The FEs are responsible for analyzing, designing, pro- curing, and installing projects relating to Case's facilities, grounds, and buildings. They also ensure that the facility complies with applicable environmental and safety require- ments. The FEs primarily design cost-efficient layouts of the major systems within the facility. If management approves the lay- out and the proposed implementation, the FEs supervise implementation of the project. The LRPE drafts prints for long-range projects based on information in Case's files.
Management then decides which projects, if any, to im- plement.
Indeed, all of the LRPE's proposals must be ap- proved by management before implementation. The LRPE neither decides which projects will be produced in the future nor which individuals will be chosen to do a job or have their jobs changed or eliminated. Case opposed the petition, contending that these engineers were not entitled to representation because they are managerial, supervisory or confidential employees. Accordingly, on June 22 an election was held at the East Moline facility. Case disagreed with the Board's order and refused to bargain with the Union.