Metco Workers Eliminate
Insurance Contributions
WARRINGTON, Pa.
Metco Manufacturing workers have more cash this holiday season, thanks to
a UE contract that eliminates all employee contributions towards medical insurance
premiums. These members of amalgamated UE Local 155 had been paying as much as $29.30 per
month for family coverage.
Metco workers will receive general wage increases of 40 cents in each of
the three years covered by the agreement. And the contract boosts the classification
minimums for every job title.
Also, life insurance will rise to $25,000 at the start of the third year,
a gain of $1,000 a year.
The sickness and accident benefit goes up by $30 to a maximum of $330 per
week. The cap on the company match to the 401 (k) plan rises from $700 to $900 a year in
the third year. Workers will receive two more uniforms per week, for a total of five, and
prescription safety glasses.
The company will offer four new medical plans: Keystone P.O.S., Keystone
East HMO, Keystone Central HMO and US Healthcare HMO. Each will include a $10 office
co-payment and $5 prescription plan and will be fully company paid.
New language establishes a voluntary layoff provision, under which an
employee will keep insurance coverage for two additional months, and may return to active
status — with seniority — with one week notice to the company.
Other language changes revise the apprenticeship program, reduce the
401(k) participation age from 21 to 18, ease scheduling for personal holidays and certain
vacation time, and allow for flexibility when a holiday occurs on a weekend.
The contract was ratified by a five to one margin on Aug. 28. Metco is a
manufacturer of precision tools, parts and special machines.
The UE Metco shop committee consists of Brian Doyle, Wayne Clarke
and Phil Ducasse. They were assisted by UE Field Org. Jim Ermi.
