On Tuesday, May 8, the Company released some information concerning a new concept within the Customer Service Classification call the “Concorde Team”. In my last bulletin on April 26, 2018, I referenced the fact that we had addressed the Union’s (and our memberships) issues with Doug Caines at that meeting. While we discussed the concept and listened to the Company’s vision on it, the only thing that was agreed to be the further sharing of information and some ongoing dialogue. To repeat, there have been no agreements made in support of this change regardless of what some people have tried to assert.
To bring everyone up to speed with the limited white space here, the Union has asserted and communicated to the Company on multiple occasions previously, that the path they are taking will eventually become a violation of the seniority provisions of not only the BA CBA, but also long held precedents that exist within the Railway Labor Act. As an example, today our members in “Special Services” can trade or otherwise enjoy many other benefits with any other Customer Service Agents in their station. Under this new concept in the future, we believe the new Concorde Team concept would, in effect, isolate (lock in) people on the bid for extended lengths of time with up to 18 months having been discussed. Our current members who work in Special Services have indicated to me, in their opinion, that the required training they have participated in introduces nothing new other than a brand specific uniform. A uniform change and some rehashed training does not support an isolated bid. If you choose to bid into this position now, be forewarned of what could happen in the future.
Currently, there is no contractual violation occurring. If it does, the Union will respond accordingly via the grievance and arbitration procedure if needed. This would include up to arbitration if the need arises. If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, please give me a call at (859) 653-4037 or email me at .
With best wishes, I remain
Sincerely and fraternally,
James M. Samuel
General Chair
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