Steelworkers Ratify New Contract, End 11-Month Lockout—and More Bargaining News
Some 750 United Steelworkers (USW) members ratified a new contract, ending an 11-month lockout, 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 1,400 subscribers. Union leaders can register for this service through our website, Bargaining@Work.
SETTLEMENTS
USW, U.S. Steel: In Canada, members of USW Local 1005 ratified a new contract, ending an 11-month lockout by U.S. Steel. The pact, covering some 750 workers, will run until Oct. 15, 2014.
More Working People Joining Wall Street Protests
Some of New York City’s largest unions and community groups are joining the “Occupy Wall Street” protests. For three weeks a core group of 200 to 300 people have kept a constant vigil on Wall Street to hold the financial industry accountable for the schemes and reckless games that led to the economic collapse. (Follow the action on Twitter with the hashtag #occupyWallStreet.) You can support the protestors by donating so they can buy pizzas to keep up their campaign. To donate, click here.
This morning, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka expressed support for the protests. Earlier this week, more than 700 uniformed pilots, members of the Air Line Pilots (ALPA) , took to the streets outside of Wall Street demanding better pay.
The executive board of the New York Transit Workers Union/Transport Workers Local 100 voted unanimously to support Occupy Wall Street. Local 100 has 38,000 active members and covers 26,000 retirees, according to its website.
Responding to a question after his speech at the Brookings institution this morning, Trumka said: Read the rest of this entry »
Machinists Sue S.C. Gov. Haley for Opposing Unions—and More Bargaining News
The Machinists union is suing South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley for remarks she made about keeping unions out of a Boeing plant, 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 1,300 subscribers. Union leaders can register for this service through our website, Bargaining@Work.
LEGAL ACTION
IAM, Boeing: The Machinists (IAM) is suing South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley for remarks she made last month about keeping unions out of the Boeing Co. plant in North Charleston. IAM, which represents Boeing workers in other states, says it’s trying to protect the constitutional rights of South Carolina workers.
Airline Pilot Finds Out the Benefits of Union Membership
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Jennifer Wright Dorr at Union Plus sends us the following.
Driving home late one night from one of his three jobs, Jack Burnett—a member of Air Line Pilots Local 175—was looking forward to climbing into his bed for a night’s rest before the start of another long workday. But Burnett never made it home that night. He wound up in a hospital bed for three weeks while he recovered from a litany of injuries caused by a drunk driver.
The accident on that June night broke more than 18 bones and shattered his finances, but it also solidified his belief in being a union member. Says Burnett:
I was surprised to learn that Union Plus offered grants to help cover hospital bills. Being eligible to receive a grant helped me out a lot during a tough time. Having the union help me in a time of need has made me really appreciate being a part of a union.
Crew at ‘Biggest Loser’ Back at Work—and More Bargaining News
Some 50 workers reached a contract agreement and are back on the job at the reality show, “The Biggest Loser,” 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 1,300 subscribers. Union leaders can register for this service through our website, Bargaining@Work.
SETTLEMENTS
IATSE, Reveille Productions: Striking crew members of reality show “The Biggest Loser” are back at work after they approved an agreement reached between show producers and the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Some 50 workers went on strike Nov. 8, after producers failed to recognize their decision to have IATSE represent them.
ALPA’s Prater Honored by American Labor Museum
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| ALPA President Capt. John Prater |
Air Line Pilots (ALPA) Capt. John Prater was honored last night as an outstanding labor leader at the annual Sol Stetin Awards Gala. The awards are presented every year by the American Labor Museum, located at the historic Botto House in Haldeon, N.J.
The awards—named in honor of late Textile Workers President Sol Stetin—have been presented annually since 1982, and honor outstanding individuals for their contributions to working people. Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) President Michael Goodwin, who also serves as museum president, said Prater has:
exemplified himself in the airline industry, representing commercial airline pilots, negotiating and servicing ALPA members and is recognized by his peers and colleagues for his great work.
AirTran Pilots Reach Tentative Pact—and More Bargaining News
After five years of negotiations, some 1,850 pilots at AirTran Airways have reached a tentative agreement with the airline, 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 1,300 subscribers. Union leaders can register for this service through our website, Bargaining@Work.
NEGOTIATIONS
ALPA, AirTran Airways: After five years of negotiations, pilots at AirTran Airways have reached a tentative agreement with the airline. If the 1,650 members of the AirTran Chapter of the Air Line Pilots (ALPA) vote to ratify, the contract will take effect Dec. 1.
Air Line Pilots Elect New Leaders
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Capt. Lee Moak, a Delta Air Lines captain, was elected Air Line Pilots (ALPA) president Oct. 13 at the union’s 43rd regular biennial Board of Directors meeting. He succeeds Capt. John Prater who served as ALPA president since January 2007.
Moak, who joined ALPA in 1988, is a former Marine Corps fighter pilot and currently flies as a B-767 300 ER captain. A 22-year veteran at Delta, he is currently serving his third term as the chairman of the Delta Master Executive Council (MEC), which represents the more than 12,000 pilots of Delta Air Lines. Says Moak:
Our union has faced many challenges throughout its long history. Our successes have been most evident when we have worked together for the common good. I look forward to working with the many talented ALPA pilots and union staff as we proactively engage with each and every party that has the potential to influence the careers and professional lives of the pilots we represent.
Sean Cassidy, an Alaska Airlines pilot, was elected ALPA’s first vice-president, Capt. Bill Couette was re-elected for a second term as vice-president—Administration and Capt. W. Randolph Helling was re-elected vice-president–secretary/treasurer. The new officers begin their terms Jan. 1.
6,000 Steelworkers Win Strong Pact at Alcoa—and More Bargaining News
Some 6,000 members of the United Steelworkers negotiated a strong contract at Alcoa workplaces nationwide, 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.
SETTLEMENTS
USW, Alcoa: United Steelworkers (USW) members at 11 Alcoa facilities across the United States ratified a new four-year contract. The 6,000 workers successfully resisted attempts by the company to reduce health benefits and impose a two-tier pay system.
Spirit Airlines Threatens to Close if Pilots Strike—and More Bargaining News
Spirit Airlines is threatening to shut down if its 500 pilots strike, 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.
NEGOTIATIONS
ALPA, Spirit Airlines: Spirit Airlines is threatening to close its operations in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., if its 500 pilots go on strike. The Air Line Pilots (ALPA) has said its members will strike at the end of a 30-day cooling-off period if they don’t get a fair contract.
