The approximately 100 members of UE Local 250 have ratified a new five-year contract with their employer, Hertz. Local 250 members drive Hertz rental cars between the company distribution center at Boston’s Logan airport and dozens of satellite locations throughout New England.
The membership won a 10.3 percent increase in the first year. This is the largest increase they’ve ever received, and comes mostly from adjustments to the calculation of base trip rates, with an immediate increase in average earnings from $21.81 to $24 an hour. In each of the following four years, members will receive two-percent pay increases. The members also made several improvements to contract language on drug testing, limiting post-accident testing, protecting employees from no-fault testing, and providing for pay while employees are awaiting test results. In addition, the seniority roster will now be updated on a monthly basis, and the company must provide at least 12 hours notice when making changes to shift times.
The UE Local 250 negotiating committee consisted of stewards Walter Carbone, Joe Merlina, Skip Murray, and Paul Tremblay, and members Jonny Arevalo, Danny Digianvittorio, Carlos Fernandez, and Delia Ochoa. They were assisted by Field Organizer Wayne Morrison and International Representative Zachary Knipe.