Aloha Sisters and Brothers,

I’m pleased to report we have reached  and ratified new labor agreement today with BAE Hawaii Shipyards. 

A brief summary of the Economic Improvements, Significant Items Retained, and New Language follows:

Economic Improvements

  • 4% GWI increase each year of the new agreement.  Duration will be 3 years. 
  • Working Foreman will receive an additional $.50 years to their wages 1 and 2 of the cba.
  • Leadman premium increased from $1.00 to $1.25 the life of the agreement.
  • Premium for Munitions Work will be at time and a half for actual time exposed to the munitions within control boundaries.
  • Pension contributions will increase by $.25 the first year of the cba ($2.25 per hr.), $.20 the second year ($2.45 per hr.), and $.15 ($2.60) the third year of the cba.
  • Second shift differential increased from $.45 to $1.00 for second shift and from $.70 to $1.25 for third shift.
  • Bonus of $250.00 for each employee who successfully passes Layout and Blueprint Reading course and has a min. of 2 welding certifications. 
  • Per Diem will be paid according to the government allowance as contained in the DoD Survey.  (A substantial increase)
  • Employees required to work 24 hours shifts shall be paid 8 hours at straight time in addition to the overtime pay earned.
  • Employees that work thru lunch will be paid the overtime rate and shall be allowed to eat during the Employer’s time later in the day.
  • Vacation – will be paid to members at the current pay scale, percentage formula will be rolled up to the next hour, will accrues from date of hire, may be accumulated up to 2 years, maximum accrual on the books will be cashed out at current wage scale, new employees will not be credited vacation hours until they have worked 1,000 hours.  (This is a huge win for the members.  Previously, they were paid vacation at the next lowest classification rate, had no carryover or cash out provision.)
  • Work Shoes at $50.00 and 1 coverall purchased by company, or $100.00 for work shoes annually.
  • $25.00 non-taxable award for negative random drug and alcohol test results.
  • $365.00 award for perfect attendance

Significant Items Retained: 

  • Health Insurance will remain at the current contribution level with no change the life of the agreement.
  • Overtime in excess of an employees shift hours, on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.
  • Maintained subcontracting language.
  • Maintained majority of contract language overall.

New Language:

  • Grievance Procedure - Step 4 of the grievance procedure – IAM Servicing Representative or DBR is recognized as duly designated.
  • Increase in number of Shop Stewards.  No longer need to be Journeyman.
  • Employees with medical restrictions can now work overtime.
  • Layoff by department in the inverse order of their seniority position within the classification within the department, skill and ability.
  • Managements Rights clause
  • Dirty Work clean up on company time.
  • Expanded drug testing to include random testing.
  • Time and Attendance Policy.

The company submitted over 60 proposals.  Many of their “priorities” were actually concessions in disguise.  The committee consisted of 4 Boilermakers Representatives, and 4 IAM Representatives.  I was the lead spokesperson for both Unions.  This is the first time in a very long time the IAM has taken the lead.  The negotiations were both delicate and difficult for a number of reasons. 

I’m very proud of the IAM’s Committee consisting of Leland Akamu, Steward, Ruben Mossan Executive Board Member, and Joseph Waldrop, Chief Steward.  They were very supportive, overcame major obstacles with a positive attitude, worked thru the night, analyzed proposals from multiple angles, sought consensus before reaching a TA, demonstrated solidarity, relentless diligence so that no concession was reached, and mobilized the members every morning with updates at each shop, and/or meetings after work.  The Company’s Chief Negotiator has reported to his superiors his compliments of the Unions’ Committee.  We have also sent him back with our appreciation of mutual respect and cooperative relationship with the company’s local managers.    

We still have a few loose items to wrap up over the next 2 days.  Ratification will be scheduled as soon as possible.  The Executive Board Officers and Executive Board Members are invited to attend the ratification meeting but are not permitted to vote on ratification unless they work for the company.  Thanks for your patience and support. 

Maria