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| The UE Local 243 negotiating committee at Sargent Manufacturing. Seated, left to right: Chief Steward Wayne Morrison, Anna Tondalo, Vice President Chris Fiorentino, Sylvia Davis, President Ray Pompano. Standing, left to right: Butch Santore, Tom Russo, John Cronan, Andy Vissicchio, Steve Saunders, Rich Guarino and Tony Izzo. |
Members of UE Local 243 at Sargent Manufacturing ratified a new contract, 243 to 36 early Wednesday morning at a mass meeting. Under the new contract wages will increase 6.5 percent over three years, benefits under the defined benefit pension plan will increase, and the union was able to maintain the 100 percent health insurance plan. The plan pays first dollar on medical claims without any deductibles.
"Keeping our 100 percent health insurance plan was one of our main items on the table, and we were fortunate in being able to hold onto that," said Local 243 Chief Steward Wayne Morrison. "We were able to maintain it with a minimum increase in weekly contributions of $5."
Vice President Chris Fiorentino added, "We had an excellent negotiating committee of 12 people whose average length of service is thirty years. We didn't get a tentative agreement with the company until 1:30 this morning (March 10), but then we were able to accomplish a fair contract that improves our wages and benefits and also provides future stability to the company."
Local 243 President Ray Pompano thanked the union bargaining committee and membership. "Once again the members of UE Local 243 showed the company that we are united we will never be divided." The local represents over 350 members who manufacture high-end locks, door hardware and security devices.
There will be more on the new Sargent contract in the next UE NEWS.