The Company and Union held their first bargaining session on March 15, 2017.

Both parties made opening comments. The Company stated its belief that the parties shared a common goal of reaching an agreement that is reasonable in the eyes of the employees, the Company’s leadership, the Company’s shareholders, and its customers.

The Company provided the Union the following notification and proposals:

• Notice of the language that must be removed to discontinue interest arbitration per the Company’s right.
• Elimination of the 60 day “further bargaining” provision.
• Continue the management rights provision post contract expiration.
• Discontinue union security provisions post contract expiration.
• Company stop generating seniority lists.
• Probationary period expanded from 120 to 180 days.
• Discontinue the 45 day retreat right following a transfer or promotion.

The Company proposed to continue bargaining next Friday, March 24, as well as numerous days in early April. The Union stated it was unavailable until May 8-12, 2017. The Company has accepted those dates but has also asked to meet earlier if possible.

On February 28, 2017, the Company and Union met and exchanged their respective Opening Letters. The parties will convene bargaining on March 8, 2017.

Read Local 111’s Opening Letter
Read the Company’s Opening Letter

Also on February 28, 2017, the Union rejected the Company’s offer to expand, if need be, the current retirement window regarding the Retirees’ Medical Managed Care / Medicare Coordinated (M/M) Plan.  That window currently closes May 31, 2017.  The Company offered to expand the window to the earlier of December 31, 2017, or when a new CBA is tentatively reached in bargaining.

Click here to read the Company’s offer and the Union’s rejection of the offer.