While negotiations of a Layoff Minimization Plan are ongoing, we have submitted our Layoff Minimization Plan to the Company. Unfortunately, the Company has chosen to implement their LMP without a Union agreement in place. The Company has stated business conditions have brought them to this decision. We will continue to keep lines of communication open with Management to discuss the LMP and other issues.

The Company has elected to send letters via department management to inform Employees of layoffs beginning April 19th. Employees who are affected by a layoff should apply for unemployment per the packet which will be given to you by Human Resources. If you have any issues with filing for state unemployment please reach out to the Union Hall for assistance.

Furthermore,  in the Company's FAQ's it states:

How much is Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (“SUB”) pay?
SUB pay is based upon a percentage of your hourly rate times 40 hours, offset by state unemployment compensation (“UC”), which includes any Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), Trade Adjustment Allowance and any Excess Other Compensation. The percentage and duration of SUB pay depends upon your length of continuous service. Refer to the attached SUB matrix (Reference: Article Eight, Section B.2a contains information concerning the amount and duration of benefits).

We are NOT in agreement with this answer. The way Local Union and International Leadership translates the language, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation is federal money and should NOT offset our sub-pay. This should not be classified as state unemployment.

Our solidarity now is more important than ever. Together we will get through this.

In Solidarity,
Pete Trinidad Sr. 
USW Local 6787 President

09/08/2020 updated

*** There are still lots on employees on layoff from many of the units.

*** The LWA ($300 extra) Lost wage assistance is not automatic.  To receive it,  you must either sign up online or by calling the UC Service Center.  

*** Local 9305 has a mass text sign up for important information.  Please click on the mass text sign up tab for more information.  If you have any questions signing up please let me know via text message (724) 622-7079.

*** General monthly meetings and Executive Board meetings started back up on June 16, 2020.  All social distancing and CDC Guidelines are being followed including liminiting the number of people permitted in the hall.  Please be aware that masks are required and some people may be asked to wait outside due to the numbers.  However, a question and answer session will be available after the general meeting to accomadate everyone that has any questions or concerns.  Once the general meeting is over and people exit, we will let people in from the outside that were waiting.  Again this will be done by following all the guidlines and numbers set by the CDC.  

*** Mr. Pisano would like everyone to know that the rumors that are circulating on Facebook are not true.  There are no outside contractors working in the Koppel or Ambridge Plants.  There is a very limited amount of our Union maintenance personel working in both plants.  

*** Use the links below to find the current price of Crude Oil and Current Rig Counts.

www.oilprice.com

https://rigcount.bakerhughes.com/rig-count-overview

4/16/20

Hello everyone,

​Today’s letter is definitely a little more upbeat than the last few. Today we where told that our projected sales have gone up for the month of May.  That will be enough to keep both plants running for now.  Please keep in mind that this is an extremely fluid situation, and just because we have good news today does not mean that it can’t turn around for the worse tomorrow.  

There are going to be a few operational changes coming, if they have not already taken place.  First, like I mentioned a few weeks ago that Deca recovery will be shut down and those employees will be used elsewhere.  In the mine there will be some production crews that will be moved out-by to do some rehab work.  There may be some other changes coming but this is all I am aware of at this time.  We remain committed to do everything possible to keep all members working during these turbulent times.  

It appears that so far, our region has been spared from the high number of infections seen elsewhere.  Hopefully that will lead to less restrictions and in turn a little more normalcy to our everyday lives.  With all of these distractions it only makes the chance of having an accident greater. Please try to do your best to keep your mind on the job.  I’m not sure I need to say this but tonight’s union meeting is canceled.  It was not posted at the plant and I apologize for the oversight. 

In solidarity 

Mike Hernandez