100,000 New York AFSCME Members Win 8 Percent Raise and More Bargaining News

by May Silverstein, Nov 10, 2008

Some 100,000 city employees and AFSCME members settle a contract that includes an 8 percent raise over two years—and more news from the “Bargaining Digest Weekly.” The AFL-CIO Collective Bargaining Department delivers daily, bargaining-related news and research resources to more than 900 subscribers. Union leaders can register for this service through our website, Bargaining@Work.

SETTLEMENTS
AFSCME, New York City: New York City workers, represented by AFSCME District Council 37, have reached a deal that provides 100,000 workers a raise of more than 8 percent over two years.

TWU, Frontier Airlines: Workers at Frontier Airlines, represented by the Transport Workers (TWU), ratified a new contract with the carrier, which extends wage and benefit concessions of about 10 percent negotiated earlier this year when Frontier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. “The TWU appreciates the joint effort made in reaching this agreement,” said TWU Local 540 President David Durkin. “We believe that this agreement shows our commitment to Frontier and our belief in the long-term success of the company.”

IBEW, Jersey Central: Members of the Electrical Workers (IBEW) at Jersey Central Power & Light reached a tentative agreement on a new two-year contract that includes a 3 percent wage increase.

WORK STOPPAGES AND ACTIONS
OAPSE-AFSCME, PARTA: In Ohio, striking bus drivers, represented by the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE-AFSCME) Local 037, marched in front of the Portage Area Regional Transit Authority (PARTA) offices. The strike began in late August. The workers are fighting for a fair share clause that would make sure non-members pay their “fair share” of the costs for negotiations and representation they receive from the union. “We continue to remain diligent in fighting for a no-cost item that PARTA simply refuses to negotiate over,” said union spokeswoman Trina Molnar. The last bargaining meeting was held in early October and no further negotiating sessions are scheduled.

IUPAT: Some 330 St. Louis glazier workers, represented by the Glaziers, Architectural Metals & Glassworkers (IUPAT) Local 513, went on strike after their five-year labor contract expired and a new agreement was not reached. Wages are a primary issue between the parties.

NEGOTIATIONS
ATU, Port Authority: In Pennsylvania, 2,300 Port Authority workers, represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 85, say a “work stoppage” is likely if the employer imposes a contract that would take effect on Dec. 1, as planned.

LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS
CWA, AT&T: The Communications Workers of America (CWA) filed charges against AT&T Inc. and its major subsidiaries to “halt the company’s use of corporate shell games to avoid contractual obligations” to union members. CWA represents some 180,000 of AT&T’s 310,000 workers.

JNESO-IUOE, St. Mary’s Hospital: In Newark, N.J., former St. Mary’s Hospital nurses and medical technicians, represented by the Jersey Nurses Economic Security Organization (JNESO-IUOE), testified in a closed-door hearing in front of the National Labor Relations Board, alleging the Passaic hospital violated federal labor laws in its most recent round of layoffs.

Disclaimer: This information is being provided for your information only.  As it is compiled from published news reports, not from individual unions, we cannot vouch for either its completeness or accuracy; readers who desire further information should directly contact the union involved.

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