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.”