Less than six months after employees at Environmental Management Inc. (EMI) at March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley, CA, voted overwhelmingly for IAM representation, they were rewarded with a first contract, ratified on October 25, 2008.
Details of the three-year accord include wage increases for members ranging from 7 1/2 percent to 36 percent in the first year, followed by a 3 percent increase in the second and third years. The benefit for health and welfare, currently set by the Federal Government at $3.24 per hour, will increase to $3.50 the first year, $3.75 the second year and $4.00 the third year. Members also garnered the IAM National Pension Plan with contributions of $1.00 per hour, $1.25 and $1.50 in each of the three years, respectively, as well as paid bereavement leave, jury duty, vacation, military reserve leave, access to the IAM 401K plan, a solid grievance and arbitration procedure and more.
"Congratulations to GLR Ray Rivera, District 725 BR Mike Palazzo and committee members Andrew Isom, Darell Blanford and Deanie Lavergne for their efforts in crafting and negotiating a first contract these members can be proud of," remarked Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson. "These brothers and sisters wanted the opportunity to bargain for better wages and working conditions and their solidarity showed exactly what forming a union can do."
These proud new IAM members perform vital warehouse, hazardous materials and fuel distribution services for the US Air Force Reserve Units stationed at March ARB.
