Union contract: need advice

**chatterweb** · 03-11-2006, 08:38 PM

If I am going to be making $16.74 hourly by April of 2009, should I vote yes on the contract?
Personally, I think it is low. I make 14.87 right now.

We already voted no on the first contract...

I will get a raise April 1, 2006 to $15.24 per hour...if I vote yes.
DH will make 23.22 in 2009.

I still think it is too low, especially for San Diego, CA.

Just curious to what others would do. Thanks!!

**SewCrafty** · 03-11-2006, 09:06 PM

What is the percentage you are getting each year and do you also get COLA too? (cost of living raise over and above your yearly raise?)

**chatterweb** · 03-11-2006, 09:15 PM

What is the percentage you are getting each year?

2.5% April 1, 2006
2.75% January 1, 2007
3.25% April 5 2008
3.5% April 1, 2009

do you also get COLA too? (cost of living raise over and above your yearly raise?) No

They also want to make it so we must have 400 sick hours before we can cash out each June and December. Currently, we can cash out any sick time over 144 hours. So, 400 seems very extreme. I know they are trying to cut out people calling in sick as well as them having to pay us cash outs.

I am a bit peeved since the President of the company just got a $20000 raise, and a $10000 bonus and now he makes $220000 per year! Insane amount of money, and I donate to charities myself on what we bring in.

Thanks for replying,
I just need to vent right now, and, DH is for this contract (we both work there) But, he doe not do the math like I do. Our last contract we got 3.5% wage increase each year.

**SewCrafty** · 03-12-2006, 04:40 PM

The percentages sound about right, mind you I have been out of the work force for 5 years now. I was a union employee for over 20 years and they sound like what we used to get but we also got COLA on top of our raises.

All companies are trying to cut back, especially on sick time. So what you have to do is weigh the pros and cons of the contract. If too many vote no, will the company start laying off as a result? If you don't have the senority you could be one of the ones to be layed off, kwim?

So I would just read the contract carefully and watch for the little clauses and things the company has put in, that is usually where they can get you.

Good luck and hope all works out like you want it to.

**SHOPGIRL** · 03-12-2006, 05:58 PM

Those raises look o.k. to me. I've had pay freezes for two years. Last year our raise was about 2.5%. The raises don't keep up with the cost of living. A lot of sectors are being asked to take a pay cut. At least your getting a raise!

**chatterweb** · 03-12-2006, 09:06 PM

Thanks for letting me vent. I guess it will be nice to finally get a raise, I had a payfreeze for 2 years too, due to being topped out in my payscale.

Sewcrafty, what company did you work for?

And as far as lay offs, I really doubt that. I am number one in seniority, and my position is federally mandated, and produces $300-500 thousand dollars for the company each month.

My DH who also works there, also has a federally mandated job.

I guess they could lay all of us off and subcontract, but the union/company are older, almost 30 years old...
I guess I should be thankful I have a great job.

The voting is not only up to me, so, it could go yes or no.

I am still unsure, but I will update this thread after I get the scoop at work, I just got the letter yesterday, and I am off on weekends.

Thanks again for all your input!!!

**SewCrafty** · 03-13-2006, 09:02 AM

I worked for Canadian Pacific Rail and was in the UTU (United Transportation Union).

**chatterweb** · 03-13-2006, 01:35 PM

I work in Light Rail, similar but, we are considered utility, and fall under IBEW
Local 465, an electrical workers union.

**SewCrafty** · 03-14-2006, 08:31 AM

So what do you do for Light Rail?

I originally hired out as a clerk and was a yardmaster when I left.

**chatterweb** · 03-14-2006, 12:45 PM

Since it is a barrier-free system, I
Record the fare media for the monthly
Ridership totals, my DH is a certified
Track inspector, which is great, since
He could maybe work nationwide?
He loves his job, we both started part time and worked our way up.
I found out the 400 sick hours means that is the most one can have on their books before the company will automatically
Cash you out, so, we still will be able to cash out over 144 hours...
I also hear a lot of people will vote no
And a sick out is planned for baseball opening day...I won't invole myself with that...neither will DH, he will vote yes, I am still on the fence.
What is a yardmaster? Sounds like what we call yard dogs...

**SewCrafty** · 03-15-2006, 09:23 AM

Originally posted by chatterweb
What is a yardmaster? Sounds like what we call yard dogs...

ROFLMAO Too funny!

I took this from this site as I find it hard to explain it.

http://www.utu.org/DEPTS/YDMASTER/YDMST1.HTM

A yardmaster's duties include general supervision of all employees in yard service at their terminal locations, and responsibility for expediting the safe and on-time movement of freight through the terminal.

Besides guaranteeing that yard and road crews are at the proper place, performing duties in an appropriate and timely manner, yardmasters also ensure the efficient handling of yard work and the prompt movement of cars, placing and pulling cars in a manner consistent with the customers' needs.

The yardmaster directly supervises employees engaged in the movement of inbound and outbound train crews and supervises yard crews engaged in the switching, blocking, and classification of cars and trains.

I worked in a freight/switching yard and had at least 2 yard crews, 10-15 road crews, 4 carmen, 2-3 clerks, and other assorted workers under me on any given shift. Can you say "Mad House!" Besides the yard I had about 2 miles of main line track I was responsible for and we also interchanged with 2 other railroads, the NS (originally ConRail) and the NYS&W. Most of what I did could have been considered what dispatchers do.

I have met many people from all over the country that do track inspections.

**chatterweb** · 03-16-2006, 05:32 PM

We have yard supervisors here too, and what we call central control
Who communicate with all employees,
Radio communications, and there are 4
Controllers 1 for each line (3) and 1 for
The yard I think.
BTW...
I have decided to vote yes.
The company is offering to pay for our entire health insurance until Jan 07...we pay
About 168 a month pretaxed but, free is great!