Frankilin Park, IL
Local 151 ratified a new contract on October 1 with Aetna Ball Bearing including yearly wage increases of 3 percent, which translates to hourly increase ranging from 50 to 90 cents in the first year, and more in subsequent years. The new agreement freezes worker healthcare costs, increases the pension, and improves job security.
Workers will keep their weekly contributions toward health insurance at the existing rate of $25 for the three-year term of the contract. The company is switching to a new Blue Cross HMO plan, but the company will not be permitted to change insurance companies again for the duration of the contract.
The union won increases in employer contribution to the defined contribution pension plan which will average 16 percent over three years. The plan requires annual company contributions which are based on the worker’s age, with four age categories. In the third year, those yearly contributions will range from $875 for workers younger than 35 to $1,975 for workers over 59. The union was able to maintain early retirement at age 63 1/2 with insurance, for which up to four members will be eligible over the next three years.
Weekly sickness and accident pay is significantly improved from the existing $375 to $425 the first year, $450 the second year, and $475 the third year. Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance are increased by $2,000 in the first year and by $1,000 in both the second and third years, bringing this benefit to $44,000 by the third year.
The contract contains strong language that prevents most subcontracting, with a partial exception for the rough machining of steel rings imported from China. Finish machining on all surfaces of these parts must be done by Local 151 members, unless (in the old contract) total ring production falls below 750,000 per year. This language was improved in the new contract to lower that threshold 400,000. This is a stronger guarantee that this work will continue to be performed by UE members.
“We did pretty good,” says Local 151 President Cliff Hall. “It was fast, too – bargaining took less than a month.” Hall says the members “were very happy, and they were surprised how well we did. They didn’t hesitate – the vote was unanimous.”
The union bargaining committee consisted of Cliff Hall, Chief Steward Manuel Walker, and Ernie Lewis. They were assisted by UE Field Organizer Leah Fried.