At Bruce Plastics
Local 689 Contract
Provides Vacation
Options During Shutdown
PITTSBURGH
Bruce Plastics workers, members of UE Local 689, are working
under the terms of a new three-year agreement reached last year. The contract
raises wages by 45 cents an hour in each year.
Weekly sickness and accident benefits rise from $210 to $300
over the life of the agreement. Life insurance rises by $1,000 to $19,000. The
pension benefit is increased to 50 cents the first year, 50 cents the second
year and 55 cents the third year for hours worked. Also, vacation days now
count towards hours worked.
An employee who retires at or after age 59.5 years and who has
at least 20 years seniority will be entitled to a one-time payment of $1,500
at the time of his or her retirement. An employee who is permanently disabled
and has at least 15 years seniority will be entitled to a one-time payment
of $1,500.
VACATION OPTIONS
No longer will Bruce workers with two or fewer weeks vacation
be forced to take their vacation during the annual shutdown. They will have
the option of signing up for available work during the shutdown, applying for
unemployment compensation or using vacation days. Workers may now use up to
two vacation days per year to cover personal or family medical emergencies,
with at least 30 minutes prior notice.
In a new section, an employee who is off on FMLA leave or
short-term disability, or injury or illness, will be entitled to receive up to
3 months of paid individual employee health care coverage based on a rolling
12-month period.
For the first time, contract language covers part-time
workers.
The Local 689 negotiating committee consisted of Pres. Jeff
Davis, Chief Steward Fred Haag. Rec. Sec. Ruth White, Vice
Pres. Paul Lucerralli. They were assisted by UE Field Org. Jim Cook
and Intl. Rep. Marion Washington.
UE News - 02/01
