Previous Contract Updates

As we move forward toward a successful outcome for this contract, we thought it would be important to let you know what some of the issues are you have identified through surveys, shop floor meetings and one on one conversations.

- Retirement -- Increasing the basic benefit and improving the alternate plan formula so those making a higher wage over the previous 60 months can retire above what the basic formula would otherwise provide is a huge issue of the membership. Adding a supplemental option and taking care of those before us. It is also an issue of job security as the newer members will have more stability as the more senior members retire with dignity.

- Entry Level wages -- This is a very important issue for the vast majority of the membership. They need to be significantly increased to retain the necessary caliber of people needed to build these magnificent flying machines.

- Job Security -- Members have made job security a major priority in this round of bargaining. Sustaining a level of employment tied to the health of the company (rates) is paramount to a successful outcome. Even though members recognize the cyclical nature of the business, they want a stable work environment so they can plan on working for the company for many years to come without the fear of layoffs.

- Health Care -- Members have identified Health Care/Dental/Vision as a major priority to improve benefit levels, reduce out of pocket expenses and ensure there is a no cost plan available.

- General Wage Increases -- With the high cost of virtually everything these days, members have made General Wage Increases and lump sum payments a major priority. Members realize the sacrifices they have made in these areas over the past couple of contracts and now with the Company enjoying record profits and record backlogs, deserve to share in this success.

- COLA -- Always an important aspect of maintaining a standard of living, Cost of Living Adjustments are a key factor members have identified. Many of the comments received would like the COLA to be based on a local index instead of the National CPI.

- Divide and Conquer -- Many members commented on not allowing the Company to divide and conquer. Members withheld their labor for it in 2005 and have indicated their willingness to do it again if necessary in 2008. It is up to each and every member to support each others issues to be successful. Newer members supporting the more senior members and senior members supporting the newer members. In addition, Puget Sound, Edwards AFB, Wichita, Portland supporting each other and fighting for the unborn (those not yet hired). It takes one unified front to have a successful outcome. Educating each other on the issues, standing together in solidarity and talking tough to management.

Although there are virtually hundreds of areas within the contract members have identified as needing improvements, this is just a snapshot view of a few top priority issues.

Let's stay focused and not buy into the rhetoric by the Company, because you know, we know AND the Company knows;

It IS Our Time...This Time!

In Solidarity:
Your Union Negotiating Committee