When representatives of a majority of IP locals met in five cities over the past two months for the USW Building Power program, they participated in training to strengthen local power so we can stand strong in dealings with IP.
International staff conducted the two-day work sessions at Matteson, Ill.; Concord, N.C.; Schenectady, N.Y.; Birmingham, Al., and Shreveport, La., bringing the classes closer to the locals to reduce costs for them. Another training lass will be held Sept. 8-9 in Winter Haven, Fla.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Convert the Contract for the Converters
The focus now is on the converters.
A year ago when the bargaining committee met with the council, they agreed to work toward a master agreement for the mills first, then move immediately to secure an agreement for the converters.
All efforts are now focused on securing a deal for the converter workers since a new bargaining relationship has been established between the USW and IP.
There is general understanding of basic differences between converter locals and mill locals, but it is clear that improvements at the converter plants are necessary, as soon as possible.
USW Local 1055 President Sharon Brooks of Ft. Wayne, Ind., said, “If we want an acceptable converter deal with IP, we’re going to need to demonstrate to the company through Union Solidarity that we are determined and all in this together. Everybody needs to get on board if we are going to make the most of this opportunity.”
A year ago when the bargaining committee met with the council, they agreed to work toward a master agreement for the mills first, then move immediately to secure an agreement for the converters.
All efforts are now focused on securing a deal for the converter workers since a new bargaining relationship has been established between the USW and IP.
There is general understanding of basic differences between converter locals and mill locals, but it is clear that improvements at the converter plants are necessary, as soon as possible.
USW Local 1055 President Sharon Brooks of Ft. Wayne, Ind., said, “If we want an acceptable converter deal with IP, we’re going to need to demonstrate to the company through Union Solidarity that we are determined and all in this together. Everybody needs to get on board if we are going to make the most of this opportunity.”
Historic Agreement Approved
United Steelworkers members at the mills voted overwhelmingly on Aug. 23 to approve the first master agreement with International Paper in 25 years, demonstrating the strength of our solidarity.
The vote follows a meeting in Nashville earlier in August, where the majority of local officers who listened to the team that bargained the master contract said they’d recommend it to their membership.
Top USW officers and staff were on hand for discussions and questions, illustrating the importance the International union places on gaining a fair deal at IP.
USW Vice President Dick LaCosse said, “What’s important is the package as a whole.” The package includes a competitive PPO health care plan that no longer allows the 5% per year unilateral changes and marches us toward our intended goal of IP paying 80% of the premium costs in four years. It contains the first ever company-paid contribution into an early retirement health care fund for workers 50 and older, and it establishes what is virtually the highest-in-the-industry pension multiplier for current workers. Strong successorship language is included to protect us if our facilities are sold.
It was noted at the Nashville meeting that the strong support of local union members and leaders for the bargaining committee made IP sit down with us as a council, which is a significant victory.
LaCosse reminded council members, “Those who came before us left it better for us. We have a responsibility to leave it in better shape for those who come after us.”
USW Local 9-738 President Randall Childs from Riegelwood, NC said, “This is a step forward for workers at the 14 mills. It proves that we can get a better deal for the people when we join together and support each other. Now, we need to show that this is a joint effort between the primary mill workers and the converter workers, too.”
The vote follows a meeting in Nashville earlier in August, where the majority of local officers who listened to the team that bargained the master contract said they’d recommend it to their membership.
Top USW officers and staff were on hand for discussions and questions, illustrating the importance the International union places on gaining a fair deal at IP.
USW Vice President Dick LaCosse said, “What’s important is the package as a whole.” The package includes a competitive PPO health care plan that no longer allows the 5% per year unilateral changes and marches us toward our intended goal of IP paying 80% of the premium costs in four years. It contains the first ever company-paid contribution into an early retirement health care fund for workers 50 and older, and it establishes what is virtually the highest-in-the-industry pension multiplier for current workers. Strong successorship language is included to protect us if our facilities are sold.
It was noted at the Nashville meeting that the strong support of local union members and leaders for the bargaining committee made IP sit down with us as a council, which is a significant victory.
LaCosse reminded council members, “Those who came before us left it better for us. We have a responsibility to leave it in better shape for those who come after us.”
USW Local 9-738 President Randall Childs from Riegelwood, NC said, “This is a step forward for workers at the 14 mills. It proves that we can get a better deal for the people when we join together and support each other. Now, we need to show that this is a joint effort between the primary mill workers and the converter workers, too.”
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