997 Days Out: Contract Preparedness Starts Now

As of today, we are 997 days away from the expiration of our current collective bargaining agreement on July 1, 2029.

That may sound like a long time, but in contract terms, it is not.

There are about 72 biweekly paychecks remaining before the current agreement expires. That means now is the time for members to start thinking about preparedness, not later when bargaining is closer and pressure is higher.

This is not about panic. It is about being realistic.

A strong union is built by informed and prepared members.

Use the Bargaining Readiness Center

Local 13214 now has a Bargaining Readiness Center on our website to help members plan ahead and stay informed.

You can find it here: Bargaining Readiness Center⁠

The page includes a live countdown to contract expiration, an estimate of paychecks remaining, suggested savings goals, and a calculator that lets members enter their own savings target.

This tool is for financial preparedness and member education. It does not mean a strike, lockout, or work stoppage is expected. It simply helps members think ahead and put themselves in a stronger position before bargaining gets closer.

Small Amounts Add Up

The Contract Preparedness Calculator shows how small amounts per paycheck can turn into real savings over time:

Good Preparedness
Savings goal: $2,500
Suggested savings: $34.72 per paycheck

Better Preparedness
Savings goal: $5,000
Suggested savings: $69.44 per paycheck

Best Preparedness
Savings goal: $10,000
Suggested savings: $138.89 per paycheck

Everyone’s situation is different. Some members can save more. Some can only start small. The point is to start thinking ahead while there is still time.

Preparedness gives members options. It reduces pressure. It helps protect families from being caught off guard.

Pay Attention Before Bargaining Starts

Bargaining has not started yet. No formal bargaining language has been exchanged.

But if issues like overtime pay and pension protections are already being talked about, members need to be paying attention now.

Overtime is not just “extra money.” It is the value of your time, your missed days off, and the long hours you spend away from your family.

Federal law generally sets a floor with time and one-half after 40 hours in a workweek. Our contract protects more than that. It includes protections like time and one-half after 8 hours in a 24-hour period and for hours worked outside the regular schedule.

The contract also includes double-time protections, including certain hours over 12 consecutive hours, over 16 hours in a 24-hour period, and second scheduled day off language.

Those protections matter.

If overtime protections are weakened, members give more time for less money.

Pension Protections Matter Too

The pension is another major piece members need to understand.

This is retirement money.

Our pension is a defined benefit plan, designed to provide monthly income after retirement. It is company-paid, and members become vested after 5 years.

The 2025 retirement SPD shows that by the final contract year, the formula reaches $101.25 per year of credited service.

For example, 30 years of credited service at $101.25 equals $3,037.50 per month, before applicable offsets or payment-form adjustments.

The SPD also lists a $900 monthly pension supplement for qualifying retirees, payable to age 65.

That is real retirement security.

So if pension protections are being discussed before bargaining even begins, members should take that seriously.

Use the Time Wisely

997 days gives us time.

Time to save.
Time to learn the contract.
Time to ask questions.
Time to talk to stewards.
Time to show up to meetings.
Time to get prepared.

But that time only helps if we use it.

Members do not need to become contract experts overnight. But every member should understand the protections that affect their paycheck, their schedule, their benefits, and their retirement.

The company will always know what the contract costs them.

Members need to know what the contract is worth to us.

Bottom Line

We are 997 days out.

That is not a reason to panic.

It is a reason to prepare.

Visit the Bargaining Readiness Center, use the calculator, set a goal that works for your household, and start learning the contract now.

Save what you can. Learn what you can. Ask questions. Talk to your steward. Stay informed.

Contract preparedness starts now.