Agreement Reached at White Sands Missile Range
August 2, 2012
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After twice rejecting the company’s last, best and final offer on July 16 and July 25, three hundred plus IAM members who work at Trax International (formerly Newtec) voted to accept the modified offer made by the company on July 30, 2012.
Trax International initially wanted to replace the current co-payment healthcare plan with a high deductible healthcare plan, which would force workers to shoulder a higher share of healthcare costs. In the modified offer, all healthcare plan deductibles will be reimbursed by the employer. In addition, a Joint Healthcare Committee was established to oversee the operations of the healthcare plan. Also included in the healthcare language is the ability for the union to take unresolved healthcare issues into mediation for a binding resolution.
“I applaud the membership for having the courage to stand their ground,” said Western Territory General Vice President Gary Allen. “The landmark healthcare provisions in this agreement will provide a much improved quality of life for our members and their families.”
“The outstanding support of the membership throughout the negotiation process ensured success in achieving their goals,” said Grand Lodge Representative Bud Duryea. “I would like to personally thank Local 2515 DBR Jay Jaramillo and negotiating committee members Mike Sale, Suzette Trout, Max Padilla, Bob Ferguson, and Ben Sanders. They did a great job both at the bargaining table and by keeping the members well informed of the issues.”
Trax International holds a Service Contract with the US Army. Their primary focus is the testing and evaluation of US Army field equipment. The IAM represents wide range of workers employed in various occupations at Trax International; from nuclear workers to data processors.
