Members of Local 329 ratified a three-year contract with Kennedy Valve on May 31. The contract includes the second-highest raises they have seen — a 15 percent wage increase over the life of the contract. They will also stay on their existing insurance, after a fight when the company pushed to switch their plan. Restrictions on the boss's ability to impose mandatory overtime are among the most significant gains.
Local 329 members discuss the tentative agreement prior to the ratification vote.
This win came after the members wore “eight hour Fridays” shirts to negotiations. Local 329 has been fighting for improved weekend scheduling for years. In this contract, they won language limiting required overtime work on the weekends and language requiring all Friday overtime be voluntary starting February 2026.
Another major point of contention was the company’s demand to move workers to a new insurance policy. Ten days before the old contract expired, the members voted to strike since there was no movement on insurance from the company.
Local 329 President Bud Decker said, “The day before the last day [of bargaining], we really thought we would be going on strike because of the insurance.” However, after the strike vote took place, real movement occurred and the company agreed to keep the health plan the members wanted.
“This contract was voted unanimously,” said Decker. “The members were pleasantly happy and as a committee, we felt that we did the best that we could and didn't leave anything on the table, so we feel good about it.”
Other wins in the contract include increased company contributions to the 401(k) plans, a five dollar increase to the pension in the first year, increased stipends for washing work equipment, better protection and pay if there is a partial facility closure, and increases to the shift differential and longevity & retention pay.
“Our whole committee was huge in this and I'm proud of every one of them,” said Decker. “We were a democratic committee and they did a great job. This is the second best contract that's ever been at Kennedy Valve."
The Local 329 negotiating committee consisted of Local President William (Bud) Decker, Vice President Alonzo Roberson, Secretary Treasurer Missy McCann, Chief Steward Doug Martin, and Chief Steward Mark Benjamin. They were assisted by retired UE Director of Organization Gene Elk.