Reduction of forces / Temporary cuts

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

Currently there are members at various sites within the local who are currently undergoing temporary cuts to their hours and have contacted me inquiring what the term "reduction of forces" means and how does it apply to their particular situation. I have taken the liberty to shed some light on "reduction of forces" in hopes that the members can come out with a better understanding on the subject and in what circumstances does the term reduction of forces, usually in the seniority article apply.

For all practical purposes, there isn't any real difference between RIF and layoffs. There are some subtle differences, though.

A layoff is when a particular employee, or a specific group of employees, is taken off the payroll, usually because there is a lack of work. The chance to be rehired in the future is a real possibility if the economical situation of the employer or the employer's client change.

A RIF on the other hand, is the total elimination of jobs or positions. Again, RIFs usually happen because of a lack of work or the inability to pay everyone doing a particular job or task. Through a RIF, the employer can terminate all jobs related to the product. Most of the time RIFs are selective, meaning that not all of the jobs will be eliminated. Usually, in your contract the decision is based on factors like an employee's past performance, the ability to perform the remaining job or jobs and "seniority". Temporary cuts to hours based on the operational needs of the employer's client do not apply in regards to the reduction of forces term in the contract. Although the practice to cut hours based solely on seniority usually does apply in some cases, you would have to check your particular CBA to see if there is additional language further elaborating on the subject. Hope this helps...

Azaveous Oliver
Local 100 President