The
Company and Union continue to meet to discuss issues and exchange
proposals, as negotiations progress. While it is still too early
to predict the final outcome, all subcommittees, as well as the
Main Table or Corporate Committee are meeting on a regular basis.The two sides are working through the smaller items before tackling the main economic issues, which will be addressed in round-the-clock bargaining. Many ideas and proposals have been traded across the table, and agreement has been reached in several areas.
Beginning August 5th, the Main Table and all four subcommittees will meet daily. This stepped up pace begins earlier than previous bargaining sessions.
District President Mark Blondin reported, "The Union felt it was important to begin the intensive, more focused bargaining even before we enter round-the-clock sessions. Basically, the entire month of August is dedicated entirely to contract negotiations and addressing our members' issues."
Blondin added, "There are literally hundreds of issues that must be resolved before we deliver a proposal to the membership. While these items may seem trivial to some, they are extremely important to those affected. Every proposal reflects a concern that members have identified."
During the last week of July the Main Table discussed issues such as overtime, which has become more prominent after recent layoffs. The Union presented an extensive proposal to address overtime issues members have identified, which include eliminating mandatory overtime on Sunday, reducing overtime limits in a quarter, requiring 24-hour notice for mandatory overtime and many other proposals. Shop floor meetings with business reps have highlighted overtime concerns of members. Work shifts and hours were also been discussed in recent Main Table sessions.
The Jobs Subcommittee has been reviewing the zero and/or minimally populated jobs, as well as awaiting a response from the Company on Union proposed changes to Article 13.
During the week of July 22nd, the Benefits Subcommittee provided an indepth explanation of Union proposals and clarified the intent of the language. The "fine print" of the health care, disability, voluntary investment plan and retirement plans were discussed at length.
The Workforce Subcommittee has focused on Article 22 with discussions on surplussing procedures, recall rights, lateral transfers, downgrade rights and retentions.