there were concerns and both the Company and the Union representa-tives would seek clarification from compen-sation specialists within the Company.

Within a week after the layoff briefing, a response was received affirming the CA’s concerns to be accurate. The Company presenter for this item forwarded us a copy of the corrected information that will be included in future briefings. It contained the following:

SPEEA REPRESENTED EMPLOYEESIf a SPEEA employee is ‘retirement eligible’ at layoff (refer them to the contract and/or the

Pension Center to verify whether or not they are individually eligible), they will receive the following sick-leave payout:

1) Current year accrual of sick leave and Unreserved sick leave is viewed as one balance and then 50% of that total balance is paid out,balance is paid out,balance is paid out (Corrected)

2) at a maximum rate of $34 per hour.

3) FSP balances fall under the rules and regulations of a 401k plan; contact the Savings Service center for specific infor-mation.

Reserve Sick Leave – because a payout of Reserve Sick leave is so rare, it has not been included in the formal briefing materials. However, when someone has asked about it in the briefings, we explain it at that time. (Corrected)(Corrected)(

This oversight occurred because of the dif-ferences in the benefits available to both represented and non-represented employ-ees. Even though it was non-intentional, SPEEA is committed to ensuring that our members receive good information to for-mulate their decisions and that they receive all the benefits due them. [BR]

SPEEA Works For You!

Improving health care draws 800 delegates to

12th CLUW conventionBy Stacey Shoffner

Midwest Region delegate

SEATTLE – The Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) held this year’s 12th biennial convention

in Seattle on Oct. 9-12, with the theme “Vision, Voices, and Votes: Building the Labor Movement”. The focus of the con-vention was a Special CLUW Health Conference with the theme “Union Women: Achieving Quality Health Care in Changing Times.” CLUW’s vision is recognizing that women, all women, contribute regularly to the world and this country in particular. More than 800 delegates participated in the conference, coming from across the United States and from around the world.

Linda Newell and Stacey Shoffner from IFPTE Local 2001, SPEEA WTPU, in Wichita, attended the conference as elected delegates. Karen Hikel from SPEEA’s Tech Unit in Puget Sound also attended as an elected delegate.

On the opening day, the Health Fair and Exhibition was held featuring 28 booths and exhibits. CLUW members browsed the merchandise as well as gathered information merchandise as well as gathered information from such exhibitors as the American Heart from such exhibitors as the American Heart Association, the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, Digene Corporation (cervical cancer information), and Kaiser Permanente.

Several speakers from unions across the country, from universities and govern-ment agencies spoke of national and wom-en’s health issues. Workshops were held throughout the convention that provided educational information and materials on safety and labor organizations, as well as following the convention theme with instructive advice on women’s health issues.

The best part of the convention was meet-ing women from other unions and sharing our stories, the successes and the failures. As we heard each narrative, we discussed the impacts to the workplace and ways we could create a better place to work. We saw how men and women could rally together to support common goals, from supporting a “no” vote for legislation to providing aid to workers on strike. We heard the global effect of labor organizations – the improve-ments, benefits and fair treatment all work-ers are seeking.

WTPU Negotiations Update WTPU Negotiations Update WTPU Negotiations Update WTPU Negotiations UpdateHow it works prior to main table talks

WICHITA - When the Wichita Technical and Professional Unit (WTPU) contract goes into

final discussions in January, you may be wondering what went into getting there.

The WTPU Negotiation Team meets weekly with one of the following four sub-committees, with the goal of temporary agreement on as many details as possible. The details include playing out certain types of scenarios that are likely to affect our members, decision-making that affect jobs due to outsourcing, and other issues.

The WTPU Negotiation Team includes Steve Smith (chair), Bob Brewer, SPEEA MW director and chief negotiator, Teresa Coleman, Dave Fansler, Bill Hartigand Stacey Shoffner. When they meet with the subcommittees, they’re face to face with Boeing leadership from HR, Compensation, Labor Management and Benefits. Each SPEEA member takes the role of focal on one of the subcommittees.

The Boeing representatives on the subcom-mittees are:

Workforce: Tom Reiling, Frank Vopat, Jody Byrnum, Susan Bacon, Chris Falo

Labor Management: Jim Edinfield, Jan Steinart, Jack Black, Diane Kraus

Compensation: Troy Hantla, C. Carter Gale, Steve Turkle, Alan Hermanson

Benefits: Shari Williams, Troy Hantla, C. Carter Gale, Steve Turkle, Alan Hermanson, Barbara Nichol, Linda Scarborough, Deb Strange

The WTPU Team includes veterans of the last round of negotiations (when WTPU organized and created its first contract in 2001) Coleman, Smith and Brewer. Brewer’s experience in negotiating also includes the WEU and Irving contracts.

“The most important thing that members need to know,” said Coleman, “is that their vote matters!”

SPEEA NEWS / November 28, 2003 / No. 1943 • 7

Case study Case study Case study Case study

Chest pain triggers question over who pays the bill

Our medical plans have strong incentives to obtain medical services “in network.” When

we travel, we are out of network, but for those employees enrolled in one of the Regence Blue Shield medical plans (Traditional Medical Plan, Selections and Selections Plus), we expect the hospital to be part of the national Blue Cross/Blue Shield network, in which case, our expenses would be covered.

The unthinkable happensBremerton, in Kitsap County, Washington, currently has no Regence network hospi-tals, because the local hospital (Harrison Memorial) was not able to agree on fees with Regence. Consequently, that hospi-tal charges patients much more than the Regence allowance in most cases.

A SPEEA member living in Bremerton experienced chest pains on a Saturday morning, and immediately went to the hospital. He received a bill totaling over $3,000 AFTER his insurance had paid up to the allowed amounts. Charges above the allowance were not subject to the $2,000 not subject to the $2,000 notmaximum out-of-pocket expense.

Fortunately, his condition was treated, and he was released. If he had required surgery, his personal liability could have been open-ended.

Do the right thingSPEEA staff collected a clear history and documents from the member. We spoke to the Regence coordinator, the hospital admin-istrator, and prepared the member for a sepa-rate face-to-face discussion with the hospital administrator. We also brought this to the attention of the Boeing Benefits organization.

Through this series of conversations, we were able to persuade Boeing and Regence to accept responsibility for charges beyond the network allowance in the case of emer-gency services when no network hospital is available in the area.

Elective procedures would still be subject to the network/non-network rules, so anyone living in the Bremerton area is STRONGLY encouraged to plan their medical services carefully, choosing net-work providers whenever possible.

We are very pleased with the outcome in this case. Our SPEEA member did a great job of recognizing the problem, gathering the information we needed, and speaking directly to one of the key decision-makers. We also benefited from the goodwill and judgment of everyone involved to see that we came to a common-sense conclusion. [SS]

SPEEA – Together, we’re making a difference

Interested in joining NW Tellers?The NW Council recently passed a motion to establish the process for electing members to the Tellers Committee, the group responsible for conducting all regional balloting and elections.

Any member of the NW Region may file a nomination for Regional Teller position. Each candidate must have been a member in good standing for the previous 12 months. Tellers may not concurrently serve on the Executive Board, Council or Judicial Review Committee. Petitions will need, at minimum, signatures of 15 members in good standing. Candidates must also sign the petition. Each can-didate may submit a statement of 150 words or less to be included in the ballot package. The completed peti-tions and statements must be turned into SPEEA headquarters by noon on Wed, Jan. 28, 2004. If the election is contested, ballots shall be sent to each member prior to Wednesday, Feb. 25. The ballots shall be counted on Wednesday, March 10. The terms of office for members of the Northwest Regional Tellers shall commence on the day following the election. For more information, contact Terry Hallvia e-mail at terryh@speea.org or call terryh@speea.org or call terryh@speea.org(206) 433-0995, x130.

MW SPEEA rings in holidays at MW SPEEA rings in holidays at Prairie Rose dinner

Agroup of 80 SPEEA members current, retirees, fami-lies and friends enjoyed a wonderful evening Nov. 21 at the Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper Club. All

available SPEEA discount tickets were sold. The Prairie Rose is a working cattle ranch. The Prairie Rose Wranglers sang as part of the evening’s entertainment. We were served our BBQ dinner by the ranch hands and the singers who entertained us for the eve-ning. The children, at show time, were escorted to another area and later returned to sing along with the band members. Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer and then Santa came out for them. Special recognitions from our group went to Mike McIntosh (member) who won a poster and SPEEA member Catherine Jeffress’ grandparents, Jim & Jeanne Sullivan, who were recognized for celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. The food was great, the entertainment was good and the company even better. Many thanks to all those who attended to make the night a special eve-ning for all. (Editors’ Note: Thanks to Donna Castaneda for taking Donna Castaneda for taking Donna Castanedathe picture and reporting on this event.)

MW SPEEA rings in holidays at MW SPEEA rings in holidays at Prairie Rose dinner

Aavailable SPEEA discount tickets were sold. The Prairie Rose is a working cattle ranch. The Prairie Rose Wranglers sang as part of the evening’s entertainment. We were served our BBQ dinner by the ranch hands and the singers who entertained us for the eve-ning. The children, at show time, were escorted to another area and later returned to sing along with the band members. Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer and then Santa came out for them. Special recognitions from our group went to who won a poster and SPEEA member grandparents, celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. The food was great, the entertainment was good and the company even better. Many thanks to all those who attended to make the night a special eve-Midwest members enjoy the food, songs and camaraderie at the Prairie

Rose. About 80 people bought discount tickets through SPEEA. The evening included special entertainment for the children, too.

companies getting benefits that smaller companies won’t see. His other point was that this was the cost that the state had to bear for not doing anything about these issues for the past decade or so.

“If the 7E7 does end up here, the debate will continue (about smaller companies demanding their share of the pie),” he said. “If Washington state doesn’t get the 7E7, Boeing will lose a lot of clout.”

U P C O M I N G M I DW E S T M E E T I N G S ( A L L T I M E S C D T ) UPCOMING NORTHWEST MEETINGS (ALL TIMES PDT)

Monday, Dec. 1 4:00 p.m. Council OfficersMonday, Dec. 1 4:00 p.m. Council OfficersTuesday, Dec. 2 5:00 p.m. Leadership Development & TrainingTuesday, Dec. 2 5:00 p.m. Leadership Development & TrainingWednesday, Dec. 3 5:00 p.m. NW Health & WellnessWednesday, Dec. 3 5:00 p.m. NW Health & WellnessThursday, Dec. 4 4:00 p.m. Executive BoardThursday, Dec. 4 4:00 p.m. Executive Board

Monday, Dec. 8 4:30 p.m. Everett Site AssemblyMonday, Dec. 8 4:30 p.m. Everett Site AssemblyMonday, Dec. 8 5:00 p.m. NW Legislative & Public AffairsMonday, Dec. 8 5:00 p.m. NW Legislative & Public AffairsWednesday, Dec. 10 5:00 p.m. NW Labor DelegatesWednesday, Dec. 10 5:00 p.m. NW Labor DelegatesThursday, Dec. 11 5:00 p.m. NW Regional Council MeetingThursday, Dec. 11 5:00 p.m. NW Regional Council MeetingFriday, Dec. 12 5:00 p.m. NW Membership Activities CommitteeFriday, Dec. 12 5:00 p.m. NW Membership Activities Committee

Monday, Dec. 15 5:00 p.m. NW Women’s Advocacy CommitteeMonday, Dec. 15 5:00 p.m. NW Women’s Advocacy CommitteeTuesday, Dec. 16 5:00 p.m. NW Transportation CommitteeTuesday, Dec. 16 5:00 p.m. NW Transportation CommitteeThursday, Dec. 18 4:00 p.m. Executive BoardThursday, Dec. 18 4:00 p.m. Executive BoardThursday, Dec. 18 5:00 p.m. SPEEA Legislative & Public AffairsThursday, Dec. 18 5:00 p.m. SPEEA Legislative & Public Affairs

Monday, Dec. 1 4:00 p.m. MW Membership CommitteeMonday, Dec. 1 4:00 p.m. MW Membership CommitteeMonday, Dec. 1 4:55 p.m. MW Joint Oversite CommitteeMonday, Dec. 1 4:55 p.m. MW Joint Oversite CommitteeMonday, Dec. 1 5:00 p.m. MW Communications CommitteeMonday, Dec. 1 5:00 p.m. MW Communications CommitteeTuesday, Dec. 2 4:00 p.m. MW Membership Activities CommitteeTuesday, Dec. 2 4:00 p.m. MW Membership Activities CommitteeTuesday, Dec. 2 5:00 p.m. WEU Council MeetingTuesday, Dec. 2 5:00 p.m. WEU Council Meeting

Monday, Dec. 8 4:00 p.m. MW Membership CommitteeMonday, Dec. 8 4:00 p.m. MW Membership CommitteeTuesday, Dec. 9 4:00 p.m. MW Women’s Advocacy CommitteeTuesday, Dec. 9 4:00 p.m. MW Women’s Advocacy CommitteeThursday, Dec. 11 4:00 p.m. MW Regional Council MeetingThursday, Dec. 11 4:00 p.m. MW Regional Council Meeting

Monday, Dec 15 4:00 p.m. MW Membership CommitteeMonday, Dec 15 4:00 p.m. MW Membership CommitteeMonday, Dec. 15 4:55 p.m. MW Joint Oversite CommitteeMonday, Dec. 15 4:55 p.m. MW Joint Oversite CommitteeWednesday, Dec. 16 5:00 p.m. MW Governing DocumentsWednesday, Dec. 16 5:00 p.m. MW Governing DocumentsThursday, Dec. 17 4:30 p.m. MW Legislative & Public AffairsThursday, Dec. 17 4:30 p.m. MW Legislative & Public Affairs

Charles H. Bofferding, IIIExecutive Director

Editors: Karen McLean, Robbi Alberts Graphics Designer: Lori DupuisPrint/Mail Manager: Rich Kremnetz

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This newsletter is approved for posting on SPEEA Bulletin Boards

8 • SPEEA NEWS / November 28, 2003 / No. 1943

Seattle columnist calls for halt to widespread globalizationSEATTLE – Bill Virgin, a business

reporter and columnist, knew full well he’d be preaching to the choir.

But his words sounded like sweet music to SPEEA Council Reps and others who heard his message on outsourcing at the Northwest Council meeting this month.

“People talk about outsourcing with such dismissive remarks – ‘this is a natural eco-nomic evolution, there’s nothing to worry about, don’t sweat it,’ said Virgin, who writes for the Seattle Post Intelligencer. “We should sweat it.”

“I’m not calling for the preservation of every job. This day and age, companies are constantly looking for faster and cheaper ways to do things and jobs will be lost,” Virgin said. “What will replace those jobs?”

During the 20-minute presentation, Virgin talked about two sides to the outsourcing issue. The first is the loss of knowledge and process improvement that comes from ongoing feedback. If products or pieces of the product are made overseas, then you don’t have that feedback.

The other side comes from where the jobs are going. He pointed out that China, Taiwan, Korea and other places will not be

satisfied with the low-end manufacturing for the long term. “At some point, they will move into design and systems integration.”

“The idea that someone else will continuously do the messy stuff is patently absurd,” he said

Virgin talked about possible solu-tions. While he sees nothing wrong with MODERATE outsourcing, he warned that you can’t legislate moderation. He said our immediate aim should be to reform immigration laws and focus on longer-term issues such as higher education, so that companies don’t have to import work-ers to do specific high-tech jobs.

During the question and answer session, Virgin talked about the struggle to trade with a country that has a narrow technol-ogy gap with the U.S., but a gaping hole when it comes to differences on wages.

He also talked about the impact outsourcing has on the local economy – commercial real estate, for example. When jobs are going overseas, more vacancy signs go up here.

Regarding a question about tax breaks for Boeing if it builds the 7E7 in Washington state, he made two points – the inequity of “Wall Street vs. Main Street,” i.e. the large

Bill Virgin, Seattle Bill Virgin, Seattle columnist and business reporter, has been covering manufacturing trends (including outsourcing) since the 1970s.

CPI - October 2003

The U.S. City Average all-items Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical work-

ers (CPI-W) on a 1982-84=100 base for October 2003 is 180.7. (On a 1967=100 base, the October index is 538.2.) This is a 0.2 decrease from the previous month and a 1.9 increase from October 2002.

CPI - October 2003