Dear USW Local Union 2801 Members,
We previously notified Long Beach Memorial that we wanted to return to the bargaining table ASAP in order to obtain a well-deserved fair and equitable contract. Memorial’s representatives claimed they only had 3.5 hours available for us today to hear our members serious concerns with their last unacceptable proposal to the members. Very disappointing.
We presented a list of proposals developed from your valuable input during our meetings. Our proposals are designed to protect your benefits, increase wages, provide hazard & Covid 19 pay, and improve your access to Union trained shop stewards when issues arise on the job.
Memorial did not accept or agree with any of our proposals today; stating that they were ‘disappointed’ to see us demanding such improvements. Nonetheless, we remain committed and ask you to remind your supervisor that you deserve respect from LBMMC management.
Unions typically negotiate pay increases that are retroactive to the date of the prior expiration date when negotiations go beyond the term of the contract. Of particular irritation has been LBMMC’s refusal to providing any pay for the time that has elapsed since our last contract period expired. LBMMC takes the position that, while they had money to pay tiny increases on April 16, 2020, they are going to punish their union members for seeking to negotiate better wages that the crumbs LBMMC wanted to tie around our necks like a ship’s anchor. This is ludicrous and unacceptable!
We do valuable, critical, hard work at LBMMC. We sacrifice in the care we provide the community and we will all work together in unity and with solidarity until LBMMC management recognizes our tireless and dangerous work - by agreeing to a fair and just labor contract.
We will be resuming the negotiations soon and will keep you posted as to progress.
Please continue to stay healthy, safe and united during these times.
In Unity from Your USW Local 2801 Negotiating Committee
Bridgette Perry, Ana Figueroa, Milton Lomas & the Team from the USW Int’l Union