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Open Letter to the AMHS Bargaining Unit |
| Posted by Darryl (darryl) on Aug 04 2008 |
| News >> AMHS BU |
The Leave package is a wash…we got Vacation and Sick Leave, but a new Tier for new hires after 7/1/08. However, New Hires will accrue Vacation after six months of service instead of one year. Those of you, who remember way back when, will recall that sometimes it took three to four years to get to the first year of service with AMHS. Those of you who are real Old Timers will remember that back in the day, you had to get a year of service within one year, and if you only worked seasonally your service time was zeroed out every year.
The state held firm on health care at the default level; Economy Plan. On the wage issue, we got a lump sum payment for everyone that was active during the month of July, this is better than a retro. Why you ask? Because someone with low seniority in the retro scenario would only get the percentage increase for their time in pay status, which could only be two to three months or as long as four months…4% @ four months would be a pretty small check. However, the $2,137 is for everyone regardless of service time and works out to an average per member of 4.47% for the entire year and the newer, less senior members benefit the most. 5% for the second year and 4%, the third year is in line with what all other unions rece3ived for the three years of their contracts.
As far as working in the Yards, we got Rule 7.04 back and “Book” language in Rule 16.
Now on to Split Wages…many of you are now bringing this up as a hot button issue…Fine with me, but I submit that you should look at the facts from the real world perspective. Last year the state paid out approximately $100,000 in Split Wages. If we went on strike over this issue for one week, we would lose approximately $450,000 in wages, therefore if we won it would take 4.5 years to gain it back; is it worth it? To some of you maybe, but this is something for each of us to decide.
So there you have it…the high and low points…your Negotiating Committee worked hard and long hours. Personally I haven’t been this stressed in a long time. I for one think and truly believe that this is the best we can get and will be voting for the contract. I urge everyone to read the contract thoroughly, and compare it with the old contract (2004-2007). This will give you a better idea of what is going on and help you make an informed decision.
In Solidarity,
Deck Department Representative
PS The Union needs more of its members to step up and become involved…negotiators, Ships Delegates, general volunteers, etc. Some of these positions require more time than others, but any time given would be appreciated. REMEMBER, YOU ARE THE UNION.
Last changed: Aug 04 2008 at 7:28 AM
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