Progress cited in marathon union bid at Newport News shipyard

A union that waged a long-running fight to represent a small group of workers at Newport News Shipbuilding is citing progress in contract talks.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents roughly 230 radiological control technicians and related personnel. Its effort sparked company opposition that turned into a long-running legal battle.

Contract talks finally began about a year ago, said Joe Greaser, a union representative. He visited the Daily Press Tuesday with three shipyard employees who are helping to hammer out a deal.

"The last proposal they gave us was one of the better ones," Greaser said. "Cautiously optimistic I guess would be the word."

Christie Miller, a shipyard spokeswoman, said in an email: "The International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers represents a small technical workforce at Newport News Shipbuilding. We are working to build a constructive relationship with them like we share with all of our other unions at the shipyard."

To a person, the three employees said pay and benefits are not the only issues. They feel a new contract would give radiological control technicians added respect within the company.

"It's not just about the money," said Latasha Greene, an employee for five years.

"To negotiate a contract is totally new," added Samuel Lovett, a 28-year employee. "But to get a contract, it's historical."

"It will draw some lines so everyone will know what to expect when we come in for work," said Tony Poslik, who has worked at the shipyard for 26 years.

The employees pointed to the attrition rate within their department as a point of concern. Radiological control workers can leave the shipyard for jobs in the commercial nuclear power industry or places such as Jefferson Lab, they said.

Greene said the turnover rate is like a "revolving door," and Lovett said a good contract would provide stability — and that would help all sides.

"If we can get a contract that's superior to the competition out there, then we can begin to build our experience base up again," he said.

Greaser said the two sides agreed not to disclose specifics about the contract talks, but negotiations are active.

"I think it's safe for us to say there are some improvements on the table," he said.

The dominant union at the Newport News shipyard is United Steelworkers Local 8888, which represents thousands of skilled trades workers. The machinists and aerospace union began organizing the radiological control workers in 2007 over pay and work issues. It led to a vote in 2009 in favor of the union, which the National Labor Relations Board finally upheld in early 2012.

The company challenged that decision, and the matter went to court.

In the long-running legal battle, shipyard parent Huntington Ingalls Industries said the NLRB did not have enough legally appointed members to decide to uphold union certification. Further, it said the board erred by allowing a small group to organize.

Radiological control personnel are a small but critical group for the shipyard, which builds nuclear-powered warships for the Navy.

The dispute eventually found its way into a federal appeals court, and the labor board's decision was affirmed.

"For these folks," said Greaser, "they’ve had to wait this long to have their day. And they’re having their day. There's no doubt they’re getting their say at the table."

Lessig can be reached by phone at 757-247-7821.

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