Frequently
Asked
Questions

Q.  What are some of the accomplishments Local 12 has achieved to better the employee's Quality of Life at the Shipyard?

A.-1  An overall strong contract.  One of the biggest accomplishments is getting Alternate Work Schedules (AWS) included in Local 12's contract.  This includes working a compressed work schedule (5/4/9 or 4/10's) or changing your start and stop times to either come in earlier or later, and then going home accordingly after working your eight hour day (including a lunch break)..

A-2.  IFPTE, in coalition with other Federal Labor organizations kept NSPS from being implemnted on personnel who were already members of a bargaining unit.

A-3.  One of the unseen accomplishments is Local 12's relationship with Shipyard management.  There was a time when Local 12 was confrontational with the employer.  Today Local 12 has an open dialogue with the employer, which allows issues to be resolved before they become problems requiring the filing of a grievance or a ULP.

A-4.  Overtime.  Local 12 was part of a class action lawsuit against the Department of the Navy to get full time and a half re-insateted for its members.  This lawsuit was finally settled in 1997 and while they were not able to win the back pay issue for some of the members, the majority of the members received award settlements for lost pay between 1986 and 1997.  The settlement did provide for a different form of compensation for those employees who remained in an exempt category.

A-5.  IFPTE Local 12 representatives have achieved many accomplishments by representing our bargaining unit on the Shipyard's Guiding Coalition teams.  For example, mentoring for all, pushing for civilian daycare services, better facilities, etc.

Q-2.  What are some of the benifits in joining Local 12?

A-1.  A voice in how the Shipyard works.  A local 12 representative sits on all of the Shipyard committees (Employee Services, Parking, etc.).  These Local 12 representatives are there not only to protect the bargaining units rights, but also to help formulate policy on how to do things better and more effectively.

A-2.  A voice in legislative issues.  Federal employees (this includes Shipyard managers) are prohibited from discussing Shipyard issues with our congressional leaders.  Local 12 bargaining unit members can discuss Shipyard concerns with our congressional leaders as long as we represent Local 12 and not the Shipyard.  At least twice a year Local 12 sends people to Washington to talk to talk to congressional leaders on items the Local 12 membership determines would be good for the Shipyard and the people employed there.  The parking garage at the corner of 4th St and Park Avenue in Bremerton is tangible proof of one of these discussions.

A-3.  To gain  access to dental Insurance programs (other than those you can apply for during open season at the end of each year), a scholarship program for your children, a Benevolent Program to assist members and their families, in times of need, and Union Plus benefits (see www.IFPTE.org).

A-4.  Networking and the personal benefit of joining a group of great folks who are here for the good of the people.  You can make the lives of our employees better, and this can be done through avenues the union provides.  To make a difference, you need to get a voice.

Q-3.  How much are dues and what are they used for?

A-1.  Local 12's dues are $9.50

A-2.  Membership dues pay for the day to day operating costs of running the Local 12's office (e.g., office phones including internet capability, copier expenses, legal retainers, postage, etc.).  They pay traveling costs to send your elected officers to Washington D. C. to promote quality of life issues with our congressional leaders, to the Federal Caucus, labor conventions, and travel for training seminars.  The benefits that are given to the membership are also paid by the dues.  These consist of the Federal Almanacs, the pocket pal calanders, the family picnic, the Local 12 scholarship, food at the monthly General membership meeting, etc.  When a grievance is not resolved to Local 12's satisfaction by the Shipyard, and an arbitrature is brought in, Local 12 pays for half of his fee.

Q-4.  I'm told Federal Law prohibits federal unions from striking, so why join?

A-1.  It is true that federal unions cannot call for a strike.  However, unions in the federal workforce, still act as good checks and balances, to keep management from abusive treatment of employees.  In 1978, Title VII of the Civil Service Reform Act established the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA).  This is an independent administrative agency.  When Local 12 feels that the employer is violating federal code, law, or rule, they can file an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) with the FLRA.  The FLRA is the final ajudicator of the issue and the employer must abide by their decision

 Q-5.  Why should I become a dues paying member?

A-1.  A high percentage of dues paying members equates to a strong union, which is important when Local 12 begins Contract negotiations with the employer.

A-2.  Since the membership dues pay for the daily running of the of the Local 12 office, if the time ever came when Local 12 could not meet their bills, a decision to either increase dues, or dissolve the Local would have to be made.  The reverse is also true; the more members we have it could be possible to lower the dues.

A-3.  Consider it an insurance premium.  We all pay insurance for some things (car, home, health, etc.) hoping that we never have to use them.  The same is true with union dues.  You hope you never have to use the resources of Local 12, however you want a strong union to be there for you when your rights are violated either by the emplyer, Congress, or the DoD (via the court system) when legislation like NSPS or loss of compensation comes to pass.  Without the federal unions fighting against NSPS, all federal DoD employees would now be under NSPS.

If you have a union question that is not listed here, please contact either the Office Manager John King (476-4334) or the Chief Representative, Elaine Wrightson (476-4862) and they will get you an answer.