We reached several tentative agreements during very productive bargaining last week. The very important issues of Probationary Employees, Seniority and Hours of Work have all been settled.
Defining seniority, how it is earned and assuring it is protected during layoffs, and other reasons is a critically important piece of a contract.
Knowing our shift schedules, the amount of break time we receive, and providing for reasonable notice when shifts are changed are all addressed under the Hours of Work article. Defining the probationary period of a new employee and making sure that a newly hired employee is able to become permanent as promptly as possible has been accomplished by our agreement on Probationary Employees.
This week we engaged in very difficult bargaining over Contracting out, Temporary Employees, and Overtime. We were not able to reach agreement on these articles but we did have very meaningful discussions and are moving in the right direction.
Additionally, we were able to work cooperatively with the Company and successfully prevent Wax Department employees from being forced to work this Sunday on Father’s Day.
Our plant is going through a lot of changes as we adjust to being a part of a newly formed company. Many of these changes could negatively affect our lives both in the plant and at home. Fortunately, as members of the United Steelworkers, we have a voice in these changes and can work to do what’s best for all of us.
-It would be both foolish and dangerous to give away hard earned rights!
In solidarity,
Kirmett “KC” Jimmerson, Cissy Glover, Vanessa King, Shirley Campbell, Sederick Wilson