Union Tells Management: Everyone Deserves A Fair Raise
At negotiations this week we discussed raises, insurance, vacations and staffing. Co-op management’s wage proposal would raise wages for many employees at the bottom of the wage scale. But, it would also freeze wages for almost half of the bargaining unit in the first year of the contract.
We made it clear that there is no way that the Union will accept a proposal that doesn’t offer a reasonable wage increase to everyone in the bargaining unit. While we acknowledge the need to drastically raise salaries for entry-level positions, this can’t be done by punishing more experienced employees.
To this end, the Union gave management a proposal that would incorporate management’s proposed wage scale, but would also guarantee all employees a fair wage increase. We believe this is a reasonable compromise and we await a response from management at our next bargaining session.
We agreed to contract language requiring management to take reasonable steps to maintain our current insurance carrier and benefits, and that gives the union a voice in the insurance renewal process. We also agreed to language that requires management to negotiate with the union if insurance costs are projected to rise more than 10%.
Our next bargaining session is March 3.
Reminder: Meetings to Vote on the Contract: Monday, March 16
We will hold three meetings to vote on our contract on Monday, March 16. Only union members will be allowed to participate. You can sign a union card at the meeting or by asking your steward in advance of the meeting. You must be present at the meeting to vote on the contract.
These meetings will take place on Monday March 16 at the following times and places:
- 10 a.m. at Crucible (3116 Commercial Ave.)
- 3 p.m. at 301 Harbour Town Dr. (1st floor function room)
- 8 p.m. at the Social Justice Center (1202 Williamson St.
We don’t want to strike...but let's get prepared just in case!
Tomorrow, February 27th from 7-9 p.m. at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center (953 Jenifer St), former elected UE officer Frank Emspak, of WORT’s Madison Labor Radio, will be conducting a training on how to pull off a successful strike. You are encouraged to attend and learn so we can be prepared for all eventualities in the coming weeks. This training is open to all. RSVP by e-mailing dsamadison@gmail.com