Sisters and Brothers
Today, your Union Negotiating committee met with the company
negotiating committee. In attendance at the opening ceremony for the Union was
General Vice President of Headquarters, Bob Martinez, and General Vice
President of the Southern Territory, Mark Blondin. The message delivered to the
company by them was "the Union will not go backwards. We need to preserve our
wages, benefits and working conditions and implement the IAM Pension Plan for
our members".
Initial proposals were exchanged with your Union's proposal
reflecting the wishes of the membership derived from your surveys.
The company presented its proposals, which were asking for
"extreme concessions" from the Union. These concessions struck at the
heart of our most strongly held beliefs; seniority, benefits, working
conditions and wages.
Keep in mind that this is only the company's opening
proposal, so more time is needed to
determine the company's actual course of direction.
Your Union committee will continue to work on its proposals
and review the proposals passed by the company today. Negotiations with the
company will resume on Wednesday, August 21st at 9 am. Check back on the blog
at approximately 6 pm Wednesday for further updates. Please keep in mind that
there will be no further updates until then.
In Solidarity
Your Negotiating Committee
