Spokane Members Say Yes!

Relief characterized the mood as 75 percent of the members in Spokane voted to accept the first contract with Triumph Group Inc. on January 6.

For over a year, members in Spokane have lived with uncertainty over whether or not the plant would remain open. Our members made the decision to keep this plant open by overwhelmingly ratifying the first contract.

Immediately after learning Triumph was the buyer in late November, the Union surveyed the members and began an accelerated negotiation pace to ensure the purchase went through. The high percentage approving the contract confirmed members were eager to finalize the deal and go to work for a company that plans to expand and grow.

Spokane member Doug Parker, echoed the sentiments many members expressed, and stated, "I was not happy with Boeing selling the Spokane plant. With the soft economy and the alternative that Boeing would close the doors, I was impressed with the contract the Union negotiating team brought to us. They did a fantastic job."

As District President Mark Blondin, Secretary-Treasurer Bruce Spalding and Business Rep Craig McClure walked through the factory on the day the sale was finalized, one member made a point of stopping them to say, "I was never a big fan of the Union, but I want to say thank you. It was reassuring to know we had someone watching out for our interests. You did a great job and turned me into a Union supporter."

The Union Negotiating Team consisted of District President Mark Blondin, Secretary-Treasurer Bruce Spalding, Business Reps Craig McClure, Larry Monger and Tommy Wilson, Administrative Assistant Ron McGaha, and Steward Coordinator Ed Lutgen. Together they hammered out an agreement that delivered strong job security and seniority provisions, a greatly improved pension, wages between $21 and $25 an hour, and the establishment of a profit-sharing plan (click here for details of the contract).

"It was a difficult vote for our members," said 751 President Mark Blondin when he announced results of the vote. "When we began negotiating with Triumph, our top priority was keeping this plant open and preserving jobs for our members. This agreement accomplished that and is one we intend to build on for the future."

While Triumph was adamant they would only pay top Spokane wages, which translated into wage concessions, the Union worked to increase compensation in other areas such as pension, job security, and creating a new profit-sharing plan that will be developed in the next 180 days. Boeing had warned if the contract was rejected, Triumph would walk away from the purchase and Boeing would shut down the Spokane factory.

"Some of the members wanted me to call their bluff, but there is no way I could take that kind of risk with the livelihoods of 300 families," Blondin said.

District 751 focused on saving as many jobs as possible and brokered an agreement that hired 90 percent of the Spokane employees. SPEEA, on the other hand, focused on maintaining market-based pay and saw only 70 percent of their members hired at Triumph.

While the question of whether the plant remains open is settled, working for a new employer automatically causes some anxiety as people adjust to the new company and work through their questions.

Erin Blashill, whose husband is also a member at the plant, noted, "People really wanted these jobs and appreciate the Union's work to keep the plant open. Now that the sale is done, there is apprehension about how the new company will work, but overall people are relieved to know it will remain open. We want to know how Triumph will bring work in and go forward from today. We expected cuts in the contract, but were pleased that our benefits remain intact and are better in some regards - particularly with getting the IAM pension."

"In 4-1/2 years, I believe we will be in a better bargaining position at that time and ask to get that back," Erin added.

Member Ken Winn stated, "I am still working and that is the best alternative we could get. Triumph is talking of the growth potential we will have in the future. I hope that the future has more jobs."

Another important contract provision dictates that current laid-off Boeing Spokane employees are on a three-year preferential hiring list, which is good news for Wendy Pardun who was laid-off in 2001. Wendy helped count the ballots and was pleased it was accepted. She noted, "I hope this contract gives me a second chance - if Triumph grows and expands like they say."

Even after formal negotiations concluded, the Union continued pushing for additional benefits. On January 17, the Union got agreement that 751 members who are now working at Triumph are entitled to three years of QTTP Education Assistance benefits ­ in essence, the same package that laid-off Boeing employees receive.

While not all employees were happy with the agreement, most agreed it was acceptable and were eager to work for a Company that wants to expand. Dave Saugen noted, "While we went backward in some areas, I feel this could be a new beginning for us. Unlike Boeing, Triumph wants to build the plant. We will show Triumph what type of workforce we can be."

Adjusting to a new company will have its trials and tribulations, but the Union will be there every step of the way to address member concerns, answer questions and hold Triumph accountable for what was agreed to at the bargaining table.