Endicott AWS Workers lose 20% of pay

Tuesday, 26 Jun 2001

Today at IBM Endicott announced the Modified Alternate Work Schedule, to all microelectronics workers on the, AWS 12 hours shifts as part of a cost cutting plan.

The major difference is that the Endicott Modified AWS will NOT pay the 20% inconvenience pay for working 12 hour shifts.

While on the modified AWS workers will work no more than 36 hours per week but will be paid for 40 hours. Further, there will be no scheduled Sundays.

Many workers from night shifts were enticed onto the AWS schedule because of the 20% premium. Giving up a 3rd shift 12% premium was not affordable, for any workers, until the AWS premium of 20% ,was offered. Many tolerated 12 hour work days, for the 20% premium and are now rather peeved.

Needless to say, many wonder why IBM Endicott will not put these workers back on normal work weeks and 8 hour days, since the work loading is so low now.

Management said that the Modified AWS is temporary, until the work load increases. Endicott workers hope this is the worst that happens to them and hope this will in fact, prevent layoffs.