Kentucky Local Wins Big in Overtime

Pictured, right to left, Terry Quinkert - Former Shop Steward and Negotiating Committee member, Pat Maloney, District Lodge 27 Directing Business Representative, Greg Gowen, Chief Steward, Billy Myrick, Shop Steward.

Persistence and attention to detail paid off for 57 members of Local 681 in Louisville, KY, who recently shared a six-figure arbitration settlement over a company policy that unfairly restricted overtime in their workplace.

Two years ago, managers at the Alcoa Louisville Foil Plant proposed what became known as the 64-hour rule, where no one was allowed to work more than 64 hours in one week. While the company cited “safety reasons,” Local 681 union leaders insisted that the workers’ union contract spelled out how overtime would be distributed. The company implemented the overtime policy anyway.

The union fought back, filing grievances and keeping close track whenever any worker was denied overtime because of the rule. Recently, the case went before binding arbitration and the arbitrator ruled that indeed, the company violated the union contract.

 “What was important is that we kept very complete records the last two years,” said Local 681 Chief Steward Greg Gowen, who filed the initial grievance.

The final result was a $149,516 settlement, with 57 workers receiving checks from just over $100 to $10,000, depending upon the amount of overtime they were denied.

“A lot of our members were convinced we never had a shot, that we’d never see a dime from this,” said former Negotiating Committee member Terry Quinkert. “I kept telling them that we did, that it’s in the contract.”

“A good contract relies on good enforcement at the local level,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “Louisville’s Local 681 demonstrated beyond any doubt the value of IAM membership and the benefit of careful record keeping. I commend and congratulate them all on their win.”

Visit website