Contracts Continue
Company-Paid
Insurance at ABB
GREENSBURG, Pa.
With their new contracts, members of UE Locals 625 and 626 remain the only
workers in the ABB chain who do not contribute to the cost of their health insurance.
Management tried unsuccessfully to bring these UE members into conformity.
Local 625 represents more than 85 production and maintenance employees at
ABB’s South Greensburg plant, which produces circuit breakers. Their wages averaged
$15.12 an hour prior to contract expiration. Local 626 represents the salaried unit at the
same plant.
Under the contract ratified Oct. 31, Local 625 members will receive wage
increases of 3 percent both in the first and second years, and a 3 percent lump-sum
payment in the third year.
The sickness and accident benefit goes from $275 to $325 per week; life
insurance from $5,000 to $7,500.
The pension mulitplier is increased from 2.1 to 2.5 percent of gross pay.
The reduction for early retirement is improved. New language protects employees who elect
the survivorship option. Bereavement leave affecting spouses is expanded to five days.
Among other contract language changes, workers will be able to use a
half-day personal day in the morning and receive time and one-half if working beyond
normal working hours. New language strengthens seniority rights with regard to assembly
job openings. In response to changes in the workers’ compensation law, the contract
now requires the company to allow a worker to return to work at the rate of pay received
before going out on compensation.
The Local 625 committee consisted of Pres. Ray Prinkey, Chief Steward
Merle Crossland, Gretchen Kelly, Mark Schaffer and James Ginard. They were assisted by
Field Org. Jim Brown.
SALARIED UNIT
The Local 626 contract raises wages by 3 percent in the first year and
again in the second year and 2.5 percent in the third year. The pension multiplier is
increased to 2.5 percent of gross pay. Life insurance goes to $7,500. Bereavement leave
affecting spouses is expanded to five days.
The Local 626 committee consisted of Pres. James MacDonald, Robert
Seighman, Thomas Shively, Charles Badstibner, Arthur Telford, John Nemetz, Anthony
Masarik. They were assisted by Field Org. Jim Brown.
