June 12, 2007
Bargaining Update: 06.12.07
We took another step ahead in bargaining in the session Tuesday June 12th, reaching a tentative agreement on a series of job-security measures that will provide a better cushion for people hit by outsourcing.
Our successes in this area are the result of everyone's determination to stand together and insist on a quality contract. In the weeks to come, we will be turning to even tougher issues, including pay, medical premiums, drug costs and retiree health benefits. Our ability to achieve further progress will depend heavily on our continued unity and our willingness to stand up for ourselves.
On job security, we won an extra four weeks' severance pay for people who leave due to outsourcing. In addition, a special retraining allowance for layoffs due to automation was extended for the first time to layoffs for outsourcing, and it was boosted to $12,000 from $10,000. The company also will give IAPE advance notification of any outsourcing plans and will consult with us on ways to minimize the damage. People will be given clear notice of the date when they will leave, so that they will not have to remain on the job, training successors for an indefinite time in order to receive severance.
The company also abandoned a proposal it had made that would have seriously diluted our seniority protection.
Negotiations were tough and we didn't get everything we asked for. But these changes represent important real-world benefits for us all.
Now we turn to health and wages. More than ever, we need to stand together and show our unity.
As always, please pass on your comments and suggestions.
Steve Yount
President
Jim Browning
Bargaining Committee Chair
IAPE CWA 1096