Boot Reimbursement

AEE Bargaining Unit Members,

We recently learned that at least one ODOT manager believes the AEE contract provision for boot reimbursement can be easily avoided by altering position descriptions, changing Job Hazard Assessment (JHA), or by telling employees to avoid entering hazardous work areas thereby eliminating the risk.

Most of us know that to perform the essential functions of our job we are required to be in areas where there are hazards. There are very few project locations where there is no threat of foot crushing or puncturing hazards. OSHA regulates this and requires employees to wear foot protection.

Even though we have Article 12.7, AEE is looking into the boot reimbursement issue and is preparing to file a group grievance to protect our contract. We have heard that some members think it is just not worth the struggle and that they already have boots. We are here to protect the language of the contract we bargained for and can’t waive or change a single article without going back to the bargaining table.

AEE has recently received a list of the approved boot reimbursements, but the State does not keep track of denials. We would like to know if you have been denied, or did not bother submitting for reimbursement because you were told you would be denied. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed.

AEE is gathering the information to submit a group grievance and to support this year’s bargaining. Please let us know if you have been denied / told you would be denied by sending an email to office@aeeo.org. Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated. Your name may be left off of the actual filing, but we need the information. Thank you!

While we work out the grievance, we ask that you seriously consider your safety when asked to visit hazardous areas. If there are foot crush or puncture hazards, and your agency has not provided you with the appropriate PPE, you have rights! Please review Division 5 of our current Collective Bargaining Agreement and

consider refusing to enter those areas or project sites. This might mean that Inspectors can’t walk onto jobsites, that technicians can’t actively measure asphalt being placed, or that engineers can’t visit a rock-crushing plant or rail yard unless the agency provides the appropriate PPE. Your safety is no joke.

AEE, in unity.