Hawker Beechcraft Restores Killed Striker's Benefits
Hawker Beechcraft Restores Killed Striker's Benefits Save Email Print
Reporter: Chris Frank
Email Address: chris.frank@kake.com
48 comments
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Officials of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation have met with the family of a striking machinist who was struck by a car and killed on his way to a rally.

Jeff Hart died yesterday. He was running across Greenwich Road early in the morning when he was hit by a pickup truck. No charges have been filed.

In a statement released today, Hawker Beechcraft said a Human Resources representative and Hart's supervisor met with his family yesterday. The Human Resources representative told the family the company had fully restored Hart's benefits, including life insurance.

A Hawker Beechcraft spokesperson said machinists that went out on strike, like Hart, have their benefits suspended.

In addition, machinists and HBC employees began collecting donations from across the company to support the Hart family.

A celebration of Hart's life will be held Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at Countryside Christian Church, 1919 S. Rock Road.

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Posted by: fellow union member on Aug 21, 2008 at 06:04 AM
To I've had it. That hasn't been the case when I've walked. Just let me know what gate you're at next time and I'll come join you. And I'll bring others.
Posted by: history Location: wichita on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Being a person that has worked at Beech and Boeing...History has been proven that after each strike....there will be a layoff...count on it. Greed is a strange thing...think about it.
Posted by: Mike Location: Wichita on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:20 PM
A stand-up thing for the company to do, seeing as how this man voluntarily left his job. Classy HBC... Very Classy....
Posted by: union worker Location: ict on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:57 PM
my SAP number is none of anyones business...but the people in the strike hq are friends of mine and i told them what i thought and i didnt hold back and i have marked in my planner the day i might very well end the draining of my savings for a meaningless strike that was nothing more than a publicity stunt for the union anyone that truly feels like we are making head way ...come out to the picket line at 10ish..you will see what i am talking about..it is dead out there..a strike doesnt end at sunset nor does it end when the cars are out of the parking lot... if the coal miners would have had a strike like we are having the mine owners would still be using birds as methane gas detectors!!! ok ok..ill say the robotic soundeing chant..one more day..one more day!!!blah blah blah!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:31 PM
"when the strike is over all of our benefits will be back dated to the day the strike started" only applies IF you GO BACK TO WORK after the strike is over. Unfortunately, poor Mr. Hart will never be going back to work. So it was a nice gesture by the company, and not just a "publicity stunt". As far as the Union helping his family - what, they took up a collection - from other union workers, many of whom are not even getting paid right now! It would be very interesting to know what happens to the $1.4 million in dues every year. Since there hasn't been a strike in 20 years, they should have enough money to feed the strikers and their families for months! Best wishes to the Hart family. This was a terrible tragedy.
Posted by: i have had it !! Location: ict on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:29 PM
well you can holler one more day all you want...but i left the picket line mad last night..i was never in favor of this strike but i am walking that is more that most of the 89 percent who voted to strike..i was the only one at the gate i was walking ..the other gates had a huge group jus hanging out ..our signs are junk that are either too faded to read or look like soemthing a 3rd grader would write..one even said satan himself would not require me to work on sunday....bull!! most of you all love the double time on sunday and if you dont get it your upset..and this morning the crowds at the lines were very thin...looks to be like a bunch of new hires got caught up in the unuion strike hype and then would not do their part..and yes i raised cain in the union head qtrs last night..so dont be saying i am acting tough on here... i let it be known that i was close to crossing and i am sick of this dog and pony show we are calling a strike!! my waterloo is sept 5th..no news..no striking.
Posted by: hey Location: wichita on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:59 AM
"ooooh.. look at the good thing HBC did. You union people oughta be ashamed of yourselves! Humph.. lazy good for nothings! I hope you all get fired" Spare me the b.s. That's exactly what HBC wants everyone to think.
Posted by: former union worker Location: wichita on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:50 AM
I fully agree with the Lifetime Aircraft Worker of Aug. 19th 100%. The union was a good thing at one time but now there are only using you people as pawns. Be happy with what you get and thank God that you have all that you have gotten. You could be one of the MANY people that have no insurance and loose everything that you have worked for and tried to save for your families future. It's time to do the right thing and stop being so greedy. You will never win and the union will end up on top with your loss. Come on people lets think smart and go back to work happy with what you have to gainned with the contract you were offered. Be the winners and not the union winning. Read the comments again and go online and see for yourself as it states.
Posted by: Dave Location: Wichita on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:30 AM
To all the striker haters, I think you made your point already. To all the strikers, you made your point as well. No one is ever going to convince each other. Sitting on a computer and spewing out hate isn't going to solve anything. Jeff Hart: RIP.
Posted by: cj on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:59 AM
May God be with family of Mr. Hart. I am concerned for the person driving the truck. Is he getting moral support from people. Mr. Hart is gone and that is terrible. The person driving the truck now needs encouragement and support. He is also a victim.
Posted by: !!! Location: ict on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:40 AM
My deepest condolences to Jeff Hart's family. It was an unfortunate tragedy that the accident happened. To all you naysayers on the union, the union has said since day one that they have been ready to go back to the negotiating table, haven't heard that about HBC. I am more than ready to get back to work yet I am staying out ONE MORE DAY.
Posted by: third party on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Everyone is praising HBC for giving Jeff's family what he was going to get anyway after the strike, but what about the strikers. They have no income, but yet they are donating to Jeffs family. God bless Jeffs family and the strikers who donated.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Ken's right you know. (See Ken's post) You're still in our prayers, Jeffs' family.
Posted by: ? Location: Wichita on Aug 20, 2008 at 05:47 AM
Guess HBC is not the greedy evil company that they have been made out to be.
Posted by: line crosser on Aug 20, 2008 at 04:55 AM
Union or not, line crosser or picketer, wichita or salina...it doesnt matter as a fellow employee was killed and his family is suffering. HBC took the high road and reinstated the benefits, the union wants you to believe its a publicity stunt. This mans family is now taken care of and can at least have a little bit of the world lifted off of their shoulders. I did not know Jeff but it is still tragic and did not need to happen. It is neither HBC's the unions, Jeffs, nor the drivers fault. There are things in life called accidents and unexpected things that happen.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 04:46 AM
I'm glad that Beech restored the benefits, but judging from comments it has served what was probably a bigger purpose of negating bad PR. If they hadn't they would have been shown as cold hearted, but by doing it they have turned it around to being mr nice guy. Actually I don't see why everybody is so hatefull about this whole strike. As long as it isn't your paycheck why is it really your business? If you are crossing the line then you are getting a paycheck and as a bonus when the contract is settled you will also get the benefits. As far as the auto workers, the last I knew of the unions didn't tell the company to only market the SUV's and PU's. They didn't tell the company how to design a vehicle that people didn't like. I also think you might want to look at how much the poor CEO's take home and tell me how they can complain about overpaid workers. Where else can you go and manage a company into ruin and still walk away with a multimillion pension?
Posted by: Boogeyman Location: wichita on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:18 PM
most of you are pathetic. it is nice that HBC did that reinstatement for the Hart, But after the benefits are recieved it is not like he will be using it further.that still does not deny what was proposed to being shaved from ALL our benefits.as far as striker and all the union members here talking trash on the union, be brave ... post your SAP number or something or is it all just lip service?
Posted by: HBC worker Location: wichita on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:00 PM
To all of you who think having a rally at 4:30 in the morning was a stupid idea, why were people showing up for work at the same time, when it was posted that the working hours were to be from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm???? They should have been in bed as well.
Posted by: abunch on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:24 PM
STOP ALL THE NONSENSE! Everyone either go to work or walk the gates. Just keep your horrible comments off the internet. You can save your comments for some other time! PEACE BE WITH YOU HART FAMILY! I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS! MY HUSBAND SAID HE WAS A VERY CARING,GREAT MAN!
Posted by: Lifetime Aircraft Worker Location: Wichita on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:02 PM
I keep reading all of these blogs, and can't help but feel sorry for how easily so many Union supporters have allowed themselves to be lead by what someone else is telling them to believe. They scream about greedy HBC, but don't even question the actions of their Union. I am not saying I am on HBC's side, but why are they not demanding to see the financial records of the Union, and digging into the truth about where their dues have been going for years. Use your computers, go to UnionFacts.com. Look at Washington D.C. Labor records on the Unions & the Crimes & Corruption data. Educate yourselves. Get documented facts. Think about the Autoworkers in Detroit whose Unions told them they were the best in the world, no one could replace them, stand strong, and you will get what you deserve. The Unions bargained them out of the competitive market, and their jobs. I don't want to see Wichita become another Detroit. Compare facts on the Union and HBC. Your life & your family are worth it.
Posted by: Still working on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:50 PM
My, My, My, most are wasted words!!!!!
Posted by: beechcrafter in mourning Location: wichita on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:43 PM
It was a very nice gesture of HBC to help Jeff's family. To all the anti-union people the union is also helping his family they just don't feel the need to brag to the media about it. as a gesture in Jeff's memory HBC should go back to the table and let's get this thing settled. The company and the union i am sure would find a a middle ground, but not until they get together1 Maybe Mr. Schuster and Mr. Rooney should get together at some coffee shop and hash it out. Leave all the lawyers and accontants at home and hash it out! Unfortunately neither of these prima-donas will ever come down off their high=horses and do it, don't want to lose face by being the firsrt to give in!
Posted by: striker Location: plant 4 on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:22 PM
I am a striker and I believe in why I'm on the picket line. I never hated HBC and I respect them greatly for restoring Jeff's benefits. I will continue to strike for a fair contract and can't wait to get back to work for a company that has done such a great thing. Thanks HBC
Posted by: A_Union_Member Location: Wichita on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:13 PM
That was a real nice gesture on behalf of the company. My prayers are with Jeff Hart and his family.
Posted by: a voice Location: Butler Co on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Who Cares what the intentions of HBC or the strikers, or the city or anyone elses were! These kids lost their father. NOTHING else should matter. I'm giving Jeff a voice! "It doesn't matter who's right or wrong, just take care of my kids"
Posted by: RYAN Location: Derby on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:08 PM
HBC is a business...they want to of course make a profit. They should fire all of the strikers and hire people that appreciate their job. The benefits are some of the best in town (perhaps not aircraft companies). If you don't like it...get an education and apply somewhere else. The strikers from what I have seen cannot think for themselves. The union tells them what to do. Good for the "scabs" leave them alone. They are just trying to take care of their families. The union members just want extra vacation so they can take it when they stay out too late the night before and get too drunk.
Posted by: Teri Location: Wichita on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:21 PM
You bunch are pathetic, Hawker did a wonderful thing, they didn't have to, but they did, and even though someone lost their life, you bunch and whinning and crying .... WHAT ABOUT ME.... See it only goes to show, all you care about is money, I think the lot of you need to get on your knees and ask for forgiveness for being so selfish, you all should be ashamed of yourselves.
Posted by: 88 Location: Salina on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:09 PM
I see the Company has stepped up and done something in the wake of this tragedy. What's the Union done?? HBC...Love It or Leave It!
Posted by: Sam Location: Kansas on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:33 PM
This was the right thing for the company to do. It may be a publicity stunt but in the end all that matters is that his children don't have to worry about financial problems. And they are the ones to be concerned about here. I'm sure they would rather have the opportunity to hear their father's voice and see his face again. And as a Boeing wife that has been through 3 strikes----you need to be somewhat prepared for this situation. You knew when the contract was up and when your checks would stop. I am all too aware of where we could be in a couple of weeks. Strike benefits and food boxes start 3 weeks after the strike starts. You should have been told that and been ready for this situation. We support all of the HBC strikers. But how many of you made these same comments about the greedy Boeing workers in past strikes? Now maybe you understand their position.
Posted by: abunch Location: Augusta on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Oh My GOSH!!For all of you that continue to bad mouth Hbc for the accident and for stepping up and taking care of this family...JUST DROP IT!! JUST STOP THE IDIOTIC BEHAVIOR! You're being disgusting in a time that this family needs to hear words of support. They don't need to hear your childish disgusting comments against Hbc for doing the honorable thing. Hbc looks at Jeff Hart as a part of the Hbc Family and they are trying to make things easier on this family. It isn't HBC's fault. It isn't the City's fault. It isn't the strikers fault. This was a horrible accident. HOW ABOUT NOT POSTING ANYTHING IF IT ISN'T A WORD OF SUPPORT TO JEFF HART'S FAMILY. I bet there would be a lot less comments on hear because everyone want to use this as a complaint post. JUST STOP!!!!! GOD BLESS THE HART FAMILY!!!
Posted by: union worker Location: ict on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:14 PM
this is to someone who cares. this strike had be a fiasco...the strike hq is nothing more than a hang out beside the unions bar..the signs we hold are in disrepair..and cant be seen due to the ink fading...why in the world was a huge rally held at 4.30 am..when any one in their right mind would be in bed....some one said the mangers came in early..bull hockey...and no food..they gave us a week of food and not another mention yet...the checks are being handed out on monday...guess where mine is going..straight to child suppport.and guess how much i pay a week..150....the check is 150..lol so that cancels out...i have paid about 3600 bucks in union dues...where does that money go??? and actually the company would not have to pay this man's family anything or they could have made the familty sue the company..in a way the union was probably hoping for a suit with the company so they could brag about how they fought to get them paid....
Posted by: RIP JEFF HART Location: ? on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:12 PM
he was my cousins uncle, please keep his kids in your prayers.
Posted by: ken Location: plant 4 on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:29 PM
Yes the company is so nice and generous. Bull, when the strike is over all of our benefits will be back dated to the day the strike started. All the company did was do this for him now instead of waiting until the strike is over, it costs them nothing, they are just hopping for good press. The problem is the poor lighting on Greenwich. A person I work with was hit by a truck back in the early 90's crossing the street on foot to be at work at 5 in the morning, he didn't die but still suffers problems from it. One more day.
Posted by: co-worker Location: wichita on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:16 PM
My heart goes out to the Hart family. I heard some rumors that "Juice" a union offical was damaging cars in line to go to work. If this is true the Union members should be out-raged. This conduct should not be tolerated and he should be removed from the union. I don't care if he is a plant chair. You wonder why so many people complain about unions. It's because of this kind of behavior.
Posted by: OMGosh!?!? Location: ICT on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Steve in Salina and Kansas, SHUT UP!!Respect the memory of Mr. Hart and panhandle the BS elsewhere. If you don't have ANYTHING to post about Mr. Hart's person, then post your Pro-Union crap on the other blogs. My family thoughts and prayers are with the Hart family and the driver of the truck during this VERY DIFFICULT time.
Posted by: Kristi Location: Wichita on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:41 PM
That was a very generous gift to the family, but I wonder if they would have given it back the family if he would have died elsewhere under different circumstances.
Posted by: friend Location: wichita on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:39 PM
We will all!, always mourn our Union Brother Jeff. But because HBC and alot of other companies have gotten out of hand with their greed. We will keep standing strong until they understand this is not Mexico, no matter how much they wished it was. So Jeff, my brother, we will keep you in our hearts while we are walking the lines, fighting for what You believed in. Thank God HBC opened their hearts for you, we all know its not often they do.
Posted by: Josh Location: Wichita on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:35 PM
OMG!! A man loses his life because he followed a bunch of cryers to battle. You union members really make me sick, we have to stand up to the big corporation my hind end! Kudo's to HBC for taking care of this man's family. But you strikers should be ashamed and your leaders too!! You can't even feed you workers, where are our dues going? I hope this man's life was worth your 3 hours of vacation and the extra .50 an hour you may or may not get. I hope they ship all your jobs to Mexico and you all end up flipping burgers somewhere for minimium wage. Union workers= The butt of the joke!!
Posted by: Grandma on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:34 PM
I think that is a wonderful decision by the company, and know the family must appreciate it in their time of loss.
Posted by: gf Location: wichita on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:26 PM
would not have happended if he was at work
Posted by: Kris on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Such a "greedy corporation". Thanks to Beech for taking the family into their arms. Hmmm wonder why the union and the FLCIO who caused this strike with junk talk, aren't jumping in to care for that family. My thoughts with the family and I hope the Beech benefits help you get through this nightmare.
Posted by: Someone who cares Location: Wichita on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:14 PM
As the wife of a union member, I feel the accident yesterday should a wakeup call to the Union members. This strike has been totally disorganized from the beginning. Not only was a life accidently taken yesterday on stretch of road with no lighting but the union office is out of food for their union members. It is sad when a union member with small children has dedicated the last two week to the strike but when he needed assistance from the union in regards to food for his children, the union was unable to provide him assistance. Several members need assistance with mediations, utility bills, and etc… As a member you paid approximately $25 a month, $300 a year times that by 4500 members equal one million three hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year to the union. You as members should be asking, where are your union dues really going?
Posted by: Striker Location: HBC on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Kudos to HBC!
Posted by: Steve Location: Salina on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:02 PM
HBC is only using this to try to make themselves look better. The company knows that this is more their fault than they want to admit. Like I have said before I love my job at HBC but we still have to stand up to the money hungry corporation. The loss of Jeff is a tragedy and it should never had happened, but the fact is it did. HBC needs to get over themselves and quit trying to starve us out and give us a decent contract. All you people that think we are a bunch of overpaid crybabies, what are you going to say when Boeing goes on strike?? They make more than WE do.... But us strikers are the bad guys. You people that are complaining about us needs to maybe stand up for yourselves once in awhile. We are winning this fight with HBC and we need to stand out as long as it takes..... I am a single father and I am still staying out, ONE DAY LONGER!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Yes, they are just the nicest.
Posted by: kansas on Aug 19, 2008 at 04:59 PM
mr harts family are in our thoughts and prayers, but dont like HBC fool you. They have no choice but to do this. If he worked anyday (friday) before the strike he has bennefits for the next 30days. They are just trying to look like the good guys. But im glad his family has piece of mind knowing they have this.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Now that is very cool that HBC did that. Guess they aren't such a cold hearted company as everyone says they are. My prayers are with the family, and now that his benefits are restored his family can have a little bit of a weight lifed off of them.
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