USA Machinists Ratify Contract

IAM&AW Local Lodge 2061 members employed by United Space Alliance ratified a three year contract, Saturday.

Graves/Reid Family Benefit

Parking lot between the Catfish Cabin & Louis's Bar-B-Que Shack, Mims

Saturday, August 28th

8am to 2pm

Pulled Pork Sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw, lemonade & sweet tea

Bake sale and Raffle

This family lost its' home and an 18 month old child in a fire

Contact: George Newman 321 863-9183

IAM / USA Contract Ratification Vote

Saturday, August 28th

Moose Lodge, Merritt Island

SR 3 near the Barge Canal

Start at 9:00 am

Please arrive early so we can be signed in and seated by 9:00

Google Map to Moose Lodge

IAM / USA Negotiations / Thursday

The Union and company met again today with discussion focusing on economic proposals. We have made no progress on those issues you told us were important to you. Barring some discovery of conscience by the company, the Union's committee does not anticipate any movement on the key issues. It's quite likely we will be voting on the most regressive, concessionary contract ever offered by any company in the history of KSC. Lest you think it's just Union members that this company is abandoning- be aware-this company is imposing these same unconscionable economics on all their employees. So much for loyalty.

Undoubtably, the issue that has aroused the most concern among our members is the termination of the pension plan. We have heard rumors ranging from payout of pennies on the dollar to no payout at all. We are told that our pension monies are reasonably protected. Payout will be determined by actuarial reviews done on the plan's benefit worth conducted by an independent firm. If necessary, the Union has the right to challenge those findings. It is our understanding that the annuity option typically results in benefits paid close to the level that would have been paid had the plan not terminated. The lump sum payout is less certain but we understand there is not a great loss with this option, either. There are no guarantees but this is the best estimation at this time.

The negotiating committee recognizes how difficult this period has been for our members. We assure you, we will endeavor to improve the company's final offer.

Negotiations Continue

The Union and company negotiating committees met again today and continued to work through economic proposals. There has been absolutely no movement from the company on the issues most important to our members. The company's proposals related to Retirement Plan termination, employee health care contributions, levels of health care coverage, sick leave policy, no raise in the first year and reduction of holidays remain unchanged. They have shown no willingness to bargain these proposals. Wednesday's adjournment left the two sides very far apart. We will meet again Thursday morning.

IAM / USA Negotiations

The parties met today, continuing discussion of economic proposals. We are still far apart on most significant issues. We will meet again tomorrow morning as we work toward the scheduled Friday conclusion.

Bob Hibdon Passes Away

Brother Bob Hibdon, long time member of Local Lodge 2061 passed away today. Bob was a Machinist in the LES prior to his retirement. Our prayers are with Jimmy and all the Hibdon family.

IAM / USA Exchange Economic Proposals

The Union and company exchanged economic proposals today. Your negotiating committee submitted a wide-ranging package which we felt was a basis to begin reasonable discussion and best reflected the needs you had expressed in the contract surveys. The company responded with the most regressive, concessionary contract proposal ever in this Union's history at KSC. We felt you should have some idea of what was proposed by the company. The following is not all of the company's demands but is representative of their economic proposal;

No raise in the first year

No participation in EIP Plan

Termination of the Retirement Plan (choice of annuity or lump sum payout option)

Termination of the IAM National Pension Fund 401K Plan

Termination of company participation in the IAM Dental Plan

Reduction in the basic life insurance

Elimination of $105.00 per week short term disability Basic Core Plan

Dramatic increases in employee contribution to health care plan (USASO levels)

Decreases in level of coverage in medical care plan (USASO levels)

Reduction in annual holidays (elimination of Christmas Break)

Reduction in annual sick days (USASO levels)

No recall rights for those requesting a voluntary layoff

Consolidation of Machinist, Sheet Metal and Welder classifications

Your negotiating committee will continue to review the company's proposals and determine an appropriate response.

Conclusion of First Week of Negotiations

The IAM & USA negotiating teams concluded the first week of talks with both sides having some non-economic issues still to be resolved. The parties will meet again Monday morning and move into the economic portion of the contract. The Union is committed to finalizing an agreement to bring for a vote of the membership on Saturday, August 28th. Enjoy your weekend.

Your Negotiating Team

IAM / USA Contract Ratification Vote

The contract ratification vote for members working for USA is scheduled for Saturday, August 28th. It will be held at the Merritt Island Moose Lodge located on North Courtney Parkway (SR3) near the Barge Canal. The contract presentation will begin at 9:00 am. Please plan on arriving early so everyone can get signed in and seated by 9:00.

IAM / USA Negotiations Day 4

Local Lodge 2061 and USA negotiators met again today. Significant progress was made on non-economic issues. The two sides will continue to negotiate as we work toward a scheduled conclusion of negotiations on Friday, August 27th.

IAM / USA Negotiations Day 3

Representatives of Local Lodge 2061 and United Space Alliance met for the third consecutive day. The two sides continue to progress through non-economic proposals as they work toward a scheduled Friday conclusion to non-economic issues. They will reconvene Thursday morning.

IAM / USA Negotiations Day 2

Representatives from Local Lodge 2061 and USA met again today. Discussion continued on non-economic proposals. The two sides will meet again Wednesday.

IAM/USA Begin Contract Negotiations

Representatives from the IAM&AW and United Space Alliance opened contract negotiations today. The Union and Company established the ground rules for talks and exchanged initial non-economic proposals. The two sides will resume discussions on Tuesday.

Brother Rick Thompson Passes

Ricky Thompson passed away Saturday afternoon. Our prayers are with Sue and the Family. Details will be posted when they become available.

USA-IAM Member Strike Sanction Vote Results

Today the membership has shown strong solidarity for the Negotiating Comittee's goal of securing a fair and equitable contact. The Negotiating Committee would like to thank the membership for their overwhelming support during the sanction vote. Negotiations are scheduled to start August 16th, more information will be posted here in the coming weeks.

Regular Membership Meeting Tuesday August 3rd.

Regular membership meeting tonight at 4:30PM at the District Hall. Hope to see you there.

USA-IAM Member Strike Sanction Vote

The strike sanction vote for members employed by United Space Alliance will be conducted Tuesday, August 3 at the hall. This vote is required by the IAM Constitution prior to commencement of negotiations. The polls will be open from 8am until 6pm.