IAM members who stood up for fairness on the job, despite their employer’s efforts to keep them from organizing, will reap the rewards of a successful first contract between IAM District 751, Local 1951 and Filtrona Extrusions, USA Inc., in Yakima, Washington. The agreement, which took several months to bargain, resulted in General Wage Increases of $1.50 per hour in the first year, $1.00 per hour in the second year and $.75 cents an hour in the third year of the contract. Another top concern of members was increased entry levels, a secured 401K, defined leaves and limits on mandatory overtime, all of which are addressed in the new contract. Additionally, employees have the potential of earning a performance bonus of $500 per quarter if all triggers are met in 2008.
Members at Filtrona produce extrusion parts for Aerospace and other Industries. The classifications include extrusion operators, shipping and receiving, shop clerical, machinists, tool and die, quality assurance, color room and maintenance employees.
Steve Cooper, Western Territory Organizing Leader, congratulated the negotiating team on their efforts. “Brother Wroblewski and his team brought a great organizing effort at Filtrona Extrusions to a successful conclusion. Brother Jesse Cote and his persistent pursuit for justice on the job for the workers showed when he won the challenge of the first tainted election. The Bargaining Committee, led by Business Representative Paul Milliken, pressed for a strong first agreement and stuck with it to the end."
General Vice President Lee Pearson echoed the sentiment. “There is no question this is an excellent first agreement by any standards. In addition to organizing new members, it’s critical that we follow through and deliver that first contract. I’d like to thank Grand Lodge Representative Don Whitaker for his help in this endeavor as well. My congratulations to everyone, especially our members at Filtrona, whose solidarity was outstanding.”
