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| Front row, from left: District 75 Assistant Directing Business Representative Henry “Pappy” Perrigin, Chief Steward Charles Pate, Negotiating Committee members Regina Ullrich-Holmes and Wayne Mason, and District 75 Business Representative Brad Smith. Second row: Stewards Roger Lambert, Tim Knauber and Adam Galasso. Third row: Stewards Mike Sciacca and Rick Swindon. Not pictured: Special Representative Tony Wirth. |
More than 200 members of IAM Local 2777 in Milton, FL have ratified a strong collective bargaining agreement with L-3 Vertex Aerospace at Whiting Field Naval Air Station in Milton, FL.
The three-year accord includes 3 percent general wage increases for each year of the contract, increases employer pension contributions and raises safety standards, among other improvements.
“This is how great contracts are negotiated – a strong, committed and involved membership and a smart committee with good leadership from the District and Territory – working together for the best possible outcome,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Mark Blondin. “Congratulations to the members of Local 2777.”
“During negotiations, no matter what, the committee stayed strong and stuck together,” said District 75 Business Representative Brad Smith. “They approached each proposal as a unified and committed group for the members at their site. Not only standing strong for all the members they represent, but for each other as they went up against the company. In the end, they achieved a number of changes they should be very proud of. They worked hard, fought the fight, and have a contract they should be proud to have been part of.”
Negotiating committee member Wayne Mason said it was stressful knowing that 200 IAM members and their families were counting on them for a good contract, but that the grueling negotiations were worth it.
“Our members deserve the best I can give,” said Mason. “This was a brutal negotiation. Our negotiating team stood strong and stayed together when it got tough. We didn’t give in on the issues that our members wanted addressed. I am extremely proud to have been one of the people elected to represent such an amazing group.”
