Boeing will send out notices on August 28th to eligible members in the job codes they have identified for the voluntary layoff (VLO). Boeing evaluated critical skills needed going forward and determined which job codes and how many are eligible for the VLO. Jobs excluded from the previous VLO that were then impacted by WARNs for layoff on 7/31/20 are included in this second VLO. However, the Company will determine how many they allow to take the VLO in each job. (see job chart below).
Members will receive their invitation to participate in the VLO through WorkLife. If you receive your invitation to apply for the VLO in WorkLife, you will only have one week to register to participate in the VLO (Aug 28 - Sept 4). Then, Boeing will notify members on September 16 of approval or denial for the VLO, and the layoff date for those approved will either be October 2 or December 4 based on business needs.
We currently have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), regarding Voluntary Layoffs, that was signed in 2016 and is active through Dec. 31, 2020.
The MOU provides that those approved for VLO:
• Will receive a lump-sum payment of one week of pay for every year of service (up to a maximum of 26 weeks of pay),
• Are eligible to receive a contractual continuation of medical insurance at active employee rates for up to six months after date of layoff; with timely election and payment for COBRA continuation coverage
• Will forfeit recall rights and lose seniority (the same as those accepting the lump sum payment option on regular layoff benefits or those who retire from Boeing). Therefore, anyone requesting the voluntary layoff should be certain they will not return to Boeing in the future.
• If more individuals apply for voluntary layoff than the allocated reductions set by Boeing, requests will be approved based on employees with the highest seniority.
Those considering the VLO will need to look at the potential impacts on drawing their Boeing pension at a later time, based on their age and individual circumstances.
Voluntary layoffs allow 751 members to volunteer for layoff by seniority order making them eligible for certain benefits they might not otherwise have received. Our Union believes voluntary layoffs are an important option to allow some members to leave. This may be a positive opportunity for those that are ready to retire to utilize additional benefits that were not otherwise available to them so other members can remain on the payroll. This is just an option that may be appealing to some members, but only the individual can determine what is best for their situation.
The table below contains the job numbers included in Boeing’s current VLO
Click here to view the job code chart as a pdf.
QUESTIONS ON THE VLO:
How many voluntary layoffs will be allowed?
Boeing will determine that number based on their needs going forward. Boeing will send approval/denial letters to those who applied by September 16.
What happens to my recall rights and seniority if I take the VLO?
Approved employees forfeit their applicable recall rights and union seniority. Therefore, anyone requesting the voluntary layoff should be certain they don’t intend to return to Boeing in the future.
What if I am in one of the job codes identified for VLO, but I didn’t get an invitation for VLO? The Company is making eligibility decisions based on critical skills, subject matter expertise, or special clearances in each job classification. Please contact the Union for assistance if you work in one of the job classifications identified for VLO, but were excluded.
Why wasn’t my job code included in this VLO? Not all job codes were included. The Company controls the workforce and has sole determination of which job codes they need to reduce employment in and which jobs they will continue to hire in. Job codes determined for reduction are not subject to negotiation.
What if I change my mind after I apply? Can I back out?
There is a very specific process (outlined below) if you applied and were accepted, but have since changed your mind and want to continue working.
If you were notified on or before September 16th, you have 5 workdays from September 16th through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22nd to change your mind (see instructions below).
NOTE: This is a very personal choice. We are not recommending that you accept the offer of VLO or withdraw your acceptance into VLO. We are just providing information so you can make an informed decision.
To initiate your withdrawal request go to Worklife and initiate a ticket:
Go to Worklife
Click on “Get Support”
Select “Life”
Select “Leaving Boeing”
Select “Consultation Reduction in Force”
Fill in Short Description with “IAM751/W24 2VLO Withdrawal Request”
Enter in description “I would like to withdraw my VLO registration for the second round of 2020”
Check disclaimer box and submit
RELEASE AND WAIVER:
The waiver is a document the Company is asking you to sign that waives your right to sue them for anything that happened prior to the date you sign it. Those selected to participate in the VLO program will receive a link to their Release and Waiver Agreement through Worklife via the red bell notification. Members can click on the hyperlink to go to the website to sign their agreement.
If you intend to sue the Company, you should not sign this waiver and release document. If you don’t intend to sue the company and want to be accepted into the VLO and receive layoff benefits, you should sign it.
Even if you sign the waiver and release, there are certain rights that the law does not allow you to waive, including your right to file for Workers Compensation or Unemployment Benefits. This does not guarantee you will receive those benefits, but the waiver does not prevent you from applying for UI or Workers Comp. In addition, your vested pension and retirement benefits are not affected by the waiver.
Members will have 45 days to consult legal counsel, should they desire.
However, you must be aware, that if you don’t sign the waiver and release agreement within the 45 days and if you didn’t withdraw from the VLO before September 22nd at 11:59 p.m., you will still be laid-off but will not be eligible to receive the layoff package of one week of pay for each year of service (up to 26 weeks max) and the 6 months of subsidized contractual COBRA medical continuation coverage.
751 Member Communications
From an email...............
Realist - Everybody in America is soft, and hates conflict. The cure for this, both in politics and social life, is the same -- hardihood. Give them raw truth.
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