union front
FOUR MICHIGAN LOCALS HAVE NEW 3-YEAR CONTRACT
Blue Care Network workers overwhelmingly OK deal
In tough economic times, one thing makes the difference in how workers leave the bargaining table, said Lisa Roberson.
“That difference is a union, and in this case, it’s the UAW,” said Roberson, a member of UAW Local 1781 in Southfield, Mich.
Roberson and fellow UAW members who work at Blue Care Network of Michigan voted 99 percent to 1 percent on March 5 in favor of a new three-year contract.
The agreement includes a $2,500 ratification bonus, a 3 percent automatic progression increase in each year for workers who are below their maximum pay grade, expanded tuition benefits, and increases in retirement benefits.
The contract also maintains current health care benefits for 2009 and guarantees no benefit premium for the life of the contract.
“The new contract protects the benefits of active and retired members and helps keep good jobs in their communities,” said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger.
UAW members also won enhanced tuition reimbursement for members and an expanded scholarship program for dependent children.
The contract covers 579 UAW-represented Blue Care workers of Michigan: UAW Locals 38 (Ann Arbor), 1488 (Lansing), 1781 (Southfield) and 2145 (Grand Rapids).
“UAW negotiators did not lose sight of what our members needed in these times of rising prices and economic uncertainty,” said UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles, who directs servicing for the Technical, Office and Professional Department.
“At the same time, everyone realized the need for shared sacrifices on both sides of the table. Our members did their part by allowing salary ranges to be frozen for the life of the contract.”
“We have been very fortunate,” said Local 2145 member Ronna Longcore.
“Even before the contract, our bargaining team and union representatives have been supportive of our members and our concerns.”