14 California Unions Oppose Governor’s Attack on Wages—and More Bargaining News

by Belinda Boyce, Jan 25, 2010

Representing more than 230,000 California state workers, 14 unions are opposing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s move to slash wages, 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 1,200 subscribers. Union leaders can register for this service through our website, Bargaining@Work. 

WORK STOPPAGES AND ACTIONS

Multiple, State of California: Fourteen unions representing 230,000 state workers in California sent a joint letter to the State Senate and State Assembly, urging members to block a possible attempt by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to impose the federal minimum wage on state workers. The governor has threatened to cut state worker pay to the minimum wage should the Senate and Assembly not pass the state budget. 

NFLPA, NFL: NFL players, including Kevin Mawae, president of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) on Wednesday lobbied Congress to help prevent a lockout by team owners in 2011 and limit the impact of a possible decision by the U.S. Supreme Court expanding the NFL’s antitrust immunity.

ATU, Chicago Transit Authority: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) locals in Chicago are alleging that layoff notices by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) violated seniority rules. The layoffs are due to take effect Feb. 7, but an arbitration ruling may come as early as this week. 

SETTLEMENTS

ALPA, Hawaiian Airlines: At Hawaiian Airlines, members of the Air Line pilots (ALPA) ratified a new contract that provides 4 percent to 6 percent pay increase immediately and between 15 percent and 22 percent over the 68-month agreement.  

UFCW, Fred Meyer: Grocery workers in Spokane, Wash., last month approved a new four-year contract with Fred Meyer. The contract, which is retroactive to January 2008, covers 225 members of Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1439. 

AFSCME, City of Pawtucket: AFSCME city workers in Pawtucket, R.I., agreed to freeze wages until 2011 and take furlough days to help the city balance its budget. 

AFM, Cleveland Orchestra: A one-day strike by musicians with the Cleveland Orchestra ended last week when they ratified a new contract. Management had proposed a 5 percent pay cut, but members of the Cleveland Federation of Musicians (AFM) instead agreed to a salary freeze through August 2011 and semiannual increases of 3 percent and 2 percent the following year. 

IAM, Hawaiian Airlines: Clerical workers at Hawaiian Airlines ratified a new four-year contract. The 1,245 workers are members of the Machinists – Clerical Division (IAM-C). 

UWUA, Rocky Mountain Power Co.: Workers at Rocky Mountain Power Co. in Wyoming approved a new three-year contract. The contract covers nearly 600 members of UWUA Local 127 and was the third proposal voted on by the membership. 

AFT, City of Philadelphia: Teachers in Philadelphia approved a new three-year contract, which will provide a 6 percent wage increase over the term. The 17,000 members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers-AFT have worked under contract extensions since August 2008. 

ATU and UAW, Toledo Transit Authority: Two unions representing workers at the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority agreed to one-year contract extensions earlier this month. Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 697 and UAW Local 5242 will receive a 1.5 percent wage increase. 

NEGOTIATIONS

AFT-NEA, University of Florida: After five years of negotiations, the University of Florida and its faculty union have reached a three-year tentative agreement. Members of the United Faculty of Florida (UFF-AFT-NEA) will vote on the deal next month. 

UWUA, Entergy: Workers at the Indian Point nuclear power plant have reached a tentative agreement with Entergy, the plant’s owner. The deal avoids a strike by the 433 members of the Utility Workers (UWUA) Local 1-2.  Members will vote on the contract in the next two weeks. 

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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