We are attempting to negotiate a different medical
benefit arrangement for members at Honolulu
Advertiser, subscribing to Kaiser. The company
seeks to increase the cost of medical premiums and
drug coverage. Meanwhile, we are working with the
Hawaii Newspaper Printing and Trades Council (6
total) in preparation for negotiating a new
contract. In the interim, the contract has been
extended. These will be difficult talks. The
company will seek significant changes in medical and
pension coverage.
Our Members at Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company
have voted to ratify a new 3 year collective bargaining
agreement. Just a few of the improvements include:
1.
Wages: one time wage adjustment of 2% plus
a 4% general wage increase retroactive to 11/1/06, year
2 of the contract calls for a 5% wage increase, year 3
of the contract will see a 6% wage increase;
2.
A $.25 increase in pension contribution
rates that will take them over $5.00 an hour in pension
contribution rates with the IAM National Pension Fund;
3.
Leadman differential has been increased
$.50 per hour and members working on neighbor islands
will receive a new premium of $.75 per hour;
4. No
changes in medical nor Kaiser coverage nor level of
premiums. The company will absorb the increase the 5%
in premiums for the members that are the HMSA
subscribers. The company pays the full medical for
members and their families, with the exception of
members under Kaiser. When the premium for Kaiser
increases to higher than HMSA, the members under Kaiser
then pay the difference. .
We expect to return to contract negotiations with
Raytheon at Pearl Harbor in January 2006. Meanwhile, we
have filed a complaint against a Supervisor for creating
a hostile workplace for a newly hired worker. The issue
is under investigation by the Naval Commander’s office,
Union and company.
The unit works on the islands of Oahu, Maui and Kona.
Their solidarity made the difference in reaching these
significant improvements. My thanks to them all.
Special kudos to Chief Steward Urbano Simbre and
co-negotiator Jarrett Kubo.
Taken During the Steward Training at the Union Hall
We completed the arbitration hearing
yesterday
concerning Brother Genaro Perez’s grievance over
an inaccurate job description for
Marine Machinery Mechanics (Nuclear) performing Nuclear
Clean Mechanic Inspector work. My compliments to
Chief Steward Robert Lillis,
Steward Genaro
Perez, Brother Howard Lau and IFPTE Union Brother
Allan Takamori. Stewards Lillis, Perez and Sam Mitchell
in particular did an excellent job of researching
the issue, gathering the evidence, developing proposals
and attempting to negotiate settlement with several high
ranking officials that just do not understand labor
laws. Closing briefs will be due within a month.
The Navy’s attorney has already stated he would, "never
handle another case like this one again". We still
have an outstanding ULP on the Navy’s rescission of the
duties and subsequent unilateral changes made to duties
normally performed by the Mechanic Inspectors.
