The sixty IAM members at Adams Company in Dubuque, IA ratified a new 3-year contract on Friday, July 18, 2008. Our members work as machinists and in maintenance. Adams is a custom gear and shaft job shop.
IAM District 6 Business Representative Wayne Laufenberg proudly said, "This is the best agreement we've ever reached at Adams. We have 3 new members on shop committee and I'm very proud of the entire shop committee. It was their hard work and dedication that allowed us to bring back a contract worthy of ratification."
The current average wage is $18.62 per hour. Wages will increase 6%, 4.75% and 3.75 over the term of the contract. The shift diferential for 2nd and 3rd shift will increase 10 cents per hour. Progression raises increased for new hires and those bidding on jobs. The new rate will jump from the current 20 cent progression each 500 hours worked to 25 cents per hour for each 500 hours worked. Accident and Sickness benefits will increase in each year of the contract. Employees life insurance will increase $1,000 each year. The current rate for the IAM Pension Plan is $1.40 per hour and will increase to $1.65 over three years. Vacation language was improved. New language was negotiated covering premium pay that will apply 30 cents per hour to our member's hourly rate when they are training another member. In addtion, each member will receive a $1,000 signing bonus on August 1, 2008.
In describing the atmosphere and outcome of the negotiations Laufenberg said, "The Company knows they have a very talented workforce and came through with a final offer that reflects the value they place on their employees."
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber praised all involved saying, "We appreciate the hard work and dedication of District 6 DBR Bob Connett, BR Wayne Laufenberg and the Local 1238 shop committee. We congratulate our members at Adams Company on their new collective bargaining agreement."
