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Louisville Packaging Contract Ratified
Aug 10, 2016

On Friday, May 27th, Teamsters at Louisville Packaging overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year agreement.  This new contract is a major step forward for Teamster members at the Louisville based chemical packaging contractor. 

Among other advancements, the new Agreement includes sustainable pay raises, an increased boot allowance, enhanced funeral leave, and greater protections against discrimination of members.  Furthermore, the Contract established seniority based promotions and bidding processes, which were not available in prior agreements, and a requirement to bid every job to existing employees prior to hiring outside the Company. 

Perhaps one of the most important gains was the removal of a two-tiered system which kept members hired after 2010 far below the wages of others.  These employees were also subject to a 36-month progression in prior agreements, but are now on the same 24-month progression applied to employees in other classifications who were hired in prior to 2010.  Those hired after 2010 were also given “catch up” raises in this agreement to bring them closer to the wages of their pre-2010 co-workers. 

Other notable improvements included the protection of healthcare with no increase in cost to employees, a reduction in the length of time warning letters remain on an employee’s record, and the re-establishment of an “emergency call-in” day.  

“This Contract establishes a new standard for future negotiations at Louisville Packaging,” said Business Agent Jay Dennis, who chaired negotiations for the union.  “Despite having a large variety of different priorities for these negotiations, these members marched solidly toward one goal: to get the Contract they deserved.  These strong sisters and brothers can show us all what it means to be a Teamster.” 

Prior to negotiations, proposal meetings were held where members could submit their ideas for contract improvements, ask questions, or voice any concerns.  They were held in an “open forum” format, which gave the members a greater voice in what their Negotiating Committee took the table in meetings with the Company.

“The members absolutely deserve a voice at the table,” said Dennis.  “This is not only the democratically correct manner in which to launch contract negotiations, but it is also the wisest.  The conversations that occur at proposal meetings give the Negotiating Committee a much greater understanding of the underlying issues involved in each proposal, which in turn gives us greater strength at the bargaining table.” 

The rank-and-file members of the Negotiating Committee deserve the highest commendation for not only their talents and abilities, but also their unwavering support for their fellow members.  Stewards John Cowles and Kevin Kernes were indispensable in reaching an Agreement worthy of the memberships’ acceptance. 

President Fred Zuckerman, the Local 89 Executive Board, and Negotiations Chair and Business Agent Jay Dennis cannot thank the Committee and members enough for their solidarity throughout this process.  They demanded a better contract with no concessions and stood together to make that happen.

  


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Teamsters Local 89
3813 Taylor Blvd
Louisville, KY 40215
  502-368-5885


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