May 14, 2012
WEU Negotiations lunchtime meetings start Thursday

Your SPEEA Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU) Negotiation Team is holding lunchtime meetings starting Thursday, May 17, to discuss the WEU survey results, the negotiations timeline and answer questions at several locations (see schedule below).

As the team prepares to finalize the contract proposal, they want everyone to have an opportunity to share ideas and thoughts. Members and non-members are welcome at each meeting.

WEU Negotiations Team lunchtime meeting schedule
Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

• Strut Nacelle East/1-198D (room 200) – Thursday, May 17
• Plant II East Lean To/2-297F (room 5-B21 (the old Mic Room)) – Tuesday, May 22
• IPB3/3-190O (room 106 auditorium) – Thursday, May 24
• Plant II Wood Balcony/2-297F (room 234) – Tuesday, May 29
• Engineering Lab/3-215W (room E-20 (Fishbowl)) – Thursday, May 31
• Section 9/2-290J (room 028) – Tuesday, June 5

May 11, 2012
Boeing’s Safety, Technical, Standards and
simulator instructors vote to join SPEEA

SEATTLE – In a vote that more than doubles the number of pilots at The Boeing Company represented by SPEEA, pilots and instructors in Flight Training Services are joining the Airplane Manufacturing Pilots Association (AMPA) bargaining unit.

The year-long effort to join with fellow pilots culminated today (Thursday, May 10) when votes were counted at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Region 19 office in Seattle. The tally showed approval by 81% of those voting, with 48 ‘Yes’ and 11 ‘no’ votes. The expanded AMPA/SPEEA bargaining unit now includes 105 members.

The newest members of the bargaining unit share the same concerns as AMPA and SPEEA about maintaining the quality of flight services and training in the face of Boeing’s continued use of contract workers.

“We didn’t have to do this, but we needed to have a stronger voice,” said Mike Coker, safety pilot and member of the organizing committee. “Our group has a lot of experience and we want to use it to ensure Boeing has the best training and support possible.”

Responsible for all technical, safety and flight standards, along with instructing in simulators, the newest members of AMPA/SPEEA work primarily in Renton. Like existing AMPA members, the work includes training the pilots of airline customers on Boeing aircraft, including the 787. AMPA pilots also deliver aircraft from Boeing factories to customers. The work takes members to training and customer facilities around the world.

“These pilots are respected throughout the aviation industry as the leaders in Flight Training and now they’ve taken a big step to gain the respect and voice they deserve at Boeing,” said SPEEA President Tom McCarty. 

“Boeing and SPEEA have had a successful collective bargaining relationship since 1946,” added SPEEA Executive Director Ray Goforth. “The growing ranks of professionals joining SPEEA will broaden and deepen that relationship.”

See AMPA page

In just six weeks, SPEEA is hosting a visit by
AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Liz Shuler for the annual SPEEA Convention/Leadership Conference. As part of her visit, SPEEA is hosting a social and fundraising event, Thursday, June 7, to benefit Washington Young Emerging Labor Leaders (WA YELL).  As the youngest elected officer at the AFL-CIO, Liz is committed to increasing the involvement of young adults in the labor movement. A limited number of tickets are now on sale allowing you to meet Liz and support this important work in our labor movement.

This event is open to the public, with tickets going on sale Monday (April 30). As the hosting organization, SPEEA members can buy tickets early. The event will sell out quickly, so buy your tickets today! 

 The fundraiser is organized by SPEEA in cooperation with the Martin Luther King County Labor Council (MLKCLC), the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC), and WA YELL.

Individual tickets are $60 each. Buy yours at: http://bit.ly/HXEnGj

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SPEEA-Area IFPTE VP candidates
Northwest – vote for two

• Joel Funfar
• Dave Baine
• Rebekah Hewitt
• Michael Hochberg
• Jimmie Mathis
• Tom McCarty
• Sandra Hastings (Sandy)
• Brent McFarlane
• Ryan Rule

Midwest – vote for one

• Debbie Logsdon
• Donna M. Lehane (Castaneda)
• Joe Newberry

Northwest Convention delegate
vote for 10      

• Shawn Mark
• Joel Funfar
• Roger Aisaka
• Sandra Hastings (Sandy)
• Mike Gardner
• Bob Wilkerson
• Dave Baine
• Brent McFarlane
• Tom McCarty
• Tony Laffranchi
• Carrie Rule
• Dave Silkroski
• Jerry DiLeonardo
• Keith Neal
  
  

Midwest Convention delegate
vote for two          

• Earl Carter
• Donna M. Lehane (Castaneda)
• Brenda K. Reiling
  
  

Apply for NW STEM grant
review committee

The Northwest Council is looking for members interested in serving on the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) grant review. 

This seven-member committee will be selected by the Northwest Council officers to review the grant applications and make recommendations to the Northwest Council for a vote. 

To apply, send an e-mail to speea@speea.org with your name, contact information and the school district where you live. Deadline: Friday, June 15.

Wichita – March 14, 2012

SPEEA – Boeing Effects Bargaining
Members approve Boeing plant closure agreement
WICHITA, KS -- SPEEA members approved a contract extension with The Boeing Company.