I know, some;Union Members and Non-Union Members are not satisfied with outcome of the Bargaining Agreement.That was ratified on July 16,2009 by a majority of Union Members present.
If,the Non-Union Members ;that sat on the fence,waiting to see what happens.Well,You see now!
Had,we been stronger in Union Membership.We would probably, have gained more on this bargaining agreement.But,during the last two weeks of Negoitations.Because,the inspectors;started going to Labor Relations;to try and get the process stopped.You,made Negoitations
more difficult.
How would you feel sitting at the Negoiation Table with the Company and Quality Management and they tell you,that inspectors are:
Auditors!
Became a inspector,because it was an easier job and made more money!
Inspectors,are no more important than the other trades personnel!Except,every Inspector is held accountable for each and all inspections;that is signed off and accepted by the Inspector.These inspections has to be retained for seven years after ship is delivered to the U.S.Navy (Customer).If a casualty,occurs aboard the ship;because of an inspection accepted by an Inspector.The Inspector is equally responsible as is the Company;and can be held liable.
Inspectors stay in air conditioning 50% of the time each work day!When a member of Negoitation Committee,challenged this statement.The Company and Quality Management,recanted;they meant aboard ship;not in office.The ship is not air conditioned 100%.Once ship is launched!Then the Air Conditioning plants can be put on line.Normanly the spaces aboard ship that,first gets air conditioning; is electronic spaces.Machinery Spaces are not Air Conditioned,except EOS.As the ship gets closer to sea trails;then other spaces inside ship,is cut into the Air conditioning plant.
Compartment Completion Inspection is a cosmetic inspection!In the ideal inspection arena;this is true.But today Quality Inspectors are not in the IDEAL INSPECTION ARENA.
Due to the Fact: Craft work is incomplete,Liens,DW`s,W/A`s,etc.is still open.The Inspector is made to write a work list;regardless if all work is complete.In other words the Inspector is being Used by Trades,Ship`s Management to do what they are suppose to do before;calling Quality Inspectors,to inspect the compartment;prior to calling to the Customer for Final Compartment Completion Inspection.
Now all Union and Non-Union Members; in Quality Assurance Department.Has the opportunely to better our Department; and get us back to what the Quality Department stood for and was years ago when this Shipyard produced Quality Ships.
As time moves forward,each Inspector will learn as to what Rights they have being Union Represented.That you didn`t have being Non-Represented.
Gerald E.Slade
Senior Union Steward
Quality Inspectors
Local Lodge 1133
