IAM Negotiators ~ Mike Bellestri, District 725 BR; Gary Holt, District 725 P/DBR; John Epson, Local 2024 Retiree
Seated left to right: David Goldsmith, Local 2024 V-P, Peggy Speer, Local 2024 S-T; Walter Melson, Local 720-J Pres.
Over 500 IAM members of District Lodge 725 employed by the Boeing Company in Huntington Beach, Torrance and Edwards Air Force Base, ratified a new contract October 26, 2008.
The 42 month agreement provides for 2% general wage increases in October of each year, a $2500 ratification bonus payable by December 4, continuation of current COLA provisions and maintenance of holidays. The pension benefit was improved from $68/month to $75/month per year of service. Medical deductibles and co-payments increased, with caps set on monthly maximum out-of-pocket premium costs, a higher lifetime maximum benefit and minor improvements to hearing aid benefits and neurodevelopmental therapy. The Basic Life and AD&D payouts went from $28,000 to $30,000.
"Negotiations with Boeing are never easy," said District 725 President/Directing Business Representative Gary Holt, "and this year was no exception. I want to express my appreciation to our negotiating committee members: Dave Goldsmith, Walter Melson, Peggy Speer and Business Representatives Mike Bellestri and Mike Palazzo. Also, special thanks for the International support received by Aerospace Coordinator Frank Santos and David White, from the Strategic Resources Department."
