Exhibit 10.38
AGREEMENT
This agreement entered into as of 1st day of February, 1996, is entered into by
and between The Carbide/Graphite Group, Inc, Carbide Unit, located at Xxxxxxx
City, Kentucky, hereinafter referred to as the "Company" and the Oil, Chemical
and Atomic Workers International Union, Local 3-556, for and on behalf of its
members, hereinafter referred to as the "Union."
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
The general purpose of this agreement is to promote the mutual interest of the
employer and the employees; to provide a peaceful method of adjusting
differences which may arise between the parties; and to provide for the
operation of the Xxxxxxx City, Kentucky Plant, of The Carbide/Graphite Group,
Inc. under the methods which will, to the fullest extent, further the safety and
welfare of the employees, economy of operation, elimination of waste, quantity
and quality of output, cleanliness of plant and protection of property.
ARTICLE II
RECOGNITION
1. The Company recognizes the Union as the exclusive bargaining agent of the
employees covered by this agreement as certified by the National Labor
Relations Board, under date of May 4, 1954, Case 9-RC-2213. The term
"employee," as used in this agreement, means all hourly rated production
employees, maintenance employees, first aid employees and janitors
of the Xxxxxxx City, Kentucky Plant, but excluding all office clerical
employees, storekeepers (except as modified by the 12/22/93 Agreement),
guards, professional employees, supervisors and chemists as defined in the
act.
2. The Company will not change the classification of any employee covered
hereby or the status of a classification covered hereby for the sole purpose
of diminishing the certified bargaining unit.
3. Employees of the Company who are not covered by the terms of this agreement
by virtue of their supervisory, clerical, or executive positions, or for
other reasons set forth herein, will not perform any work for which contract
wage rates are established, except in cases of emergency, or for the purpose
of laying out work, or for demonstrating and instructing how work shall be
done. The parties agree that the above section has been bothersome and it is
the desire of both parties to establish a better understanding and
relationship in connection with this problem. The parties agree to use their
best efforts in good faith to improve the overall relationship in the
various departments.
4. There shall be no discrimination because of race, color, creed, sex, age,
national origin, Vietnam era veteran, or disabled Vietnam era veteran
status. The term "he," "his," or "man" as used in this agreement shall apply
to both male and female employees. The Company and Union further agree to
comply with the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 and in
the event there is a question as to the application of the terms of the law,
the Union and Company shall meet to discuss the matter. It is recognized
that employees may need to waive their right to confidentiality to the
extent necessary for the Company and Union to discuss
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the matter as it may apply to seniority.
ARTICLE III
UNION SHOP
1. All employees within the bargaining unit are required to become members of
the Union on and after the thirtieth (30th) day following the date of
execution of this agreement and remain members of the Union as a condition
of employment. New employees are required to become members of the Union on
and after the thirtieth (30th) day following the date of employment and
thereafter remain members of the Union in good standing as a condition of
continued employment, provided, however, any employee shall be deemed to
have such membership in the Union if the employee has paid or tendered the
initiation fee and dues uniformly required as a condition of such
membership, to the Union or its treasurer.
2. During the life of this agreement and in accordance with the provisions of
the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947, and in accordance with the
"Authorization of Checkoff of Dues" forms hereinafter set forth, and to the
extent permitted by the law of the applicable jurisdiction, the Company
agrees to deduct Union Membership dues levied in accordance with the
Constitution and By-Laws of the Local Union from the first pay of each
employee who executes or has executed the following "Authorization for
Checkoff of Dues" form.
Date:__________________________
I, ____________________, Clock No. _________, hereby assign to Oil, Chemical and
Atomic Workers International Union, A.F.L.-C.I.O., Local 3-556, from any wages
earned or to be earned
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by me as your employee, the appropriate monthly dues and initiation fees
in such amount as may hereafter be established by the Union and become due to
it, as my membership dues in said Union. I authorize and direct you to deduct
such amount from my first pay for each month and to remit same to the Union.
This assignment, authorization and directive shall become operative
contemporaneous with the effective date of the new collective bargaining
agreement between the Employer and Union.
This assignment, authorization and directive shall be irrevocable for the period
of one (1) year, or until the termination of the said new collective agreement
between the Employer and the Union, whichever occurs sooner; and I agree and
direct that this assignment, authorization and directive shall be automatically
renewed and shall be irrevocable for successive periods of one (1) year or for
the period of such succeeding applicable collective agreement between the
Employer and the Union, whichever shall be shorter, unless written notice is
given by me to the Employer and the Union within fifteen (15) days prior to the
expiration of each period of one (1) year, or the expiration of such applicable
collective agreement between the Employer and the Union, whichever occurs
sooner.
Signature____________________________________
Witness__________________________________________________________
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ARTICLE IV
MANAGEMENT CLAUSE
1. The management of the plant and the direction of the working forces and the
operations in the plant, including the hiring, promoting, transferring and
retiring of employees; the suspension, discharging, or otherwise
disciplining of employees; the laying off and calling to work of employees
in connection with any reduction or increase of the working forces; the
scheduling of work and the control and regulation of the use of all
equipment and other property of the Employer; and all matters not
specifically covered by this agreement are the exclusive functions of
management. In the exercise of all the above functions, the management shall
not act contrary to the provisions of this agreement.
2. No employee shall engage in any Union activities on Company property during
working hours, or in any manner which shall interfere with production,
except as provided in the Article on Grievance Procedure.
3. It is understood and agreed that the Company, subject to the provisions of
Article XIV has the right to discipline or discharge any employee for any
just cause, failure or refusal to comply with any of the provisions of this
agreement, and violation of any reasonable published or posted rules.
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ARTICLE V
HOURS OF WORK & OVERTIME
Hours of Work
-------------
1. The standard work week shall begin at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday night and end
on the following Saturday night at 11:00 p.m. and shall normally consist of
five (5) days of work and two (2) off days for each employee. The work day
shall be from 11:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Where production requires continuous operation twenty-four (24) hours per
day, the day will be made up of three (3) shifts and each shift will consist
of eight (8) continuous hours. The normal starting time for shift employees
is number three (3) shift 11:00 p.m., number one (1) shift 7:00 a.m., and
number two (2) shift 3:00 p.m. The normal work time for day workers not on
continuous operation is from seven (7:00) a.m. to three-thirty (3:30) p.m.
There shall be a thirty (30) minute non-paid lunch period scheduled at the
middle of the shift.
Overtime
--------
2. All work in excess of eight (8) hours in the twenty-four (24) hour period
after an employee starts to work shall be paid for at the rate of time and
one-half. Exception to this instance would be when an employee makes a
regular scheduled change of shifts or when the change is made at the request
of the employee. All work in excess of forty (40) hours in any work week
shall be paid for at the rate of time and one-half; provided, however, that
the employee will not be paid both daily and weekly overtime for the same
hours of overtime work.
3. Time and one-half will be paid for all hours worked on the sixth (6th)
consecutive day in a work week when eight (8) full hours have been worked or
credited on each of the five (5) days preceding the sixth (6th) day.
Overtime pay for the sixth (6th) day will be reduced by
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the number of hours less than eight (8) worked or credited on any of the
five (5) days preceding the sixth (6th) day.
Doubletime will be paid for all hours worked on the seventh (7th)
consecutive day in a work week when eight (8) full hours have been worked or
credited on each of the six (6) days preceding the seventh (7th) day.
Overtime pay for the seventh (7th) day will be reduced by the number of
hours less than eight (8) worked or credited on any of the six (6) days
preceding the seventh (7th) day.
When an employee starts a 24-hour period on the sixth (6th) day which
extends into the seventh (7th) work day of the work week, the employee shall
be paid for all hours worked on the seventh (7th) day at doubletime provided
the employee worked or was credited eight (8) hours on the sixth (6th) day
as set forth above.
Should an employee be sent home by the Company after working a part of a
shift due to lack of work, the remainder of the shift not worked will be
counted in calculating sixth (6th) and seventh (7th) day overtime.
4. Hours worked in one work week will not be used in calculating sixth (6th)
and seventh (7th) day overtime in any other week. Any pay for hours not
worked are not counted in calculating overtime unless specifically set forth
in this agreement. The rates set forth in Schedule A are the regular rates
as that term is used in the Fair Labor Standards Act. Only those rates shall
be used in the calculation of overtime, except that night shift
differentials shall be included for this purpose.
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5. Employees who work overtime shall not be required to take time off during
that payroll week other than regular scheduled time off. No employee will
work overtime without the authorization of his/her supervisor.
6. The following Union time will be counted as working time for the purpose of
qualifying for overtime only:
(a) Normal Union meetings (i.e., membership meetings);
(b) Arbitration;
(c) Negotiation.
(d) Mediation.
7. This article is intended to provide a basis for calculating overtime and
shall not be construed as a guarantee of hours of work per day or per week.
8. An overtime list will be posted for each job overtime group, showing the
amount of overtime worked by each employee. This list will be used as a
basis for overtime distribution. The Company must necessarily use the
available employee for overtime and thus the equalization will take place
over selected periods of time. The Union recognizes that the Company can
only carry out this principle if all employees cooperate by working overtime
when required.
In the event an employee has placed his/her card in the "preferred" rack and
the employee is then bypassed for overtime, the employee will be paid the
applicable rate for which he/she was bypassed. Since the employee from the
"preferred" rack is paid for the overtime, the employee shall be charged
with the appropriate number of overtime hours.
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If the employee's card is in the "non-preferred" overtime rack, and the
employee is then bypassed, the employee will be paid the premium portion of
the pay which would have been earned had such employee worked:
(a) time and one-half bypass receives half time premium.
(b) doubletime and one-half bypass receives time and one-half premium.
(c) call-in pay receives two hours pay or the premium for the time worked.
9. In order to expedite the allocating of overtime opportunities, the following
procedure will be followed:
(a) In each department suitable name card racks will be provided labeled
"Prefer Overtime" and "Do Not Prefer Overtime."
(b) Each employee will place his/her name card in the rack of his/her
preference. If the preference of any employee changes, the employee may
move his/her name card to the appropriate rack and notify his/her
Supervisor; however, such change shall not be made during the last
three (3) hours of the shift the employee is working.
(c) When overtime is worked by anyone who has placed his/her card in the
"Prefer Overtime" rack, an equal number of hours will be credited to
each person in that overtime group who has not placed his/her card in
the "Prefer Overtime" rack and has less overtime hours worked and/or
credited to him/her. If more than one (1) employee works overtime, the
amount to be credited will be only those hours worked
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by the person who worked the most overtime that instance.
(d) Each time an employee places his/her overtime card in the Preferred
Overtime rack, his/her hours will be credited to the high hours plus
one (1).
10. In order to further expedite the administration of overtime, the following
procedure provides a method for administering overtime in the various job
groups.
A. Overtime in all groups will be administered in accordance with the
following procedure:
I. If the overtime requirements are known more than eight (8) hours
prior to the overtime shift, but not more than three (3) days, you
will:
(a) Assign the overtime to employees in the job groups for which
overtime is needed that have their cards in the "Preferred
Overtime" rack beginning with the employee with the least
amount of overtime hours worked or credited. This will not
negate the prescheduled employee's overtime opportunities that
may occur prior to the prescheduled overtime nor will it change
the employee's prescheduled overtime.
(b) Offer the overtime to any employees in the job groups for which
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overtime is needed that have their cards in the "Non-Preferred
Overtime" rack.
(c) Referring to the Furnace Department only, when the above
overtime procedures for the Furnace Job Groups (3, 3A, or 4)
have been exhausted, the Company will offer the overtime to
other Furnace Department employees in the following manner:
(d) Overtime & Progression - See Addendum A dated May 19, 1993.
II. If the overtime requirements are realized eight (8) hours or less
prior to the overtime shift, you will:
(a) Assign the overtime to the employees in the job groups that are
on duty and have their cards in the "Preferred Overtime" rack
beginning with the employee with the least amount of overtime
hours worked or credited, and if additional employees are
needed,
(b) Offer the overtime to any employees that are on duty in the job
groups for which overtime is needed that have their cards in
the "Non-Preferred Overtime" rack.
(c) Referring to the Furnace Department only, when the above
overtime procedures for the Furnace Job Groups (3, 3A, or 4)
have been
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exhausted, the Company will offer the overtime to other Furnace
Department employees in the following manner:
(d) Overtime & Progression - See Addendum A dated May 19, 1993.
B. Yard employees that are assigned into the various departments on a
weekly group change will be given equal overtime opportunities. Upon
entering the department, Yard employees will be credited with the
highest overtime hours that any permanent employee has, plus an
additional four (4) hours. Each time a Yard employee changes
departments, the above will apply. Yard employees working in production
departments on daily assignments will be eligible for overtime in the
Yard department only.
Overtime lists will be maintained separately for Yard, Truck Drivers,
Storekeeper, and Janitor employees.
(a) Yard overtime will first be offered to the Yard employees. If
additional help is needed, the overtime will be offered to the
Truck Drivers and Storekeeper.
(b) Truck Driving overtime will first be offered to the Truck Drivers.
If additional help is needed, the overtime will be offered to the
Yard employees.
(c) Janitor overtime will first be offered to the Janitors. If
additional help is needed, the overtime will be offered to the Yard
employees.
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(d) Storeroom overtime will first be offered to the Storekeeper if
additional help is needed. Overtime will then be offered to the
Truck Drivers.
C. Overtime Maintenance
(a) Overtime in Group #1 will be administered on the basis of primary
skills. The three (3) primary skills will be grouped for the
purpose of distributing overtime as indicated below:
1. General Maintenance and Welders;
2. Mechanics;
3. Operators.
All three (3) of these classifications will have separate overtime
racks.
If additional manpower is needed in the above three (3)
classifications, the Company will follow the overtime procedure for
the other classifications.
(b) Overtime in Group 1A will be administered on the basis of primary
skills as listed below:
1. Electricians
2. Instrument Mechanic
Addendum "B" identifies those items which are considered to be
instrument work of a call-in nature, however instrument work on the
off shifts (of a non-
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call-in nature) can be performed by a qualified on duty
electrician. Work assignments as defined by this paragraph shall
apply only to overtime assignment and shall not be construed to
involve any other work assignment.
(c) If the overtime opportunities are limited to one shift, only those
employees on that shift that have their cards in the "Non-Preferred
Overtime" rack, who have less overtime hours worked or credited
than the employee who worked overtime will be credited; however, if
the overtime opportunity is expanded to include all shifts, then
all employees on all shifts with cards in the "Non-Preferred
Overtime" rack with less overtime hours worked or credited than the
employee who worked overtime will be credited.
11. In emergency callouts, the qualified employees in each overtime group who
have placed their name cards in the "Preferred Overtime" rack and who have
the lowest number of hours worked and/or credited will be called providing
they have left their telephone number at the Personnel Department.
12. Before an employee works more than sixteen (16) hours, it must be agreed to
by the employee and the Company. In case an employee works more than
sixteen (16) hours, the employee will receive two (2) times his/her
straight time rate for all hours worked over sixteen (16). If an employee
is sent home during his/her regular scheduled shift after completing
sixteen (16) continuous hours, the employee shall be paid for the balance
of his/her regular scheduled shift that is not worked at the employee's
regular straight time rate.
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13. Employees absent for thirty (30) days or more except for vacation or sick
leave will, upon return to work, be credited with hours equal to the
employee with the highest hours in the job group.
14. Employees on light or restricted duty will not be allowed to work any
overtime (NOTE: The sixth scheduled day for a swing worker is not
considered overtime for this purpose).
ARTICLE VI
WAGE RATES
1. Wages shall be paid in accordance with Schedule "A" which is attached hereto
and is a part of this contract.
2. Each employee will be paid once each week on Thursday after 2 p.m. It is
recognized that in weeks in which a holiday falls or is observed on Monday,
Tuesday, or Wednesday, unusual circumstances might prevent the Company from
doing the above. In that event, the Company will post a notice to that
effect as soon as the circumstances are known.
3. Employees working on a shift basis will receive a premium of forty (40)
cents per hour for the second (2nd) shift starting at 3:00 p.m. and ending
at 11:00 p.m. and forty-five (45) cents per hour for the third (3rd) shift
starting at 11:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 a.m.
If such employees are required to work during a scheduled non-paid lunch
period, they shall be paid for such time worked at the rate of time and one-
half and shall be allowed sufficient
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time to eat their lunch when the job is completed or when they can be
relieved.
For the purpose of applying shift premiums, all hours worked by an employee
during the employee's work day are considered as worked on the shift on
which the employee is scheduled to start work and does work, except:
(a) If scheduled for the first or second shifts and the employee completes
his/her regular turn on those shifts and continues to work for four (4)
or more hours into the next shift, the employee will be paid for shift
premium for the next shift, for all hours worked on it.
Hours under four (4) worked in the succeeding shift do not carry the
premium of that shift but do carry the premium of the shift on which
the employee started.
(b) If scheduled for the third shift and the employee completes his/her
regular turn, continuing to work into the first shift, the employee
will be paid the third shift premium for all hours worked on the first
shift.
(c) If the employee completes his/her regular shift and after leaving the
plant is called back within the same work day, the employee will
receive the applicable shift premium for the hours worked.
4. An employee temporarily transferred from a higher rate job to a lower rate
job shall receive the higher rate and an employee on a lower rated job,
temporarily transferred to a job paying
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a higher rate, shall receive the higher rate while so employed.
5. Whenever a new job is started or an old job substantially changed so as to
make it a new job, the Company shall discuss the subject with the Union,
before fixing or changing the rate. The decision by the Company may be made
subject to the Grievance Procedure.
6. Approved rate changes will become effective on Sunday following the
eligibility date.
An employee shall be promoted from one classification to another when
capable of performing the work of the classification.
7. Yard employees working in any production cleanup area will be paid Group
Four (4) rate.
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ARTICLE VII
SHIFT TRADING
Employees may trade shifts with other employees in the same job classification
on a temporary basis not exceeding four (4) weeks, or on a permanent basis.
Employees may also trade off days in any one week. These trades will be
permitted provided the employees can arrange the trade themselves and it has the
prior approval of their supervisor.
Maintenance Department Group Trades - In Job Group 1, any employee may trade
work schedule groups with another employee in the same crew provided both have
the same primary skill classification.
In Job Groups 1 and 1A, the trades will be made after the posting of the normal
schedule for the period in which the trade is to become effective. Such trades
shall not exceed the normal schedule period for these groups.
A trade of shifts which interferes with the posted vacation schedule will not be
permitted. If a trade is made that interferes, then the employees trading must
reschedule their vacations.
When an employee, who is involved in a shift trade, receives a new job per the
bidding procedure, the employee will go to his/her new job. The other employee,
who represents the other half of the shift trade will continue on the shift for
which the employee has traded until the end of the trade period.
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The employee who replaces the employee above will go to the vacancy created by
the trade until the end of the trade period, at which time the employee goes to
his/her permanent shift.
Weekly group changed employees shall be allowed to trade with a permanent
employee. Such trades shall be in accord with the terms of this Article VII.
A trade of shifts or off days shall not infringe the seniority rights of other
employees, shall not result in the working of more than forty (40) hours in any
calendar week and shall not result in overtime premium pay.
Such trades shall be in accordance with the following:
May Trade With
Furnace Attendant................................Furnace Attendant
Tapper......................................................Tapper
Desulf Operator....................................Desulf Operator
Packer......................................................Packer
Utility....................................................Utility
Calcine Coal Attendant......................Calcine Coal Attendant
Coke Attendant......................................Coke Attendant
Paste Attendant....................................Paste Attendant
Acetylene Attendant............................Acetylene Attendant
First Aid Attendant............................First Aid Attendant
Janitor....................................................Janitor
General Maintenance 1C......................General Maintenance 1C
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General Maintenance 2C......................General Maintenance 2C
Welder 1C................................................Welder 1C
Welder 2C................................................Welder 2C
Equipment Operator 1C........................Equipment Operator 1C
Electrician............................................Electrician
Truck Driver..........................................Truck Driver
Yard..........................................................Yard
ARTICLE VIII
HOLIDAYS
1. The Company recognizes the following eleven (11) holidays:
New Year's Day Fourth of July
Washington's Birthday Labor Day
(Third Monday in Feb.)
Good Friday Thanksgiving Day
Memorial Day Day After Thanksgiving
(Last Monday in May)
Columbus Day Christmas Day
(Second Monday in Oct.)
Extra Christmas Day
If an employee is not required to work on any of the eleven (11) holidays
listed above, the employee shall receive eight (8) hours pay at his/her
regular rate for such holiday. However, to be entitled to pay for a
recognized holiday which is not worked, the employee must be on
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the payroll and must have worked a major portion (four (4) hours or more) of
the scheduled work day immediately before and after the holiday, unless the
employee's failure to so work is due to a death in the employee's immediate
family or unless the employee's failure to so work on the day before the
holiday is due to an absence which has been requested in writing at least
twenty-four (24) hours in advance of such absence and which request is
granted by Management, or unless the employee's failure to work on the day
after the holiday is due to an absence which has been requested in writing
at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of such absence and which request
is granted by Management. The above language does not pertain to daily or
weekly vacations.
In no case shall a request be granted for both days. Also, the employee
shall not have refused to work such holiday if the employee was requested or
scheduled to work.
2. If an employee is required to work on any of the eleven (11) holidays listed
above, the employee shall receive two and one-half (2-1/2) times his/her
regular hourly rate for all hours worked on such holiday.
3. In case an employee is required to work more than eight (8) hours on any of
the above holidays, such overtime shall be paid for at the rate of two and
one-half (2-1/2) times his/her regular rate.
4. When a holiday falls on an employee's regularly scheduled work day, but is
not worked by the employee, such holiday will be counted as a day worked for
the purpose of computing overtime pay provided the employee qualified for
holiday pay. When a holiday falls on an
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employee's day off and the employee does not work, such holiday will not be
counted as a day worked for the purpose of computing overtime pay.
ARTICLE IX
REPORTING PAY
1. An employee who reports for work at his/her designated starting time on a
regular scheduled work day and has not been previously notified that there
will be no work for him/her on that day (provided the employee worked the
last preceding work period of his/her shift, so that notice could be given,
or permission for the employee's absence was granted by his/her supervisor)
will be given not less than four (4) hours work, of any type available and
pay therefor, or not less than four (4) hours pay at his/her regular hourly
rate.
2. This provision shall not apply in case work is not available due to fire,
power breakdown or emergencies of any kind beyond the control of the
Company.
ARTICLE X
CALL-IN PAY
An employee who has completed his scheduled shift and clocked out, and is
called in by the Company to perform work outside of his/her regular
scheduled shift will receive not less than four (4) hours pay at straight
time, or pay at the applicable rate for such hours worked, whichever is
greater.
ARTICLE XI
VACATIONS
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1. A regular employee is entitled to an annual vacation as follows:
(a) Upon the completion of one (1) year, but less than two (2) years
continuous service, one (1) week.
(b) Upon the completion of two (2) years, but less than five (5) years
continuous service, two (2) weeks.
(c) Upon the completion of five (5) years, but less than twelve (12) years
continuous service, three (3) weeks.
(d) Upon the completion of twelve (12) years, but less than twenty (20)
years continuous service, four (4) weeks.
(e) Upon the completion of twenty (20) years, but less than twenty-five
(25) years continuous service, five (5) weeks.
(f) Upon the completion of twenty-five (25) years continuous service, six
(6) weeks.
Vacation pay will be computed by multiplying the employee's then straight
time rate per hour by forty (40) hours in case of employees entitled to one
(1) week's vacation and eighty (80) hours in the case of employees entitled
to two (2) weeks' vacation and one hundred twenty (120) hours in the case of
employees entitled to three (3) weeks of vacation and one hundred sixty
(160) hours in the case of employees entitled to four (4) weeks of vacation
and two
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hundred (200) hours in the case of employees entitled to five (5) weeks of
vacation and two hundred forty (240) hours in the case of employees entitled
to six (6) weeks of vacation.
2. In case employment be terminated after six (6) months service has been
completed, an employee shall be paid the proportionate amount of his annual
vacation pay (minus vacation pay received, if any) calculated in twelfths
(12ths); (maximum allowance 23/12ths) based upon completed months of service
to the month in which termination occurs. Any employee separated from the
payroll receiving accrued vacation pay, who is subsequently reinstated with
full seniority, shall either return the accrued vacation pay at the time of
reinstatement, or have it deducted from his/her next earned vacation.
3. Intermittent or continuous absence totaling more than two (2) months during
the twelve (12) months preceding an employee's anniversary date of
employment will cause the employee's vacation to be reduced one-twelfth
(1/12) for each full month of accumulated absence in excess of two (2)
months. Exceptions to this above will be made when the time lost was
directly attributed to an employee having received an injury at the plant.
Absences for any other reasons such as layoffs, granted leaves, etc., will
not be counted as time worked in determining vacation earned.
When vacation time includes a paid holiday (weekly), an additional day of
vacation shall be granted. The day must be the last scheduled work day prior
to the week of vacation or the first scheduled work day after the week of
vacation. Vacations are to be taken in the year following the date of
qualification. The qualifying date for vacations shall be the anniversary of
the employee's hire date.
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Employees who qualify for a vacation shall have one (1) year, beginning with
the hire date anniversary in which to complete the vacation. One (1) week of
vacation may be carried over into the next vacation year.
A vacation calendar will be posted in each department and the employees
shall choose vacation dates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Employees with more than two (2) weeks of vacation may elect to draw pay in
lieu of time off for those eligible weeks over two (2). Vacation time paid
in this manner does not count as time worked for overtime calculation
purposes.
It is agreed that some employee vacation may be taken in single day units.
The amount of single vacation days an individual may take is governed by the
following:
Normal Vacation Max. No. of Single Days
--------------- -----------------------
1 or 2 Weeks 5 Days
3 Weeks or More 10 Days
Normally an employee will request vacation at least a day in advance, but
requests will be considered if made at least one (1) hour before start of
shift.
Individuals making a request after the end of their previous shift recognize
they may not know
25
immediately if such request was granted. Management will attempt to answer
the query as soon as possible.
One-day vacations will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. One-
day vacations will not be granted for negotiated Union holidays.
The Company shall have the right to limit the number of employees allowed to
be off at any time in order to operate an efficient plant; however, the
Company intends to grant the requests wherever practical.
The maximum number of employees permitted to take vacations at any one time
shall be in accordance with the following schedule:
Maximum Number Number Allowable
Allowable Per Week Per Shift
------------------ ---------
Calcine Coal 2 1
Electrode Paste 2 1
Electrical Maintenance 1 1
Acetylene 2 1
Mechanical Maintenance*
Mechanics 1 1
Operators 1 1
General Maintenance 3 3
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Welders
Yard 2 2
First Aid 1 1
Janitors 1 1
Furnace 3 1
Pack 1 1
Desulf 1 1
Storekeeper 1 1
*The total number of employees allowed on vacation per week in this
classification Group 1 will be three (3).
If operations of the plant necessitate a substantial change in employment,
it is mutually agreed that the allowable number of vacations will be
reviewed and adjusted proportionally.
Application for vacation dates shall be made verbally to the Heads of the
various departments and the Department Head shall post each employee's
chosen date on the vacation calendar.
If the Company should decide to close the plant for repairs, maintenance, or
other purposes, the Company and the Union may recommend to the employees
that they take their vacations during such period that the plant is closed.
For employees who have three (3) or more weeks of vacation, the Company may
schedule
27
one (1) week of that vacation in the event of a plant, department, or
department shift shutdown.
ARTICLE XII
SENIORITY
1. Seniority is based on the total length of service with the Company of an
employee at the plant. The seniority of each employee is his/her relative
position with respect to other employees. Exercise of seniority by employees
shall depend upon qualifications to perform the work. If the qualifications
of two or more employees are considered equal and they have sufficient
qualifications for the work, the employee having the greatest seniority
shall be given preference.
2. Seniority shall apply in filling vacancies, layoffs, transfers, recall, and
polling for shift. Seniority will be administered as follows:
(a) A new employee shall be considered a probationary employee for the
first sixty (60) working days of employment. At the end of that period,
if the employee is retained, his/her name will be placed on the
seniority list and his/her seniority shall date from the date of hire.
A probationary employee shall be subject to layoff, discipline, or
discharge at the sole discretion of the Company.
Any probationary employee rehired after a termination will have all
days worked (both
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before and after termination) counted toward the completion of the
probationary period.
(b) The seniority of an employee shall cease on the date of:
1. Discharge
2. Resignation, including an absence for five (5) consecutive days
without notifying the Human Resource Department or Supervisor.
3. A layoff or disability leave of absence (as set forth in
Section c).
4. An employee declining to return to work, or failing to return to
work or make satisfactory explanation within five (5) days from the
date when the registered letter of notification is postmarked when
recalled.
(i) A reply by the employee postmarked within the five (5) day
period shall be considered to be within the time period.
(ii) Written notification by registered mail to the last known
address of the laid-off employee, with copy to the Union,
shall constitute adequate notice under this Section.
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(iii) Written notification of any change of address and telephone
number to the Company and Union shall be the sole
responsibility of the employee.
(c) Any employee who is laid off or incurs a leave of absence will continue
to accumulate seniority as follows after the date of layoff or leave.
Up to three (3) years of service........................ 12 Months
From three (3) to five (5) years of service............. 24 Months
More than five (5) years of service..................... 36 Months
If such employee is not recalled or in cases of disability does not
return within the applicable months, as shown above, from the date of
layoff or commencement of disability leave, the employee will cease to
have seniority. Such seniority accumulated during a period or periods
when not on the payroll will apply only in the case of filling
vacancies, layoffs, recall and transfers and will not be counted as
length of service for the purposes of determining vacation rights or
any other benefits.
(d) Employees will retain and accumulate seniority during periods of
excused absence or leave of absence.
(e) If an employee is transferred from one job group to another, his/her
total plant seniority will be transferred.
30
(f) Where an employee is going to be absent for more than two (2) weeks,
the job may be filled on a temporary basis from within the job group.
If the job cannot be filled from within the job group, then it will be
offered to the most senior Yard employee. In the event the employee is
off one (1) year or more, the employee will, on return, displace the
least senior employee in the job classification.
3. (a) When a permanent reduction in force is to be made in any production
job, the employees on the job having the least amount of seniority
shall be the first to be laid off from that job. Employees so laid off
may displace any less senior employee in Job Groups 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 4, 5,
6, 7, 10, and 11. All displaced employees will have the same
displacement rights. Any employee may displace a less senior employee
in Group 10.
(b) Any temporary reduction in force in any production job classification
in excess of two (2) continuous months will automatically become a
permanent reduction in force.
4. The Local Union President, Committeepersons, Secretary/Treasurer, and
regular Stewards shall have preferential seniority in the matter of layoffs
and shall be retained in their respective departments, job and shift to do
any work during their tenure in office. This preferential seniority cannot
be used for any other purpose. It is agreed that the number of each is as
follows and the Union will currently advise the Company of the names of the
various individuals:
Union President................................................1
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Secretary/Treasurer...........................................1
Committeepersons............................................ .2
Stewards....................................1 Regular Xxxxxxx &
............................................1 Alternate Xxxxxxx
for each shift in:
Paste, Acetylene,
Maintenance, Yard, Pack,
Furnace, Calcined Coal,
Desulf and Janitor Departments.
When operations are curtailed or suspended in any production group, the
Company may retain any or all of the employees in this group according to
their seniority, if they so desire, for an indefinite period to do cleanup
and repair work which normally falls within the limits of their ability and
skill and assist in maintenance work in his/her department.
5. When a reduction in force is to be made, the following employees may be
retained irrespective of seniority:
An employee who by reason on special training and skill cannot be replaced
satisfactorily by an employee having greater seniority. Likewise, an
employee who by reason of special training and skill may be recalled out of
seniority for assignments within his/her skill. It is understood that
simultaneously all other employees within his/her classification will be so
assigned within their skill. Prior to recalling or retaining this employee,
the Company shall discuss the subject with the Union.
32
6. A permanent vacancy is said to exist in any production group when, after the
employees in the group have been assigned jobs according to their seniority,
there is need for a permanent addition.
(a) The Company shall post on plant bulletin boards notice of permanent
vacancies for seven (7) days so that interested employees may bid on
such jobs.
If no bids are received from active employees, the Company will recall
the most senior employee on the recall list.
If the most senior employee on the recall list holds a permanent job
classification, he/she will not be required to forfeit his/her
permanent job upon recall. He/she will be assigned from Group 10, Yard,
by seniority to the job opening(s) on a weekly basis in accordance with
the Yard preference procedure.
When all employees have returned to their permanent jobs, the senior
Yard employee at that time will be assigned to the permanent vacancy
that was bid.
If no one is on the recall list, the Company will hire a new employee.
(b) The Company recognizes that a qualified new employee on any job will
require a reasonable time to learn how to perform the job.
(c) Temporary jobs filled for more than four (4) weeks will be bid as
permanent with the
33
exception of vacancies created by employees away from work due to
illness or injury (work or non-work related).
(d) Any employee who bids on a job shall receive that job and shift. A
change of shift may only occur if agreed on by the employee(s) and
supervisor, or if agreed to by the Union Committee and Management for
the good of the Company or employee(s).
7. The Company agrees to establish and maintain a recall listing of laid-off
employees and to maintain a seniority listing showing the names of all
employees in the order of their seniority ranking in the various job groups
within the Personnel Office for inspection and/or copying by certified Union
representatives during office working hours, and to put such list on the
bulletin boards. Four (4) copies of such listings will be given to the Union
for their sole and exclusive use within thirty (30) days after the effective
date of this contract. Such lists mentioned in this article will be posted
on the plant bulletin boards.
In accordance with seniority provision of this agreement, employees on
recall list will be recalled to work beginning with most senior employee in
the job group and progressing until needed manpower is obtained.
8. Irrespective of Section 3 of this article which covers a permanent reduction
and Section 6 which covers the filling of a permanent vacancy, the following
procedure will be followed when there is a fluctuation in the level of
operations.
(a) In the event of a temporary reduction in force of two (2) months or
less, the following shall apply:
34
1. In a partial department shut down, those employees having the least
seniority in a job classification shall be reduced first.
2. Employees displaced will be assigned to the Yard. A permanent Group
10 employee (Janitors and Truck Drivers) without sufficient
seniority to hold his/her job, will be reduced to Group 10 Yard
Laborer.
3. Employees displaced during a temporary reduction will maintain
their current rate of pay.
4. Employees without sufficient seniority to claim a job in the Yard
Department shall be allowed to displace the least senior employee
in job groups 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 11 before being laid
off.
5. If there are employees more senior in the Yard Department, Group
10, the senior employee in the Yard will be assigned on a weekly
basis to fill the vacancy based on Yard preference procedure.
(b) In other job groups, employees will be reduced according to seniority
within the group and those employees reduced will go into Group Ten
(10).
(c) The least senior employees in Group Ten (10) will be the first to be
laid off from that group and their names will be placed on the recall
listing as set forth in Section 9 of this article.
35
(d) When operations are resumed, the employees will return to their jobs in
the reverse order as outlined in Paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) above.
Each employee will return to the job he/she held at the time the
operations were reduced.
9. Maintenance:
-----------
1. 1st Class Maintenance
2nd Class Maintenance
1A. 1st Class Electrical Maintenance
2nd Class Electrical Maintenance
Maintenance employees will be rated and tested on primary skills such as
electrical maintenance, welding, machining, general maintenance ability,
ability to run and maintain cranes and bulldozers, and other skills which
the operations of the plant might require.
In the best interest of efficient operations of the plant, it is the
intention of the Company to utilize maintenance employees at their primary
skills; however, it is agreed that maintenance employees will perform any
and all types of maintenance work as directed by Management. In the
assignment of work, the parties to this agreement agree that it is the
responsibility of Management to assign work. It is also understood that if
this responsibility is used in such a fashion to be unfair or
discriminatory, the Union has the right to grieve under the grievance
procedure as set forth in Article XIV.
In an effort to improve operating efficiencies, employees will be permitted
to do incidental work such as cleanup and minor repair work on equipment in
their department, only on the back shifts and weekends. This work should not
exceed 30 minutes nor require more than
36
the most basic hand tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches and
hammers. This is in no way intended to relax the jurisdictional boundaries
between the production and maintenance groups. In no case will this be
permitted to compromise employee safety.
10. Job Groups:
----------
1. 1st Class Maintenance
2nd Class Maintenance
1A. 1st Class Electrical Maintenance
2nd Class Electrical Maintenance
2. Desulf Operator
2A. Pack
3. Furnace Attendants and Tappers
3A. Tapper
4. Utility
5. Calcine Coal
6. Acetylene Attendant
7. Paste Attendant
8. First Aid Attendant
10. Yard: Truck Driver - Labor - Janitor - Storekeeper
11. Coke Attendant
11. Yard:
----
(a) In the assigning of Yard employees to production jobs on a week-to-week
basis, the Company reserves the right to assign employees to
departments in which they have experience. The senior yard employees
will be assigned to the production jobs they have experience in when
the need arises.
37
(b) The regular yard Xxxxxxx will be the last Yard employee assigned to
production work except for the Truck Drivers.
(c) A permanent or temporarily reduced Group Ten (10) (Yard employee) may
exercise a temporary preference for assignments in accordance with
seniority into the Paste, Utility, Acetylene, Furnace, Calcine Coal,
Coke, Pack, Desulf, and Janitor Department.
(d) Such preferences will be made in writing in the Personnel Office no
later than the 20th day of the preceding month to be effective and will
become effective the first Sunday of each calendar month.
(e) When such temporary preference is made, it will be for one (1) calendar
month duration.
(f) Once an employee exercises a temporary preference, it cannot be changed
until the following month.
12. Relief Attendants:
-----------------
(a) A bid will be posted for an Acetylene Attendant-Relief. This bid will
be posted and any employee in the plant may bid on the opening. The
successful bidder will be assigned to the Acetylene Department on a
weekly basis to replace an employee on sick leave, vacation, etc. When
the employee is not working at the Acetylene Department, he/she will be
assigned to the Yard Department and may be group
38
changed to any other department.
If a permanent Acetylene Attendant's job opens, the Acetylene
Attendant-Relief will fill the permanent position.
Each time the Acetylene Attendant-Relief enters the Acetylene
Department, the employee's overtime hours will be credited with the
highest overtime hours of the permanent Acetylene Attendant plus an
additional four (4) hours and then would be eligible for overtime when
working in that department on a weekly basis.
If the Acetylene Attendant-Relief's job is subsequently eliminated,
normal contract procedures will prevail.
(b) A bid will be posted for a Temporary First Aid Attendant. This bid will
be posted and any employee in the plant may bid on the opening. The
successful bidder will be assigned to the First Aid Department on a
weekly basis to replace an employee on sick leave, vacation, etc. The
First Aid Relief may be used as extra help in the First Aid Department.
He may also be used on a daily basis to fill vacancies but only after
the overtime procedure for the First Aid Department has been exhausted.
If the First Aid Relief is scheduled to be on duty on the vacant shift,
he may be transferred to the First Aid Department to cover the shift.
If the First Aid Relief is on a different schedule than the vacant
shift, his regular shift will not be changed; however, the Company may
request that the First Aid Relief cover the vacancy as overtime if
agreed to by the First Aid Relief. When the employee is not working in
the First Aid
39
Department, he/she will be assigned to their permanent position.
If a permanent First Aid Attendant job opens, the Temporary First Aid
Attendant will be offered such permanent opening before the First Aid
Attendant's job is put up for bid.
Each time the Temporary First Aid Attendant enters the First Aid
Department, the employee's overtime hours will be credited with the
highest overtime hours of the permanent First Aid Attendant plus an
additional four (4) hours and then would be eligible for overtime when
working in that department on a weekly basis.
If the Temporary First Aid Attendant's job is subsequently eliminated,
normal contract procedures will prevail.
It is mutually understood that this agreement will become valid and all
prior agreements in regard to this matter will become null and void.
No employee shall be allowed to hold the First Aid Attendant position
or First Aid Relief position without EMT Certificate (present
incumbents grandfathered). An employee with First Aid
training/experience may bid for the First Aid Attendant or First Aid
Relief positions without EMT Certification. If such employee is awarded
such bid, he/she will obtain EMT Certification within three (3) months.
Failure to obtain such certification will result in such employee being
removed from such job immediately unless extended by mutual consent of
the Company and Union.
40
(c) A bid will be posted for a Temporary Desulf Relief Attendant. This bid
will be posted and any employee in the plant may bid on the opening.
The successful bidder will be assigned to the Desulf Department on a
weekly basis to replace an employee on sick leave, vacation, etc. When
the employee is not working in the Desulf Department, he/she will be
assigned to the Yard Department. The employee will then take daily
assignment from the Yard Department and may be group changed to any
other department.
If a permanent Desulf Attendant job opens, the Temporary Desulf Relief
Attendant will be offered such permanent opening before the Desulf
Attendant's job is put up for bid.
Each time the Temporary Desulf Relief Attendant enters the Desulf
Department, the employee's overtime hours will be credited with the
highest overtime hours of the permanent Desulf Attendant plus an
additional four (4) hours and then would be eligible for overtime when
working in that department on a weekly basis.
If the Temporary Desulf Attendant's job is subsequently eliminated,
normal contract procedures will prevail.
13. The right of the Company to retire any employee who has attained the age of
seventy (70) years is hereby acknowledged and all seniority rights granted
to employees hereunder are subject and subordinate to such right.
41
ARTICLE XIII
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1. Leaves of absence without pay, for good and sufficient reasons will be
granted upon request to the Company. The duration of such leaves shall not
exceed thirty (30) days.
2. The Company will comply with the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) in
granting qualifying leaves of absence.
3. Any employee on leave of absence shall be entitled to benefits as may be in
force during the period the employee is on leave of absence with the
provisions of the Group Insurance Plan and Retirement Income Plan. Any
employee on leave of absence which exceeds the provisions of the Group
Insurance Plan and Retirement Income Plan regarding reinstatement in these
plans shall be reinstated with benefits in force and provided for by the
plans at the time of the employee's reinstatement.
4. Employees on sick leave for six (6) weeks or longer must present a statement
from his/her doctor that he/she is physically fit. The Company may request
such employee to be examined by a doctor designated by the Company at the
Company's expense including four (4) hours pay for the individual.
Should the doctor designated by the Company declare any employee unfit to
return to work, the employee may return to his/her doctor for examination at
the employee's expense. Should the doctor indicate the employee is able to
work, then the two doctors shall get together to try to resolve the issue.
If the two doctors cannot resolve the issue, they will select a third doctor
who will resolve the issue. In such an event, the fees of the third
physician shall be
42
paid by the Company. Employees will be paid four (4) hours pay in the
event this occurs.
ARTICLE XIV
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE AND ARBITRATION
1. Any grievance of any employee covered by the terms of this agreement, or any
dispute which shall arise between the Union or its members and the Company
with respect to the interpretation or application of any of the terms or
provisions of this agreement, shall be determined during the term of this
agreement, by the procedure set forth by this article.
2. Grievances shall be taken up for adjustment as may be necessary and in the
following manner:
Step 1: An employee having a grievance shall within five (5) days from the
date of the discovery thereof, take the matter up with his/her
supervisor, with or without a xxxxxxx being present. Regardless of
settlement, the grievance shall then be reduced to writing on the
grievance forms provided for this purpose and submitted to the
supervisor within two (2) days. Reply to be given as promptly as
possible but must be given within two (2) days.
Step 2: If either party decides to carry the grievance further, it shall
notify the other party in writing not later than five (5) days
following the decision in the first step and within five (5) days
following receipt of such notification the Grievance Committee of
three (3), the International Representative or his/her
representative of the Union, and the aggrieved employee shall meet
with the Works Manager or his/her representatives to reach
settlement. Reply shall be
43
made in writing within five (5) days after such meeting.
Step 3: In the event the parties are unable to resolve a grievance after
having met at the prior steps, they may, by mutual agreement,
present the matter to a Kentucky State Mediator who will act only
in the capacity of an Advisor. The advisory opinion of the mediator
shall not be final and binding on either the Company or the Union.
Lost time incurred by the Union will be paid by the Company.
Step 4: If not settled, the grievance shall be referred to arbitration in
case written request is made by either party within fifteen (15)
days after date of reply in the second step. If such request for
arbitration is not made, the grievance shall be considered settled.
Any grievance referred to arbitration will be waived unless it is
arbitrated within thirty (30) days after the request for
arbitration unless the parties mutually agree to delay the
arbitration for a longer period .
3. A request may be made by either party to the Federal Mediation and
Conciliation Service of Washington for the name of seven (7) arbitrators. If
the seven (7) arbitrators are acceptable to both parties, one (1) of the
seven (7) will be selected by the Union and the Company, both striking three
(3) names. The remaining arbitrator shall hear the case and render a
decision which shall be final and binding upon both parties.
44
The arbitrator shall not have the power to add to, or subtract from, or to
modify any of the articles of this agreement. The expense of the arbitrator
shall be shared equally by the Company and the Union.
4. If an employee is discharged and he/she feels he/she has been unjustly
discharged, the matter may be submitted to Grievance Procedure, starting
with the Second Step, providing the employee makes his/her claim within five
(5) days after his/her discharge.
5. The periods of time as above stated in this procedure are exclusive of
Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays in all cases.
6. (a) The Union shall furnish the Company with the names of all stewards and
the Grievance Committee and the Company shall recognize and deal with
these representatives of the Union in settling grievances in accordance
with the above procedure.
(b) A Xxxxxxx shall be permitted to spend a reasonable amount of time
without loss of pay to assist in the adjustment of grievances within
the department he/she represents by arrangement with his/her
supervisor.
(c) The Grievance Committee of the Union shall be permitted to spend a
reasonable amount of time without loss of pay to discharge their
responsibilities in Step 2 above by arrangement with their supervisor.
45
7. The time limits mentioned in this Article are specified for the purpose of
expeditiously disposing of grievances and disputes, but may be extended in
writing by mutual agreement. However, the waiver by the Employer or the
Union of any such time limits in any case shall not constitute a waiver by
the Employer or the Union of any such time limits or its right to insist on
adherence thereto in any subsequent case. Failure to abide with time limits
by either party forfeits the grievance.
8. The words "by arrangement with his/her supervisor" contained in (b) and (c)
above shall be construed to mean that the supervisor will make such
arrangement within an hour after the request unless it is mutually agreed to
extend such time limits, by the Union Representative designated in the
specific step and the Management person designated in that step.
9. The Union will not intentionally gut any shift in the processing of
grievances. Except in the case of arbitration, the Union will expect to use
all witnesses and have them available as the Union deems necessary.
ARTICLE XV
SAFETY AND HEALTH
1. Employees will at all times exercise safety in the operation and performance
of their duties and will immediately report all injuries to the First Aid
Department; and the Company will on all shifts, provide first aid equipment
and supplies, together with a qualified person familiar with standard first
aid practices, for the purpose of first aid to the injured.
2. The Company agrees to furnish protective helmets, goggles, fire retardant
clothing, and
46
lumbar support belts.
The Company expects to issue such equipment to employees and maintain such
equipment, but will deduct from an employee's pay when he/she is separated
from the employ of the Company, the value of any such equipment not turned
back to the Company.
3. The Company will furnish all hourly rated maintenance and production
employees gloves of the quality and number required for the work performed.
In furnishing all the above gloves, it is understood and agreed that
employees may be required to turn in their old gloves in order to receive a
new pair.
4. The wearing of safety shoes is a condition of employment. If an employee so
chooses, he/she may purchase shoes via a shoe vendor in the Plant and can
receive up to a value of $115.00 toward the purchase price. The Company
assumes responsibility to ensure that safety shoes from the shoemobile will
satisfy Company requirements. The Company will pay up to $95.00 per year
toward the purchase of safety shoes when employees purchase shoes from a
vendor of their choice. Payment to be made in February of contract year.
Employees working less than (6) months shall not be entitled to any rebate
on the purchase of safety shoes. After the employee has completed six (6)
months of services, the Company will refund to him/her up to $95.00 toward
the purchase of safety shoes.
47
5. The Company will pay for the cost of prescription lenses for those employees
who require corrective lenses in their safety goggles. Safety goggles that
may become broken in the normal course of work are to be replaced without
cost to the employee while safety goggles misplaced or otherwise damaged
through carelessness by the employee shall be charged to the employee. When
it is necessary to change lenses, the old goggles must be turned in at the
Safety Office.
Employees will be allowed to order prescription safety glasses from the
employee's personal doctor or business of choice. The glasses must comply
with plant safety standards. If so ordered, the Company will reimburse the
employee the following amounts:
Single Vision............ $ 60.00
Bi-Focals................ $100.00
Tri-Focals............... $120.00
These glasses will be subject to the reorder provisions of the above
paragraph.
6. The Company will meet and follow OSHA standards for all OSHA mandated
reports/logs, etc.
7. An employee on light duty will be paid as if he remained on his shift. In
this way, he will receive shift differentials, holiday pay, and the extra
scheduled day per month as received by other members of the same shift for
that same period.
48
A light duty employee may be assigned such work as he/she can reasonably
perform. This may involve alternatives to bargaining unit/production work.
8. A safety advisory committee shall be established consisting of up to twelve
(12) members, six (6) to be selected by the Company and six (6) to be
selected by the Union. Meetings may be held monthly as determined by the
committee. Their duties shall be to make recommendations to the Plant
Management for changes or improvements of safety.
9. Should any questions arise as to the work load of an individual or a group,
then the Company agrees to discuss this matter with the Union. If the
question is not settled by such conference, then it shall be referred to the
grievance procedure.
10. If an employee has good reason to believe that an assigned job may involve
imminent danger to life or limb, the xxxxxxx and Union Xxxxxxx will be
notified immediately. If the matter is not resolved, it will be taken up
with the Plant Manager or his designee for the purpose of resolving the
dispute. If the dispute is not then resolved, Management shall make an
immediate investigation of the imminent danger complaint, including
consideration as to the advisability of stopping the job pending final
determination of the dispute where in the opinion of Management such action
is warranted. If the decision of Management is that the job is safe, the
employee must perform the assigned job. If the employee still feels an
imminent danger exists, the Plant Manager or his designee and the
responsible Union Safety Representative shall meet for the purpose of taking
prompt action to determine whether the condition is one involving imminent
danger. It is agreed that neither the Company nor the
49
Union will accept or tolerate employee claims of imminent danger which are
capricious or otherwise not based on an actual fear that imminent danger
does exist.
ARTICLE XVI
COMPENSATION MAKEUP
In case an employee sustains a compensable injury and it is necessary to secure
for him/her to send him/her to a doctor, the following shall apply:
1. If the doctor sends the employee back to work that day with a statement to
the effect that his/her injury was bona fide and required medical attention
the employee shall be credited with the time required for the visit to the
doctor; otherwise, the employee shall be given an opportunity to make up
time lost due to his/her visit to the doctor.
2. If the doctor sends the employee home, the employee shall be paid for the
full number of hours in his/her shift on the day on which the injury
occurred at his/her rate on that day. Such time paid for will be credited
for the purpose of determining weekly overtime.
3. Any employee who is absent from work because of an occupational injury
incurred while on duty at the plant and who reported the injury to his/her
supervisor and who has been examined by the Company doctor at the Company's
request immediately following the injury during the shift or day the injury
occurred and declared unable to work unless the injury was purposely self-
inflicted, or due to wilful misconduct, violation of plant rules, or refusal
to use
50
safety appliances, will be excused from work. When properly approved by the
Company, the employee will be paid for time lost during the normal seven (7)
day waiting period provided by the Kentucky Industrial Compensation Board.
The maximum amount payable to the employee during this seven (7) day period
will not exceed an amount equal to forty (40) hours at the employee's then
straight time base rate. The above provision shall not apply in case of back
injuries.
4. The following steps are to be taken by an injured employee in order to be
eligible for payment for time lost during the seven (7) day waiting period
provided by the Kentucky Industrial Compensation Board, based on the intent
of Article XVI Compensation Makeup in our present agreement.
(a) Employees must promptly report any injury to his/her supervisor.
(b) Employee must report to the First Aid Department for treatment.
(c) The First Aid Department will determine whether or not the injured
employee is to be sent to the Company doctor.
(d) The Company doctor shall make the decision on whether or not the
employee is able to work.
(e) The Company will investigate the cause of the injury. Payment will not
be made if the
51
injury was self-inflicted, due to wilful misconduct, due to violation
of plant rules, or refusal to use safety appliances.
(f) In the event that an injured employee reports to First Aid and is not
sent to the Company doctor and in the event the employee's injury
should worsen while off duty, the employee may consult another doctor
in order to get immediate relief. The employee must, however, report to
the Plant First Aid Department, as soon as possible, for examination by
that department and/or the Company doctor.
In the event that the non-company doctor should confine the injured
employee to bed or to a hospital, the employee must notify the Company
by telephone so that the employee may be visited by the Company doctor.
The following phone numbers must be called to make such report:
Worker's Comp Administrator
or
Human Resources...........................395-4143
In off hours, call the Shift Supervisor on duty. If no Shift Supervisor
is on duty, notify the First Aid Attendant on duty.
(g) Payments provided in this section will only be made if the injured
employee reports to the Plant First Aid Department for treatment at or
before the employee's regular starting time each work day unless
excused by the Company doctor.
52
5. If the disability shall continue for more than three (3) weeks and the
employee receives compensation from the Kentucky Industrial Compensation
Board for the seven (7) day waiting period, then the amount to be paid by
the employer shall be reduced by the difference between the amount received
by the employee and the amount the employer paid to the employee as provided
in this section. Said payments in this section will only be made if the
injured employee reports to the Plant First Aid Department for treatment at
or before the employee's regular starting time each work day unless excused
by the Company doctor.
6. If time lost as a result of a compensable injury extends beyond the seven
(7) day waiting period, then the employer will make up the difference
between what the employee would have earned at the employee's straight time
rate per hour and the amounts of money received by the employee from the
Kentucky Industrial Compensation Board as payment for time lost as a result
of a compensable injury. The employer will only make up such difference up
to a period of twenty-five (25) weeks beyond the initial seven (7) day
waiting period. The basic intent of this article is to provide that the
employee sustaining a compensable injury shall not suffer any diminution in
his/her normal straight time hourly earnings for an aggregate period of
twenty-six (26) weeks as a result of such injury. Any time paid for under
this section will be credited for the purpose of determining weekly
overtime.
7. All disability payments provided for in this contract shall be reduced by
the amount or amounts of any other benefits which might be provided through
state or federal legislation for the same type of disability and for the
same period of absence.
53
8. Any wilful abuse of this section by the employee will result in an immediate
dismissal of the employee by the Company.
ARTICLE XVII
BULLETIN BOARDS
The employer will provide four (4) bulletin boards in mutually agreeable
locations to be used for Union notices. These notices will be posted by the
Union and signed by a union official. Union notices shall be restricted to the
following:
1. Notices of Union recreational and social affairs.
2. Notices of Union elections, appointments and results of Union elections.
3. Notices of Union meetings.
54
ARTICLE XVIII
FUNERAL LEAVE
An employee shall be protected against loss of pay for such time as may be
needed for the purpose of attending the funeral of a member of the employee's
immediate family up to a maximum of three (3) scheduled working days at his/her
then regular straight time hourly rate during the period beginning with the day
after death and ending with the day after funeral. Immediate family is
interpreted to cover husband, wife, father, mother, child, stepchild, brother,
sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandchildren, grandfather and
grandmother.
One day's pay will be paid for sister-in-law, brother-in-law, stepmother, and
stepfather for purpose of attending funeral.
Any time paid for under this provision, not exceeding three (3) scheduled
working days per work week, will be counted as time worked for the purpose of
determining weekly overtime.
ARTICLE XIX
JURY DUTY
An employee who is called for jury duty may be excused from work upon
presentation of court notice to the employee's immediate supervisor. The
employee who has been so excused will be paid the difference between his/her
normal straight time earnings and the fees received from the court, provided the
employee submits evidence of the amount received from the court. Only the number
55
of his/her scheduled work days actually spent in court are counted in
calculating payment. Such days will be credited at eight (8) hours each for
overtime purposes.
ARTICLE XX
LUNCHES
1. (a) A lunch allowance of $4.00 will be given to any employee who has worked
twelve (12) continuous hours.
(b) Payment in cash shall be made to the employee on the next payday.
2. Vending facilities will be provided for employees electing to secure meals
from within the plant. If vending machines are out of order or adequate food
not available, reasonable efforts will be made for food to be made
available.
ARTICLE XXI
WORK STOPPAGES
1. It is agreed on the part of the Union that there shall be no strikes,
slowdown, sitdowns, walkouts, or other interferences with work during the
term of this agreement and on the part of the Employer it is agreed that
there shall be no lockouts during the term of this agreement. Both parties
agree to make every reasonable effort to adjust any grievance which may
arise
56
in accordance with the remedy provided in the grievance procedure. The
employer shall have the absolute right, in its discretion, to take
disciplinary action up to and including discharge against any or all
employees who participate in or who aid, abet or encourage others to
participate in an unauthorized strike, sitdown, or work stoppage. Any
employee so discharged shall forfeit seniority and any other right or
privilege he/she may otherwise enjoy under this agreement. Any question as
to whether a particular employee was involved therein may be submitted to
the grievance procedure.
2. In the event of an unauthorized strike, sitdown, slowdown or work stoppage,
the Union will promptly disclaim responsibility by having an official or
committee member so inform the Employer and the Union will also use its best
efforts to get the employees back to work. If the Union immediately takes
the above action there shall be no financial liability on the part of the
Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, Local 3-556, or any of
its officers or agents. The sole recourse and exclusive remedy of the
Employer in the event of such unauthorized strike or work stoppage is to
impose disciplinary action as heretofore mentioned.
ARTICLE XXII
PENSION
1. Employees covered by the Agreement shall be eligible at their option to
participate in The Carbide/Graphite Group, Inc. Non-Contributory Retirement
Income Plan in accordance with
57
terms and provisions of this Plan. However, the adjustments in the amounts
of pensions payable under this Plan by reasons of the 1965 and 1968 amendments
to the Social Security Act, or any other amendments during the term of this
Agreement, shall be waived.
2. Effective February 1, 1996, the pension benefit multiplier will increase
from twenty-two dollars ($22.00) to twenty-six dollars ($26.00) per month
for all years of credited service.
Effective February 1, 1997, the pension benefit multiplier will increase to
twenty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($27.50) per month for all years of
credited service.
Effective February 1, 1998, the pension benefit multiplier will increase to
twenty-nine dollars ($29.00) per month for all years of credited service.
Effective February 1, 1999, the pension benefit multiplier will increase to
thirty-one dollars ($31.00) per month for all years of credited service.
Effective February 1, 2000, the pension benefit multiplier will increase to
thirty-three dollars ($33.00) per month for all years of credited service.
3. A participant who retires on an early retirement date and elects to receive
a retirement income shall receive retirement income reduced in accordance
with Plan provisions, unless the participant retires on or after the date on
which the participant attained age and years of
58
credited service that total 85, in which case there is no reduction for
early retirement.
ARTICLE XXIII
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL INSURANCE PLAN
During the term of this Agreement, the provisions of the Comprehensive Medical
Plan will be guaranteed by the Company.
If an employee is temporarily laid off or on an authorized leave of absence, the
employee's insurance will be continued until the end of the third policy month
following the policy month in which the layoff or leave starts.
The maximum allowance payable pursuant to the terms and conditions of the
Comprehensive Medical Plan shall be $1,000,000. Beginning February 1, 1996, the
monthly employee contribution will be $9.00 for employee only coverage, $18.00
for employee plus one dependent, and $25.00 for employee plus two or more
dependents.
The deductible for in-network will be $300.00 per individual per calendar year
with a maximum of two per family per calendar year. The deductible for out-of-
network will be $500.00 per individual per calendar year with a maximum of two
per family per calendar year. The out-of pocket maximum (inclusive of
deductible) for in-network will be $500.00 for an individual or $1,000.00 for
the employee and all eligible covered dependents per calendar year. The out-of-
pocket maximum
59
(inclusive of deductible) for out-of-network will be $1,000.00 for an individual
or $2,000.00 for the employee and all eligible covered dependents per calendar
year.
The co-payment percentage that will be paid by the insurance (subject to
deductibles and limited to eligible expenses) will be 85% for in-network
hospitals and other services, 65% for out-of-network hospitals, and 60% for
other services out-of-network.
Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for active employees and retirees under
this Plan will therefore be those established by future negotiations.
Active eligible employees retiring after February 1, 1996, will be covered by
The Carbide/Graphite Group Comprehensive Medical Plan.
Employees retiring September 1, 1993, or later will pay premiums equal to active
employees. After age 65, the contribution will be one-half of active rate.
1. Sickness and Accident Benefit - The Sickness and Accident benefit shall be
-----------------------------
for a maximum period of twenty-six (26) weeks.
(a) For employees actively at work who go out on Sickness and Accident
Benefits after February 1, 1996, increase the Sickness and Accident
benefits from $260 to $270.
(b) For employees actively at work who go out on Sickness and Accident
Benefits after
60
February 1, 1997, increase the Sickness and Accident benefit from $270
to $280.
(c) For employees actively at work who go out on Sickness and Accident
Benefits after February 1, 1998, increase the Sickness and Accident
benefit from $280 to $290.
(d) For employees actively at work who go out on Sickness and Accident
Benefits after February 1, 1999, increase the Sickness and Accident
benefit from $290 to $300.
(e) For employees actively at work who go out on Sickness and Accident
Benefits after February 1, 2000, increase the Sickness and Accident
benefit from $300 to $310.
2. Life Insurance - The amount of Group Life Insurance for each employee is
--------------
$24,000. The amount of Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance for each
employee is $12,000. Effective February 1, 1997, the amount of life
insurance for each employee will increase to $27,000 and the amount of
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance for each employee will increase
to $13,500. Effective February 1, 1998, the amount of life insurance for
each employee will increase to $30,000 and the amount of Accidental Death
and Dismemberment Insurance for each employee will increase to $15,000.
Effective February 1, 1999, the amount of life insurance for each employee
will increase to $32,000 and the amount of Accidental Death and
Dismemberment Insurance for each employee will increase to $16,000.
Effective February 1, 2000, the amount of life insurance for each employee
will increase to $35,000 and the amount of Accidental Death and
Dismemberment Insurance for each employee will increase to $17,500.
61
3. Dental Plan - Effective November 1, 1992, those employees and eligible
-----------
dependents enrolled in The Carbide/Graphite Group Comprehensive Medical Plan
shall have Dental Insurance in accordance with the following plan at no
additional cost:
Lifetime Maximum.........................................NONE
Calendar Year Maximum..................................$1,000
Calendar Year Deductible*......................$25/per person
$50/per family
(Aggregate Max.)
Covered Expenses...................80% Reasonable & Customary
Orthodontics.......................................50% of UCR
reimbursement $1,000 lifetime
maximum per individual
*Deductible will not be applied against any diagnostic or preventive
expenses.
Employees will be eligible for dental coverage when they become eligible for
medical insurance under the Comprehensive Medical Plan.
All other terms of the existing plan will remain unchanged (active employees
and eligible dependents only).
ARTICLE XXIV
MAINTENANCE TOOL ALLOWANCE AND TESTING
62
1. The Company will replace, as soon as possible, tools that are broken, worn
out, lost and other tools required to do maintenance work for Maintenance
Department employees at work up to a maximum amount of $100.00 per year.
This applies to employees that have completed their probationary period.
Payment to be made in August of contract year.
2. Employees from other job groups who bid on posted jobs in the first class or
second class maintenance classification shall be required to pass the
examination test for the job bid on.
3. The Company may hire skilled workers directly from the outside into the
first class and second class maintenance classifications. It is understood
that such hiring will not affect the opportunities for advancement of the
employees in these classifications.
4. The testing will start with senior second class employees and work downward.
5. New hires will be given the same test as an employee already in the plant,
excepting plant knowledge.
6. Welding tests will be conducted in accordance with A.W.S. standards.
7. An employee for any job group bidding for a posted maintenance job must pass
the following tests:
63
Specialty Test
--------- ----
Mechanical Maintenance....................General Maintenance
Mechanic.............................................Mechanic
General Maintenance
Equipment Operator...................................Operator
General Maintenance
Welder.................................................Welder
General Maintenance
Electrical Maintenance.....................General Electrical
Instrument Mechanical..............................Instrument
General Electrical
If the employee fails the test in a particular skill, the employee cannot
take another test in that skill for three (3) months.
8. The Union recognizes and agrees that at some future date a full complement
of first class maintenance employees will be reached and at such time there
will be no employees in the second class classification.
ARTICLE XXV
ACTING SUPERVISOR
1. The Union recognizes that the Company has a policy of promoting from within
and in the practical application of this policy does from time to time
appoint Acting Supervisors to fill
64
temporary vacancies in the supervisory force or to enlarge the supervisory
force to meet a temporary need. It is, therefore, agreed that such Acting
Supervisors will not lose any seniority rights by having so served.
2. The Company's policy in regard to the use of Acting Supervisors is as
follows:
(a) To fill in for regular supervisors who are not on the job because of
vacations, illnesses, leaves of absences or other such reasons, plus
the utilization of Acting Supervisors to fill in situations where
schedule considerations leave a day or so a week which is impossible to
efficiently schedule.
(b) To cover temporary needs due to fluctuations in production schedules or
other temporary needs which the Company is not able to definitize.
3. In carrying out these policies, the Company will make assignments of Acting
Supervisors in such a fashion that no single Acting Supervisor will serve in
such capacity in excess of ninety (90) working days in a calendar year.
4. The filling of the position of Acting Supervisor shall comply with the
following:
(a) Probationary employees shall not be used.
(b) Upgrades to Acting Supervisor shall be for a minimum of one day.
65
(c) The upgraded employee will not work overtime as an hourly employee
immediately after the end of the upgraded shift.
ARTICLE XXVI
MAJOR DISASTER CLAUSE
In the event work is not available because of a major disaster caused by an
earthquake, power failure, flood, fire, explosion, enemy attack, Act of God, or
other like events that would cause partial or complete evacuation of the plant,
then Paragraph 8 of Article V - Hours of Work and Overtime and Article IX -
Reporting Pay shall be suspended for the duration of the situation.
It is further understood between the parties that during any such disaster as
set forth above that the Company must use available employees for whatever work
appears to be important to save life; to minimize loss or to prevent the spread
of the disaster. Strict rules of seniority shall not be observed until such
availability of work has passed, after which all provision of the agreement
shall again be in full force and effect.
ARTICLE XXVII
OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS
The Local Union President will be notified before any outside contract work is
performed in the plant and will have the right to discuss such work before
started by the contractor.
66
After such discussion, the Union President may discuss the matter with the Plant
Manager if deemed necessary by the Union.
The Company will use its best efforts to have its employees perform bargaining
unit work; however, it is recognized that certain work may have to be
subcontracted because the Company does not have qualified employees, actively
working, available to do the work and/or proper tools, equipment or facilities
to perform the work efficiently. It is further recognized that other legitimate
business reasons such as emergencies and/or the immediate necessity for start-up
or completion of a job may also require a job to be subcontracted.
ARTICLE XXVIII
TERMINATION AND DURATION
This agreement expresses the full and complete understanding of the parties on
the subjects of working conditions, hours of work and other conditions of
employment, including method of wage payment. Any subject matter not mentioned
herein is hereby specifically waived. It is therefore agreed that this
agreement will become effective as of 11:01 p.m. January 31, 1996, and remain in
effect until 11:00 p.m. January 31, 2001 and for the annual periods running from
January 31 to January 31 thereafter unless sixty (60) days prior to any
expiration date either party notifies the other in writing of its desire to
terminate on the expiration day.
It is agreed that neither the Union or the Company will present any demands or
claims not included
67
herein during the life of this agreement unless it is agreed by the parties that
changes in or amendments to this agreement are desirable.
Executed this 31st day of January, 1996:
THE CARBIDE/GRAPHITE GROUP, INC. OIL, CHEMICAL & ATOMIC WORKERS
INTERNATIONAL UNION 3-556
/s/ X.X. Xxxxxx /s/ H.E. Xxxxxxxxxx
/s/ W.E. Damian /s/ X.X. York
/s/ M.B. Xxxxxxxxx /s/ X. X. Xxxxx
/s/ X.X. Xxxxx /s/ X.X. Xxxxx
/s/ X. Xxxxxx
/s/ X. X. Xxxxxxx
68
ADDENDUM "A"
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
Effective May 19, 1993
Revised February 1, 1996
The Union and Company agree on the following procedure to be used in the Furnace
Department regarding overtime and progression:
FURNACE ATTENDANT - GROUP 3
---------------------------
If overtime requirements are realized eight (8) hours or less prior to the
overtime shift but more than four (4) hours, you will:
1. Assign the overtime to the available Furnace Attendant (if in the
"preferred" overtime rack), or offer to the available Furnace
Attendants in the "non-preferred" rack.
2. If the Group 3, Furnace Attendants, elect not to work the overtime, the
Company will then use the progression step and assign the Group 4,
Utility (charge floor) employee to the Furnace Attendant's job for that
shift only.
3. If less than three (3) working hours are needed, the Supervisor will
decide if they need to call in another person or work short during that
period of time.
3A. If a Utility progresses to the Furnace Attendant job, and a qualified
Yard employee is available on shift to cover the utility vacancy
without overtime, the overtime procedure stops. If no Yard employee is
available, proceed to Step 4.
4. If coverage is needed, the Company would call the "prefer" then "non-
preferred" Group 3, Furnace Attendants that are not on duty. If filled,
the progression step would be reversed.
5. If the Furnace Attendant elects not to cover the overtime, you will go
to the Group 4, Utility, overtime rack and offer the Utility overtime
to the employees that have their cards in the "prefer" overtime rack.
If coverage is still needed, go to the "non-preferred" overtime rack.
6. If the Utility elects not to cover the Utility overtime needed, the
Company would then call the "prefer" then "non-preferred" Group 3A,
Tappers, that are not on duty.
7. If you do not obtain overtime coverage from any Group in the Furnace,
you then go to Group 10, Yard, employees in the "prefer" then "non-
preferred" overtime rack. The Yard person would fill the Utility
position needed.
69
If overtime requirements are known more than eight (8) hours prior to the
overtime shift, but not more than three (3) days, you will:
1. Assign the overtime to the Furnace Attendant with the least amount of
overtime hours in the "prefer" overtime rack.
2. Offer the overtime to any Furnace Attendants for which the overtime is
needed that have their cards in the "non-preferred" overtime rack.
3. If the Group 3, Furnace Attendant, elect not to work the overtime, the
Company will then use the progression step and assign the Group 4,
Utility (charge floor) employee to the Furnace Attendant's job for the
shift when it occurs.
4. At this point, the prescheduling should be done for Group 4, Utility,
for this shift. You will then go to the Group 4, Utility, overtime rack
and assign the overtime to the employee with the least amount of
overtime hours in the "prefer" overtime rack.
5. If you do not obtain coverage from the above, you will then offer the
overtime to any employees in the "non-preferred" overtime rack in Group
4, Utility.
6. At this point, the Company would then call the "prefer" and "non-
preferred" Group 3A, Tapper, that are not on duty and offer the Utility
overtime.
7. If you do not obtain coverage in the Group 4, Utility, you then go to
Group 10, Yard, "prefer" overtime rack. If you do not fill the vacancy
in the "prefer" overtime rack, then offer the overtime to the employees
in the "non-preferred" overtime rack. The Yard person would fill the
Utility position needed.
The same procedures are to be followed for the Group 3A, Tapper, except use
Group 4, Utility (ground floor).
The same procedures are to be followed for the Group 4, Utility, using Group 3,
Furnace Attendant first; then if no coverage is obtained, Group 3A, Tapper.
THE CARBIDE/GRAPHITE GROUP, INC. OIL, CHEMICAL & ATOMIC WORKERS
INTERNATIONAL UNION 3-556
/s/ X.X. Xxxxxx /s/ H.E. Xxxxxxxxxx
/s/ W.E. Damian /s/ X.X. York
/s/ M.B. Xxxxxxxxx /s/ X.X. Xxxxx
/s/ X.X. Xxxxx /s/ X.X. Xxxxx
/s/ X. Xxxxxx
/s/ X.X. Xxxxxxx
70
ADDENDUM "B"
Items defined as Instrument work relating to Article V, Section 10, Subsection
C(b) are as follows:
1. Gas Analyzer(s)
2. Scale(s)
3. Time Clock(s)
4. Meter Reading(s)
71
ADDENDUM "C"
LETTER OF AGREEMENT
VOLUNTARY LAYOFFS
Effective June 25, 1991
Revised February 1, 1996
It is mutually agreed that during a fluctuation in the level of operations the
following moves may be made which will determine who is to be laid off:
1. Senior employees in Groups 2-Desulf Operation, 2A-Pack, 3-Furnace
Attendants, 3A-Tappers, 4-Utility, 5-Calcine Coal, 6-Acetylene
Attendant, 7-Paste, and 11-Coke Attendant may take a layoff in lieu of
working. The total number taking layoffs cannot exceed the total number
which would be laid off from that department. If no employee is reduced
from a Job Group, no employee from that Job Group may take a voluntary
layoff.
2. Senior Janitors, Truck Drivers, and Yard Department employees may take
a layoff in lieu of working. When there is a fluctuation in the Yard,
Group 10, (when the furnace is running) one employee in the bid job of
Janitor and one employee in the bid job of Truck Driver will be allowed
to take a voluntary layoff if there are employees fluctuated from the
Yard. In the periods of time when the carbide furnace is not running,
there will be no limit as to the number of Truck Drivers or Janitors
that will be allowed to take voluntary layoffs. Other jobs within Group
10 will be handled as in #1 above.
3. Senior Group 1-Maintenance and Group 1A-Electricians may take a layoff
in lieu of working. The total number taking layoffs cannot exceed the
total number which would be laid off from that department.
4. If there is a need for employees to assist Maintenance during a
fluctuation in the level of operations, the reduced production
employees may elect to assist in the Maintenance Department. Those
employees who do not elect to assist in Maintenance will be reduced to
the Yard Department. However, a less senior production employee cannot
remain in Maintenance if a more senior involuntarily reduced production
employee is laid off out the gate. The Union agrees it will not permit
a more senior employee who refused Maintenance work to file a grievance
seeking production pay because a less senior employee was working in
Maintenance.
5. Employees desiring to take a layoff in lieu of working must notify the
Human Resources Department on or before the 20th of each month.
6. The length of layoffs in lieu of working shall be for a minimum of one
month's duration (28 days). If the layoff is for a longer period than
one month, the employee on layoff must renew his layoff five days
before the end of the first month. Any employee desiring a layoff in
lieu of working during the second month shall notify the Human Resource
Department before the 20th day of the first month's layoff.
7. In the event production is resumed prior to the original specified
time, all employees will return when requested by the Company and all
moves and trades will cease as of that date.
72
8. The laid-off employee may file for Unemployment Insurance and the
Company will not contest the claim.
9. Management's ability to grant voluntary layoffs will be subject to our
ability to have and/or recall a replacement.
10. Voluntary layoffs are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
11. If any new jobs are created, they will follow the same guidelines as
those listed in #1 of this Agreement.
12. Under no circumstances will employees from other job groups be allowed
to work in a department where employees are on voluntary layoff except
for the purpose of filling vacations, sick leave, or leave of absence.
This Agreement voids the 1964 Agreement, the letter dated November 8, 1982, and
the Notice dated September 20, 1984.
THE CARBIDE/GRAPHITE GROUP, INC. OIL, CHEMICAL & ATOMIC WORKERS
INTERNATIONAL UNION 3-556
/s/ X.X. Xxxxxx /s/ H.E. Xxxxxxxxxx
/s/ W.E. Damian /s/ X.X. York
/s/ M.B. Xxxxxxxxx /s/ X.X. Xxxxx
/s/ X.X. Xxxxx /s/ X.X. Xxxxx
/s/ X. Xxxxxx
/s/ X.X. Xxxxxxx
73
ADDENDUM "D"
SHORT-TERM VOLUNTARY LAYOFF
GUIDELINES
Revised February 1, 1996
For a short-term voluntary layoff to occur, the following conditions must be
met:
1. The Company must post notice of workload reduction and that layoffs are
a probability in affected departments. The approximate period of time
the workload reduction will be in effect will be indicated, although
employees should realize timing is subject to change.
2. Layoffs will be granted up to the number the Company decides can be off
and still achieve its objectives for work to be accomplished. In the
event more layoffs are requested than the Company can grant, then
first-come, first-served will be used in granting the employee's
request.
3. Voluntary layoffs will be granted in one-week increments, with one week
(5 working days) being the minimum. Layoffs will not be granted after a
pay week has begun.
4. Employees must notify the Personnel Department to request a layoff.
Preferably, the employee should request the layoff before Tuesday at
8:00 a.m. In cases where notice of a workload reduction is posted after
Tuesday, then employees should notify Personnel as soon as possible.
Once an employee requests and is granted a layoff, the employee cannot
change their mind and cancel the layoff before the start of the next
work week.
5. Once an employee starts a layoff, they will be expected to return to
work on the date scheduled unless they contact Personnel to request,
and are granted, an extension to the layoff.
6. Under no circumstances will employees from other job groups be allowed
to work in a department where employees are on voluntary layoff except
for the purpose of filling vacations, sick leave, or leave of absence.
THE CARBIDE/GRAPHITE GROUP, INC. OIL, CHEMICAL & ATOMIC WORKERS
INTERNATIONAL UNION 3-556
/s/ X.X. Xxxxxx /s/ H.E. Xxxxxxxxxx
/s/ W.E. Damian /s/ X.X. York
/s/ M.B. Xxxxxxxxx /s/ X.X. Xxxxx
/s/ X.X. Xxxxx /s/ X.X. Xxxxx
/s/ X. Xxxxxx
/s/ X.X. Xxxxxxx
74
ADDENDUM "E"
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
POLLING PROCEDURE
Effective February 1, 1996
The Union and Company agree on the following rules regarding scheduling which
are not otherwise covered by the Labor Contract:
1. The Union and the Company agree that any shifts worked must conform to
the current language of the Labor Contract. Shift schedules may be
changed if requested by a majority of the employees in the department
involved and subsequently agreed to by the Union and the Company.
Employees on a rotating shift schedule will not poll for shifts within
the schedule chosen.
2. Alternate schedules for seven (7) day continuous operations:
a. Include no more than eight (8) hours of scheduled overtime
assuming four (4) shifts are available to cover one hundred sixty-
eight (168) hours in a week.
b. Alternate schedules will be in effect for one (1) year from the
date of implementation. At the end of that year, employees will
be given the opportunity to stay with or change their schedule as
determined by majority.
c. If the alternate schedule does not include rotation, the
employees on the shift schedule will repoll for shift preference
annually based on seniority.
d. Repolling will also be conducted should there be changes in staff
levels or scheduling of shifts within the department.
3. Alternate schedules for non-continuous operations:
a. The number of people, days, and shifts of operation will be set by
Management based on operational priorities.
b. A majority of employees may make a request to change schedules in
their department as long as it meets the operational needs of the
department. If no request is made, Management will set the work
schedule.
c. Repolling for shift schedule preference in non-continuous
operations will be conducted when there are any changes in
staffing levels or a schedule change is needed in the department.
4. Polling in the Maintenance Department (Groups 1 and 1A):
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a. Shift schedules must conform to the coverage deemed necessary by
the Company.
b. Polling for available shifts will be conducted every two (2)
months, within each Group, by seniority.
THE CARBIDE/GRAPHITE GROUP, INC. OIL, CHEMICAL & ATOMIC WORKERS
INTERNATIONAL UNION 3-556
/s/ X.X. Xxxxxx /s/ H.E. Xxxxxxxxxx
/s/ W.E. Damian /s/ X.X. York
/s/ M.B. Xxxxxxxxx /s/ X.X. Xxxxx
/s/ X.X. Xxxxx /s/ X.X. Xxxxx
/s/ X. Xxxxxx
/s/ X.X. Xxxxxxx
76
ADDENDUM "F"
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT
OUTSIDE PURCHASES
Effective February 1, 1996
1. The Union President (or designated alternate) will be notified of outside
purchases which involve metal working/construction of manufacturing process
equipment which has been historically performed by Plant Maintenance.
2. The Union will be given an opportunity to discuss this outside purchase.
3. It is recognized by all parties that there are occasions where in the
interest of cost containment, quality, speed of production, etc., outside
purchases will occur.
4. Such outside purchases will only be conducted through legitimate vendors.
5. This Agreement will not pertain to standard items (as customarily listed in
catalogues/price lists) from legitimate vendors.
THE CARBIDE/GRAPHITE GROUP, INC. OIL, CHEMICAL & ATOMIC WORKERS
INTERNATIONAL UNION 3-556
/s/ X.X. Xxxxxx /s/ H.E. Xxxxxxxxxx
/s/ W.E. Damian /s/ X.X. York
/s/ M.B. Xxxxxxxxx /s/ X.X. Xxxxx
/s/ X.X. Xxxxx /s/ X.X. Xxxxx
/s/ X. Xxxxxx
/s/ X.X. Xxxxxxx
77
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
BUY-OUT PROGRAM
Effective February 1, 1996
This program is a one-time opportunity for employees to fully terminate from C/G
and receive a cash payment for all rights, including pension rights.
1. An individual must declare his/her intention between February 1, 1996, and
February 15, 1996.
2. A mutually agreed upon date for severing employment will be reached. Such
date may not be later than April 15, 1996.
3. An individual so resigning and forfeiting any future benefits (including
pension) will receive:
a. One (1) week's pay for every two (2) full years of service.
b. Payment of any earned vacation.
c. A lump-sum pension payout (to be calculated by the actuary) which
reflects the present value of his/her pension.
4. Any individual electing this benefit will not be eligible for any other
benefit as a result of C/G or BOC service.
THE CARBIDE/GRAPHITE GROUP, INC. OIL, CHEMICAL & ATOMIC WORKERS
INTERNATIONAL UNION 3-556
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
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MEDICAL AGREEMENT
Effective February 1, 1996
1. No later than April 1, 1996 (sooner if possible), go to Option 2000.
2. Join the Health Design Plus Alliance.
3. When the Alliance product is ready, but no earlier than January 1, 1997,
the Union may request which plan (Alliance or Option 2000) they prefer to
be on. To assist that choice, the Union will be given an opportunity to
learn the details of each option.
4. The Union request (#3 above) will not be denied unless the difference in
cost exceeds 10%. If this occurs, a meeting will take place to resolve
differences.
5. Employee contribution for life of the agreement:
Single $9.00/mo.
Employee + One $18.00/mo.
Family $25.00/mo.
6. Plan Design: Co-Pay
Hospital Other
-------- -----
In Network 85% 85%
Out of Network 65% 60%
7. Deductible:
Individual Family
---------- ------
In Network 300 600
Out of Network 500 1000
8. Out-of-Pocket (inclusive of deductible):
Individual Family
---------- ------
In Network 500 1000
Out of Network 1000 2000
9. All employees will be presumed to have satisfied the in-network deductible
(300/600) on the change-over (see #1 above) date.
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SCHEDULE A
PRODUCTION GROUP Effective 2/1/96 Effective 2/1/97 Effective 2/1/98 Effective 2/1/99 Effective 2/1/00
---------- ----- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Furnace Attendant 3 $16.96 17.46 18.01 18.61 19.21
Tapper 3A 16.91 17.41 17.96 18.56 19.16
Desulf Operator 2 16.91 17.41 17.96 18.56 19.16
Packer 2A 16.81 17.31 17.86 18.46 19.06
Utility 4 16.81 17.31 17.86 18.46 19.06
Paste Attendant 7 16.81 17.31 17.86 18.46 19.06
Calcine Coal Attendant 5 16.81 17.31 17.86 18.46 19.06
Coke Attendant 11 16.81 17.31 17.86 18.46 19.06
Acetylene Attendant 6 16.96 17.46 18.01 18.61 19.21
Yard 10 16.53 17.03 17.58 18.18 18.78
Yard Truck Driver 10 16.63 17.13 17.68 18.28 18.88
Janitor 10 16.53 17.03 17.58 18.18 18.78
First Aid Attendant 8 16.71 17.21 17.76 18.36 18.96
Storekeeper 10 16.63 17.13 17.68 18.28 18.88
(Continued on next Page)
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SCHEDULE A (Continued)
MECHANICAL
MAINTENANCE GROUP Effective 2/1/96 Effective 2/1/97 Effective 2/1/98 Effective 2/1/99 Effective 2/1/00
----------- ----- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Second Class 1 16.95 17.45 18.00 18.60 19.20
First Class 1 17.12 17.62 18.17 18.77 19.37
Equipment Operator -
Second Class 1 16.95 17.45 18.00 18.60 19.20
Equipment Operator -
First Class 1 17.12 17.62 18.17 18.77 19.37
ELECTRICAL
MAINTENANCE
-----------
Second Class 1A 16.95 17.45 18.00 18.60 19.20
First Class 1A 17.12 17.62 18.17 18.77 19.37
Any production employee hired after February 1, 1984, will be paid $3.00/hour
less than the current appropriate wage rate in Schedule A for his/her first six
months of employment. Upon attaining six months of employment, he/she will
receive a $.50/hour wage increase ($2.50 less than the current appropriate rate
in Schedule A). Upon attaining 12 months of employment, he/she will receive a
$.50/hour wage increase ($2.00 less than the current appropriate rate in
Schedule A). Upon attaining 18 months of employment, he/she will receive a
$.50/hour wage increase ($1.50 less than the current appropriate rate in
Schedule A). Upon attaining 24 months of employment, he/she will receive a
$.50/hour wage increase ($1.00 less than the current appropriate rate in
Schedule A). Upon attaining 30 months employment, he/she will receive a
$1.00/hour wage increase which will be the appropriate wage rate as listed in
Schedule A.
Employees who are in the progressive pay system while in the Tapper
classification on a permanent basis or while filling a temporary job for more
than four (4) weeks will be paid one dollar ($1.00) more per hour until he/she
has progressed to the current appropriate rate for the Tapper classification as
listed in Schedule A.
81