LSC Rates Up,
Classifications Down,
In Pact With Local 623
PITTSBURGH, Pa.
Their new UE contract gives LSC workers in Plum simplified classifications and rate
progression. These members of amalgamated UE Local 623 ratified their contract with the
automatic screw machine company on Oct. 1.
Among those workers getting hefty pay raises due to rate restructuring are; the janitor
will receive a $4.50 an hour increase; separators, $3.50.
Hourly wages will be increased by 20 cents the first year, 20 cents the second year and
25 cents the third year. The shift differential advances by 25 cents to 50 cents on second
shift, and by 15 cents to 60 cents on the third shift.
The company’s insistence that workers pay more for health insurance — and
union opposition — led to an arrangement that gives LSC employees the option of
continuing with US Healthcare or switching to Patriot 5, the best of three plans presented
across the table. The weekly co-pay for US Healthcare will rise by $2.95 to $7.95. Those
employees switching to Patriot 5, single coverage, will receive a one-time payment of
$114.
Sickness and accident benefits rise from $330 to $400. Life insurance increases from
$18,250 to $20,000.
The new contract adds New Year’s Eve as a paid holiday. Workers with 15
years’ service gain an additional two vacation days, for a total of 17; those with
five years’ service gain two days, for a total of six vacation days.
Bereavement leave is expanded to include stepmother, stepfather and stepchildren.
Changes in contract language protect wages during bumping and safeguard seniority rights.
The layoff provision providing for three days’ notice or three days’ pay is
improved to five days.
Serving on the Local 623 committee were Pres. Jim Cook, Bryan Rice and John Berry.
There were assisted by UE Field Org. Jim Brown.
