Union Update November 3rd 2025

• Concrete Project / 120 Schedule Change

The recent 120/schedule change for the concrete project was not discussed with the Union prior to implementation on some of our miners. We received the company's email stating their intent to make this change after individuals had already been told. Several of you have asked whether the Union signed off on this — you were told we did. That is not true.

This issue has been grieved.

If the company wishes to ask for volunteers to assist with the language barrier or for other operational reasons, we are open to those conversations. However, there is no language in our agreement that supports a forced schedule change of this kind.

• Time Clocks

We're very close to reaching an agreement on time clocks. Nothing is finalized yet, but James is currently working on a counterproposal to send back to us.

Here's where things stand right now:

• 5 minutes of paid time daily to put on PPE, with the expectation that you are in your work area by shift start.
• You would have 15 minutes of cleanup and change time at the end of your shift. If you choose to shower. You still cannot leave until 3. If you bypass the shower, you will not be entitled to the cleanup time.
• For workers with relief, you would be paid up to 20 minutes to make relief.

The only sticking point remaining is the punch-in window. The company initially proposed a 6:45-7:00 punch window. We've worked to get that moved earlier to 6:30, but to comply with the Federal Labor Standards Act, the window will need to be shorter instead of an hour. This adjustment is simply for tracking purposes — not a punishment.

• 80/20

We're also very close to finalizing a settlement and trial period on Bypass language for Surface OPs. Significant progress has been made, and we're hopeful to wrap this up within the next couple of weeks. Instead of the broken system we have now, where there is 0 accountability, if you are the low operator and you get skipped, you get paid.

Four Tens

There is a start date we are working towards, and January 5th, and the company has committed to trying to reach that date.

• Mechanical Safety Chair

To strengthen our representation for mechanics, we're taking letters of interest for a newly negotiated Mechanical Safety Chair position.

This position will:

• Serve as the first point of contact for all Mechanical safety issues

• Attend the monthly Safety Leadership Team Meeting with Guray and the rest of the safety team

• Be elected by the E-Board at the next Union Meeting

This is a volunteer role, and we're looking for someone who's passionate about improving safety and helping make the mine a better, safer place for everyone.

E-Board Members, Stewards, Safety Committee Members, and all dues-paying members are eligible to apply. We hope to see your name on a letter soon.

• Survey Participation

Thank you to everyone who has been submitting surveys. Your feedback helps us identify where we need to focus our time and resources. Jump on the Local's Website and fill one out.

We're making an effort to have more face-to-face interactions with you and are working on a plan to ensure that an E-Board member connects with everyone who filled out a survey.

It's not too late to fill one out if you haven't already — and we encourage you to do so. Your input directly shapes our priorities and strengthens our ability to represent you effectively.

• Grievance Award

Some of you should notice a little extra on your check soon. A grievance has been awarded, and eligible members will receive $35 for Friday and $35 for Monday when you carry a weekend phone.

Thank you all for your persistence on this. This is a great reminder that when you stand together, and when you have the law and the CBA on your side, you can successfully police the agreement and protect your rights.

• Community & Solidarity

Your Union recently approved donations to Washington Elementary and Manilla High School.

We also hosted a joint effort with the company for the Trona Bowl. Huge thanks to everyone who showed up, volunteered, or played. That night made us proud — and yes, a little choked up when Nelise got on the mic.

Cowboys Against Cancer also reached out, and we built a Trona Miner Buckin' Horse sign for donation. One of our own, Brandyn Doherty, bought it for $775 — thank you for your generosity (even if I wish I had the dough to win it myself!).

Thanks to WE Soda for donating the metal, and to Timmy Faussett at the Main Shop for an incredible job with the cut. Mike Cummings, Jay Martinez, and Marshal finished the rest, and it turned out fantastic.

We are proud of all of you and proud to keep making a positive impact in our community. We live here. We work here. We care.

• Never forget:

Your Union is the reason you have a pension, double time, 401(k), parental leave, vacation, and the wages that set the standard in the patch. Don't take it for granted — I've seen contracts across the country, and I can tell you: we stand tall. The E-Board, the stewards, the safety committee people are trying to make this a better place to work. They represent you, we can't help if we don't know what's going on.

We are only as strong as our solidarity. The more united we are, the stronger your voice becomes.

Talk to your coworkers. Get involved. Stay united.

In Solidarity

Marshal Cummings