A union that represents about 100 jobs that are headed to Amarillo has taken steps to try and stop the company's action, according to a reporter with the Star-Telegram.
The union reportedly wants to stop Bell Helicopter's planned transfer of about 100 jobs from Fort Worth to Amarillo.
Sky Talk, The Star-Telegram's airline, travel and aerospace blog reports that United Auto Workers Local 317 issued a press release saying that it filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the company. The complaint was filed with the National Labor Relations Board in Fort Worth. According to the release, the union argues Bell Helicopter Textron is moving the jobs to Amarillo, a non-union plant, as "part of a scheme to destroy the union."
The jobs are reportedly moving to Amarillo to help reduce costs and increase efficiency in Amarillo. The move will occur between now and the end of the year.
No relocation assistance will be offered to workers.
Bell Helicopter released the following statement to Pronews 7:
"Bell Helicopter recognizes the impact this has on our affected employees, and the company doesn't make decisions like this lightly. However, the planned move of approximately 100 tactical buyer positions from Fort Worth to Amarillo is being undertaken to improve efficiency and performance by strategically aligning our tactical buyers with our major assembly operations. Any allegation or speculation otherwise is wholly untrue."
