International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers : Local Lodge 2003: Money Talks for 6,200 at Spirit AeroSystems

Money Talks for 6,200 at Spirit AeroSystems
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IAM&AW International on May 07, 2008 09:38am
 
“We fully expect the next contract with Spirit to reflect the skills and
contributions our members have made to the success of this company,” said
Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez, who joined the Local 839 Negotiating
Committee for the initial meeting with Spirit representatives. “I have no
doubt this negotiating committee will fully relay the concerns of the membership
throughout the course of these negotiations.”
Key issues included pensions, improved health care, regularly scheduled
cost-of-living increases and general wage increases. Any changes negotiated and
ratified in the current round of talks would remain in force until the contract
expires in June 2010.
In preparation for the talks with Spirit, the Local 839 Negotiating Committee
took part in one of the Winpisinger Center’s most innovative training
opportunities; a week-long class that included bargaining simulations using real
financial data and actual contract proposals. “This committee has already
demonstrated how serious they are about these negotiations,” said Aerospace
Coordinator Ron Eldridge, who helped guide the training sessions and will take
part in the talks with Spirit.