Pact with Holyoke
Machine Follows
Brief Stoppage
HOLYOKE, Mass.
Holyoke Machine workers, members of amalgamated UE Local 264,
ratified a three-year contract last month after a brief strike.
The agreement raises wages by 2.25 percent the first year and
2 percent in the second year and again in the third. The average wage will be
$16.37 an hour.
The pension benefit increases by 50 cents in each year to
reach a total of $20. The accident and sickness benefit advances by $5 a year
to reach a weekly benefit of $265.
The strike helped add to the first-year increase, eliminate an
ineffective bonus plan and modify the companys proposed alcohol policy.
Initially the company sought a drug and alcohol policy with random testing,
very low threshold limits, no rehabilitation and immediate termination. The
final policy provides for progressive discipline over a three-year rolling
period and a chance for rehabilitation, linked to an alcohol-blood level of
.08, the legal drunk driving limit in Massachusetts.
The UE committee consisted of Chief Steward Paul Viverito and
Steward Mario Revilla. They were assisted by UE Field Org. Roberta
Krause.
UE News - 11/99
