A few weeks after settling its contract with Republic Windows & Doors, UE Local 1110 has also reached agreement on a new contract with Ruan Logistics, Republic’s trucking contractor.
The new three-year contract raises the mileage rates for over-the-road (OTR) drivers and hourly rates for local drivers, and defeats a company effort to introduce lower pay tiers. Pay for top tier OTR drivers will increase from 52 cents per mile to 53 ½ cents; second tier drivers will be raised from 47 cents to 48 ½ cents per mile. New drivers will start at 44 cents, but be raised to 48 ½ in the third year.
Local drivers’ hourly pay will be increase by 85 cents over three years, with an additional $200 quarterly safety bonus for every quarter in which a driver has no accidents. Healthcare coverage remains unchanged for the term of the new contract. Drivers also won a complete “clean slate” removing all of past discipline upon ratification.
The drivers’ contract struggle was actively supported by Local 1110 members who work for Republic. Some 40 Republic workers marched on the Ruan office in mid-May to show their support for the truck drivers.
Local 1110’s bargaining committee at Ruan consisted of Chief Steward Richard Pierce, Steward Carlos Velez, and Fernando Sanchez. They were assisted by UE Field Organizer Leah Fried.