Need info from Labor Gurus! (X-posted from Labor Forum)

[KnaveRupe]

I'm a member of AFSCME Local 2206, white-collar employees of the City of Erie. We had been without a contract since December 31, 2005. Last month, we FINALLY signed a contract with the City which included a retroactive 1% raise for 2006.

Some of our members who were employed during part or all of 2006, but who are currently laid off have asked whether they are entitled to the retro pay for hours they worked in 2006. The city is now arguing that only those union members who were employed at the time the contract was signed are entitled to the retro pay. Our (absolutely worthless) AFSCME staff rep has stated that he wont argue for those Union members' back pay, and that he basically agrees with the City's position.

I can't believe that this is the first time that this issue has ever come up in contract negotiations anywhere; there has to be a more-or-less standard way that this type of thing usually plays out. Anyone have experience with this type of situation, or have access to any resources that might help me club our guy upside the head and get him to actually argue on our behalf?

Or am I completely out to lunch on this one, and standard Labor practice is to only afford those retroactive pay raises to individuals employed at the time the contract is actually signed?

Thanks for any expertise anyone can lend me.

[Warpy]

1. No, if the raises were retroactive, they cover everyone

who worked during the period they cover. The company is blowing smoke, as usual, and the people who were laid off or even fired are due checks.

That's the way it works, but don't expect Republic law to back you up.

(I know about this one, worked in a union shop without a contract, quit, got a check six months later when the new contract was signed with retroactive raises included)

[KnaveRupe]

2. Thanks for replying!

That would be MY take as well; and it seems like a no-brainer.

Any chance you'd be willing to give me specifics (Union and Local, City/State, and year this occurred) either by posting them or PM-ing me? I'm trying to put together a body of cases with specifics to bolster my position with our Staff Rep who has no interest in actually advocating for us.