On July 20, 2007, several employees of AHNTECH Inc. employed at Dugway Proving Grounds, inCentral Utah, contacted the IAM because they felt they needed representation. Of the twelve employees, eight of them signed the “Authorization Petition”; after the signatures were verified by an impartial party, the IAM was given recognition for the new unit.
On August 23rd, these new members ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. This entire process, from the first meeting, through the card recognition, and finally to a ratified contract, lasted a total of 34 days. “This is an amazing story” said GVP Lee Pearson, “These workers reached out to us, and about a month later, they had a contract that they could depend on. We are proud of our relationship with AHNTECH, and together we avoided the delay tactics that are too common today. We were able to focus on delivering a satisfied workforce to the company, and giving these workers the standard of living they deserve. It is truly a Win-Win for everyone.”
The agreement contained average wage gains of over 28% over the term of the contract, and also included gains in paid travel time, severance pay, personal time off, guard/reserve time, shift premium, lead pay, health care, and the IAM National Pension Plan beginning 10/1/08.
Grand Lodge Representative Mike Wardle led the organizing campaign, assisted by Local Lodge 568 President Richard Lee, and in plant committee member Chris Burbidge. Aerospace Coordinator Frank Santos headed up the contract negotiations and was a key part of the entire process. Together these four comprised the negotiating committee, along with bargaining unit member Brian Graesser, who said “Every day you are working without an IAM collective bargaining agreement in place, is a day that you are losing money”.
