Kenson Plastics workers, members of amalgamated UE Local 690,
recently ratified a new three-year contract that establishes a retirement plan
for the first time, adds an extra week of vacation and raises wages by a total
of 90 cents.
"I think it’s a very good contract we got, a very fair
contract," comments Local Pres. James Tew. He told the UE NEWS
that a good year for the company and booming sales put UE members in a
position to demand gains like a 401(k) plan — a key union goal — and
vacation improvements.
Wages increased by 25 cents effective Oct. 22 and will rise by
30 cents in October 2000 and by 35 cents in October 2001. The shift
differential increases to 40 cents. The base rate for the Fabricator I
classification goes from $6.43 to $6.75; the base rate for Fabricator II goes
from $7.25 to $7.65.
Short-term disability coverage advances to $200 a week for 26
weeks the first year, and to $225 the second year.
The contract adds the day before Christmas as the tenth paid
holiday. Kenson workers gain a fourth paid personal day per year, with the
right to use personal days in four-hour increments. In the event of the death
of employees’ grandparents and spouse’s grandparents, workers have one day
paid leave and up to two days additional unpaid leave.
An improved vacation schedule now provides 64 hours to those
workers with three to four years’ service, 72 hours to those with four to
five years, 120 hours for those with 10 to 16 years, 128 hours for those with
16 to 18 years, 144 hours for workers with 18 to 20 years’ service, and 160
hours for those with 20 years’ service or more.
The HealthAssurance PPO plan will be available to spouses and
dependents through a $60 monthly payroll deduction. The current Guardian
dental coverage will be fully paid by the company.
The company agreed to pay for the start-up and administration
of a 401(k) plan, and contribute an amount equal to 2 percent of employees’
gross income. Employees will pay a $30 annual fee and may contribute up to
$10,000 or up to 20 percent of gross income per year.
The Local 690 negotiating committee consisted of Local Pres.
James Tew, Mike Schwertz and Mark DiCiero. They were assisted by
UE Field Org. Jim Cook.
