Sun, Oct 01, 2006
Union Had Recommended Passage Of Contract
Members of the
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in
Wichita, KS voted down a contract offer reached between union
leaders and Bombardier Learjet by an overwhelming majority --
despite the union's recommendation they take the deal.
The ink on the new contract was barely dry when union members
met at a Wichita hotel Saturday to vote on the three-year pay
deal... which had been hashed out by negotiators on both sides less
than 24 hours before, following days of heated talks.
KAKE-10 reports the final offer included a four percent wage
increase for the first year, and a three percent annual increase
thereafter. The current health plan would be maintained, and
pensions would be increased.
But that wasn't good enough for 80 percent of voting members...
who felt Bombardier didn't give all it could to workers who took
pay cuts three years ago to keep the Wichita plant open. The health
plan, in particular, drew fire among union members.
"it's not looking good," said Bombardier employee Rita Clark
before the strike vote. "The company is still trying to do us
wrong. I need to be paid for what I do."
Not everyone echoed those sentiments.
"I think it is the best we are going to see right now," Kevin
Dodds told the television station. I think us going on strike right
now isn't going to do a whole lot of good. But there are some
people who are for it and if that's what they want, I'll back them
up."
The rank-and-file members are scheduled to begin striking the
aerospace company at 12:01 am Monday.
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