Hello Sisters and Brothers,
I would like to start off by thanking all the members of the negotiating team for all the hard work and time they put into getting the members a good contract, while not every issue was resolved, there were many that the team worked tirelessly to ensure that the proposal sent to the membership was a very good one.
The contract that was ratified by a majority vote of the membership ensures that we will all receive good raises and benefits for the next 5 years and it is the highest in the 3rd district and the highest we as local 1600 members have ever seen. Health care is still a point of contention with the cost rising for all aspects of the work force in almost every industry, we will continue to seek out better plans and lower costs for members.
At this time, we are actively working to resolve the grievances that were brought on by the company taking members vacation and mini in lieu of approving time off with no pay when members have run out of sick time.
We are also working on the many outstanding arbitration’s that are still pending and awaiting dates.
We are dealing with the issues of employees not receiving the correct rate of pay for promotions with more than 5 years company service per the CBA. This issue will be resolved after the retro-pay for the new contract is completed. Following that, the corrections for the step increases for the promotions will be corrected.
We are also correcting the pay rate for a displaced employee that was on a pay taper for the new position and has achieved a step promotion within the new line.
We are also working on the many issues of the shortage of staffing within the work force which is a consistent issue within all the companies we service.
We are continuing to work at addressing the many issues with discipline being doled out without due thought and consideration for the issue.
I would also like to mention and thank the membership for the good turn out with the contract vote. It shows great strength when the participation and returns are in the high percentages. These are topics that will have lasting effects on the future of our local and future for our family’s
Any questions you may have feel free to reach out to a steward ,chief steward or a business rep.
In Solidarity,
Ron Webb
