The members of UE Local 690 ratified a new five-year contract on May 27. The workers, employed by Kenson Plastics, produce plastic components and fixtures for sectors ranging from the aerospace to medical industries. The new agreement includes hourly wage increases of $1.45 in the first year and $1.00 in each of the remaining four years. Fabricators, which make up the majority of the local’s membership, will receive an additional $1.10 per hour with completion of four years of service.
The local gained a paid holiday each year (day after July 5 or New Year’s Eve, depending on year) and workers will also earn increased vacation days with 11 years or more of seniority.
“Getting more paid time off means our members will have more time to spend with their families. We feel good about that,” said President Jeff Cousins.
The bargaining committee held meetings on the shop floor periodically to encourage member involvement and provide regular updates on negotiations.
“I’m glad that we met frequently as a membership during bargaining,” said Recording Secretary Maralee Kumar. “It allowed for open communication between the committee and rank-and-file.”
In another big win, health insurance plans and out-of-pocket costs will remain the same during the entirety of the agreement. Employee health insurance premiums will be frozen for its duration with a stipulation that the company can only increase premiums if they exceed 20 percent in total cost for a given year and upon negotiating a cost-share agreement with the union. Importantly, the local retains its right to arbitrate related premium disputes.
“Preventing additional healthcare costs means our wage increases will go in our pockets instead of those of an insurance company,” commented Chief Steward Rich Krohe. “That was a big win for us.”
The membership achieved improvements on key workplace dignity issues. Specifically, new language will be added to the contract preventing the company from forcing workers to exhaust paid time off while on an approved leave, such as FMLA. The company will also no longer require proof of death for employees to qualify for paid funeral leave.
The new contract includes no concessions.
“I think we can feel good with the gains we made and am proud that we got the best agreement we could,” concluded Vice President Joseph “JoeBob” Smith.
The union bargaining committee consisted of President Jeff Cousins, Vice President Joseph “JoeBob” Smith, Chief Steward Rich Krohe, and Recording Secretary Maralee Kumar. The local was assisted by International Representative Ben Wilson. UE Research Director Karl Zimmerman also provided support during negotiations.