Industrial Alloys
See Wage Gains,
Improvements
LOS ANGELES
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During each break every day and before and after
their shifts, Industrial Alloys workers picketed and blew whistles in front of
the company offices. Second-shift workers came to work early every day to join
the demonstrations and the third shift got out of bed in the middle of every
day to be part of the daily demonstrations for a fair wage. |
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Industrial Alloys workers, members of amalgamated UE Local
1421, ratified a contract in early November that will raise wages by a total
of $2.16 over five years, increase benefits and improve conditions.
Wages go up by 61 cents the first year, 35 cents the second
year, and by 40 cents in each of the remaining three years.
Shift differential goes by five cents the second year and
again in the third year. Beginning Jan. 1, 2002, the company will match 50
percent of employees’ contributions to the 401(k) plan up to a maximum of 1
percent of the employees’ gross annual salary. All employees with more than
one year of seniority may participate.
Life insurance increases by $1,000 in 2001 and again in 2003
(to $15,000). The company agrees to meet with the union before changing
insurance companies. The contract calls for company-paid prescription safety
glasses and company-paid uniforms for maintenance employees.
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS
Union negotiators scored a victory in getting rid of the
detested attendance policy and point system. The restrictive point system had
been in place since 1993 and had cost several members their jobs.
Pre-negotiations contract surveys indicated strong worker support for
elimination of the attendance policy. Company policies on excessive
absenteeism and tardiness remain in effect; violations will be subject to
progressive discipline. The union is preparing for bargaining with the company
on the meaning of "excessive."
The union and company will meet every two months to resolve
problems relating to overtime and requests for days off. Among improvements in
contract language, 12 months without warnings will clear an employee’s
record. The contract increases non-discrimination protection. Union leave is
increased from 15 to 20 days.
All hours worked or compensated will count towards the 1,670
hours required for vacations. The article on seniority is amended to give
workers the right to bid for jobs in their own departments in order to change
shifts. Workers have the right to grieve company decisions to fill job
openings. During the first two weeks in January every year the company will
post for cross training.
The contract will be translated into Spanish and Tagalog.
The UE committee consisted of Jaime Lopez, Hugo Marroquin,
Manuel Eudave and Rafael Gomez. They were assisted by District 10
Pres. Marianne Hart and Field Org. Leanna Noble.
UE News - 11/00
