Opinion ID: 617237
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Balser's Layoff and the Search for Zyglo Sorters[2]

Text: It is common practice for GE to complete Requests for Help when it anticipates needing additional employees in a particular field or position, whether due to increased need or in order to replace a retiring or temporarily absent employee. GE also commonly tries to fill such positions in advance of the expected vacancy. In January 2008, GE predicted a need for two Zyglo Sorters, a position that also involved the non-destructive testing of aircraft engine components. Zyglo Sorter positions generally were highly coveted in GE because employees were paid according to the amount of work completed and not on an hourly basis, creating the potential to earn significantly more money than other positions. For this reason, Zyglo Sorter openings typically were filled by senior employees eligible for an upgrade; however, such positions also couldthough in practice tended not tobe filled by employees transferring from one job to another due to lack of work. At that time, GE management believed two current Zyglo SortersRobert Murciak (Murciak) and John Doherty (Doherty)would be retiring soon. [3] It filed two Requests for HelpNos. 11983A and 11984Aon January 28, 2008, and officially posted the positions on February 12, 2008. On approximately February 11, 2008, Balser received a lack of work notice informing her that she was going to be laid off because there was not sufficient work to be divided amongst the Zyglo Inspectors. [4] On February 13, 2008, Balser met with GE's Manager for Union Relations, Richard Sampson, to discuss other jobs for which she might be qualified and which might be available to her on account of her layoff, pursuant to the CBA's Layoff and Transfer Supplement, see supra Part I.A. Sampson informed Balser of three jobs for which she might be eligible due to her layoff. One of the offered employments was the recently posted Zyglo Sorter position. [5] Sampson explained that the Zyglo Sorter position was an option for Balser, not only because of her recent layoff, but also because of her prior Zyglo certification. Sampson, understanding the job to be permanent at that time, informed Balser as such. Balser expressed an interest in the Zyglo Sorter position and an interview was arranged with Zyglo Sorter Manager, Thomas Towey (Towey). Before her interview, Sampson prepared an Interview Referral Form stating that Balser was applying for Request for Help No. 11983A and that she would be replacing Skip Doherty in the Zyglo Sorter position. Sampson informed Balser that Doherty's name on the interview form had no actual significance, i.e., it did not affirmatively mean that she would be Doherty's replacement if she were hired. On February 14, 2008, Balser interviewed for and was offered the Zyglo Sorter position. Balser accepted the position that same day. She was scheduled to start work on February 19, 2008. [6] Balser in fact did not start work until February 20, 2008, a pivotal fact that will be addressed subsequently.