Letter of understanding
Revision of section 33
33.1. This Section sets forth special provisions applicable to Mechanics and Apprentices whose wage rates are set forth in Section 8.
33.1.1. There shall be the following classes of mechanics:
E&I Master
Shift Mechanic
Journey Mechanic
Intermediate Mechanic A
Intermediate Mechanic B
Intermediate Mechanic C
Junior Mechanic A
Junior Mechanic B
Junior Mechanic C
33.2. Any employee whose work is primarily in any one of the crafts listed below is covered by the mechanic package and is considered a Journey Mechanic:
Multi-craft Mechanic
E & I Mechanic
33.3. A journey mechanic is a finished mechanic and has the necessary tools required by the craft. A journey mechanic must be able to execute the necessary work without direct supervision from the supervisor or lead. For instance. a journey mechanic must be able to take a working drawing or blueprint of a layout; go out on the job; take the necessary measurements; requisition; cut and install without more than the general normal supervision or direction.
A Journey mechanic assigned a schedule other tian a day schedule shall be classified as a shift mechanic.
33.5. Classifications below the journey level may be assigned to work in conjunction with the shift mechanic without receiving the shift mechanic rate.
33.6. In the filling of assignments to shift mechanic the senior qualified journey mechanic will be given preference. If such employees decline, the assignment will be offered to the remainder of the qualified journey mechanics on a seniority basis. If all those eligible on the above basis decline, junior qualified shall be assigned. Seniority for purposes of this paragraph wilt mean length of service in the department as a qualified journey mechanic.
33.6.1. Any employee having the qualifications of a helper who is temporarily assigned to work done by a helper and working under direct supervision of a mechanic will be paid the rate of a helper.
33.7. Outside journey mechanics may be employed if additional journey mechanics are required. Journey mechanics from the outside will be as multi-craft mechanics or E & I mechanics.
33.7.1. A project crew may be formed with the cooperation of the Local Union and management
33.8. All new apprentices will be trained as multi-craft mechanics or E & I mechanics.
33.8.1. The Employer will determine the apprentice program curriculum.
33.8.2. The Employer will determine when openings are available in tie apprenticeship program. Openings shall be posted for a period of fourteen (14) days during which anyone interested in tie apprenticeship program shall notify the Personnel Department of their interest in an apprenticeship position. Following the posting period, each applicant will be required to fill out an application. The Employer shall establish a list of qualified applicants based upon the applicant’s application, the employee’s supervisors written evaluation, aptitude test scores, and apprentice board interviews (The apprentice board Shall consist of both Company and trade specific Union employees). This list will remain active for a period of 24 months. The Apprentice Board shall choose the apprentice(s) from the list of quaffed applicants on the basis of most qualified. The Union Standing Committee shall be notified of the list of qualified applicants and may upon request within thirty (30) days after notification of the qualified applicants review the written documentation used by the Employer to establish the list of qualified applicants.
33.8.3. The successful applicant will be required to sign an apprenticeship contract on a form provided by the Employer to the Journey Mechanic Apprentice Program, as amended from time to time during the ten of this Labor Agreement. The apprentice program will meet the criteria for progression of apprentice to journey mechanic. This program will be presented at the Employer’s cost and vs.dll constitute the academic training. Tests for promotion will be given to measure the skill and advancements of the apprentice. Phase I must be completed for promotion to junior mechanic B. Phase Il must be completed for promotion to junior mechanic A. Phase ill must be completed for promotion to intermediate mechanic C. Phase IV must be completed for promotion to intermediate mechanic B, Phase V must be completed for promotion to intermediate mechanic A, and Phase VI must be completed for promotion to journey mechanic.
33.9. The apprentice will be required to take tests on each individual study program and a final phase test for each phase of the program. intermediate mechanic A also be required to take a practical test as well as the Phase VI test.
33.9.1. The subject matter tests and the phase tests will be appropriate written tests. A grade of eighty percent (80%) is considered passing. If the phase test has not been passed in the regular time frame, the apprentice will have an additional one hundred eighty (180) days in which to complete the phase.
33.9.2. An apprentice who does not complete any required phase of study within tie allotted time frame be separated from program. Written notification will be given to the apprentice with a copy to the Union.
33.9.3. An apprentice who is separated from the apprenticeship program may return to the employee’s original job prior to becoming an apprentice, provided the employee’s seniority will allow the employee to return.
33.9.4. Each apprentice must make reasonable effort to attend our study sessions twice per week. The apprentice will attend these study sessions on tie apprentice’s own time.
33.9.5. The first one hundred eighty (180) days of Phase I will be a probationary period in order to determine if the apprentice can be successful in becoming a journey mechanic. The apprentice can be separated from the apprenticeship program for just cause after one hundred eighty (180) days with notification to the apprentice and to the Union.
33.9.6. The Employer will adopt an organized plan as far as practical of rotating each employee below journey mechanic through different department and under different multicraft or journey mechanics in order that the employee may gain the widest variety of experience.
33.9.7. Each apprentice will be subject to periodic evaluations of the apprentice’s actual work record, qualifications, and academic training. Such reviews will be recorded on an evaluation form which will be signed by the supervisor, the Apprentice Program Director and by the employee after the employee has met with the supervisor to discuss the evaluation. The employee’s signature shall only signify that the employee has received and read the evaluation.
33.9.8. Employees taking schooling and/or tests leading to state qualification will upon presenting evidence of state qualifications be reimbursed for tuition; required books and any fee the requires for taking the test for qualification.
33.9.9. The apprenticeship program will be divided into the following phases:
| Phase | Junior C | O – 8 months |
| Phase fi | Junior B | 9 – 16 months |
| Phase Ill | Junior A | 17 —24 months |
| Phase IV | Intermediate C | 25 32 months |
| Phase V | Intermediate B | 33 – 40 months |
| Phase Vi | intermediate A | 41 —48 months |
33.9.10. Apprentices can be brought in at any appropriate level and advance earlier based on evaluation by the company.
