IP Union News--January 2009

IP Conference using new technology to build unity

USW-represented workers at International Paper mills and converters around the country are strengthening their ability to communicate with each other quickly and effectively, using everything from the newest technologies to good old fashion word-of-mouth. Local IP union leaders were pleased with the results of a recent test of a new “blast text message” system to be used if we all need to learn about and/or act upon issues of importance. In addition, International Vice President Jon Geenen and IP Bargaining Conference Chair Stan Johnson are organizing in late January a “National Conference Call for the Bargaining Conference @ IP” as another possible way to keep members of each local union informed and involved. And many local unions are strengthening their in-shop communications network to put in the hands of each union member newsletters, handbills and other printed material at the job site. Conference members and leaders are committed to using whatever vehicle that works to build a stronger Union Conference @ IP!

Arden Hills IP workers glad for contract extension
At IP’s Arden Hills, Minnesota converter plant, formerly a Weyerhaeuser facility until purchased by IP in August of 2008, a Local 264 Negotiating Team member wrote the following letter:

I want to send a special thanks to the USW and the IP Union Conference leadership for bargaining and drafting the one year contract extension framework agreement for former Weyerhaeuser locations with our new owner International Paper. The extension our membership ratified by an 80% margin maintained all current language and overtime premiums, secured our current Health and Welfare Plans, gave us a 2% general wage increase and added $1.00 to our defined benefit pension multiplier. Our membership understood the economic conditions in the fall of 2008 was not the best time to be entering into collective bargaining with a company we are not use to dealing with, knowing, or having dealt with in the past. This one year extension gives members of our local, the IP conference and the USW a full year to prepare for and to know what to expect from IP as we enter into full collective bargaining in the fall or 2009. Again thank you USW.

In Solidarity
Dave Saeger
#264 Negotiations Committee

Union workers in better shape to deal with economic downturns
As the news about current economic problems continues to come in, it’s important to remember that working people who are protected by a union contract are in a much more secure position than those who don’t have a union to back them up. Union-represented workers have earned legal bargaining rights with management, preventing unilateral changes in agreed-upon wages, benefits and other conditions of employment. Union workers have a legal, binding contract for their labor. Non-union workers have no such guarantees, even to have a voice in process. The only thing non-union workers can hope to “hang their hat on” in tough economic times is favoritism and kissing up to the boss in order to get ahead.