With a unified and informed membership, UE Local 279 won a new contract from Trillium Valves (formerly Weir Valves and Controls) that eliminates the previous contract’s two-tier wage structure and provides solid wage gains.
Chief Steward Jay Gallant provided multiple updates every day through a private Facebook group that included the entire membership, and several members attended the final day of negotiations as observers. Keeping the members informed, combined with members’ willingness to challenge bosses on the shop floor, paid real dividends at the bargaining table.
Ratified in November, the new four-year contract includes wage increases of 4, 2.5, 2.5 and 3 percent. It also includes substantial immediate wage increases (between 9 and 13 percent) for members not yet at the maximum wage rates.
The local made no concessions. The employer attempted to scrap the 401(k) match, eliminate the contractual employer contribution to medical insurance, and significantly erode bumping rights by exempting machinists from being bumped by more senior employees in the case of a layoff. Local 279 gave them nothing and rolled back some previous concessions to boot.
The local won new effects bargaining language in several areas of the contract: when management rights are exercised; when new machines or equipment is brought into the shop; or when the employer makes changes to benefits. They also reduced maximum mandatory overtime requirements from 15 to 10 hours per week, secured a 10 percent wage premium for maintenance mechanics who wire valves, and got language requiring equitable opportunities for training and cross-training.
The Local 279 negotiating committee consisted of President Steve Chabot, Chief Steward Jay Gallant, and Grievance Committee member James Cahill. They were assisted by International Representative Zachary Knipe.