On Monday, March 28th a new five-year agreement was overwhelmingly ratified by members at K&T Switching, with only a single vote against.
In the past K&T members have always enjoyed strong contract language on working conditions and rules, but have struggled without pay increases, vacation reductions, and loss of holidays due to turbulence in the automobile industry.
At the start of these negotiations, it quickly became evident that the company wanted to go even further by attempting to take away the remaining strong language that these members had benefited from for over 20 years.
The company’s plan did not succeed, as the union negotiating committee remained strongly opposed to any concessions and demanded improvements now that the auto industry had rebounded.
The members fought for and kept the language they have enjoyed over the years and negotiated improved language that further protects their working conditions and standard of living. Also achieved were substantial wage increases of $.40 per hour for each of the five years of the new contract, totaling $2.00 per hour in increases over the life of the agreement. Finally, Health, welfare, and Pension were all maintained at their existing premium level.
Business Agent and negotiations chair, Rusty Villier, would like to offer a special thanks to stewards Pat Phillips from KTP, Ben Tucker from LAP, and LAP C Crew Spokesperson George Skaer for their relentless efforts in these negotiations.
“I’m really proud of these guys,” Villier said of his members. “They never backed down from the company, and they got a great contract out of it.”
