UE Local 622 concluded negotiations with French multinational Saint-Gobain on May 23. Their new three-year contract provides wage increases of between $1.08 and $1.25 per hour in the first year, with additional increases in years two and three of between 45 and 65 cents each year. The contract also includes improvements in retirement, short term disability, shift differential, and eight-hour shift scheduling flexibility. While the company demanded numerous significant concessions, Local 622 fought back and rejected them across the board.
Two weeks into negotiations, management announced that the plant has been sold to the Japanese multinational Shinagawa Refractories — prompting the local to push to significantly improve the “successor and assigns” language in the contract which protects unions rights in the event of a sale to a new owner.
The Local 622 negotiating committee consisted of President Joe Mowery, Vice President Ed Guzik, Recording Secretary Kevin Harshorn, and Chief Steward Bill Meager. They were assisted by Eastern Region President George Waksmunski.
The Local 622 negotiating committee gives their new contract a “thumbs up.” Left to right: President Joe Mowery. Recording Secretary Kevin Harshorn, Vice President Ed Guzik, and Chief Steward Bill Meager.