
IAM Local 778 and Teamsters Local 41 members working at Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet dealerships ratified a strong new three-year agreement with the Kansas City Dealers Association on Jan. 6.
The new contract covers IAM and Teamsters members at various dealerships throughout Kansas City and the surrounding area. After narrowly avoiding a strike while bargaining their last two agreements, members overwhelmingly passed this contract, which contains many enhancements.
“The Midwest Territory is proud of our strong presence in the automotive industry,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “This bargaining committee worked hard to bring the membership an outstanding new contract that they deserve.”
IAM Union Bargaining Committee member Jeff Jaenson, who has been on the negotiating committee four times, said this is the healthiest contract he has ever seen.
“Our members deserve a contract they can be proud of, and the vote confirmed that they are,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “IAM Business Representative Kevin Watkinson led the committee through some tough bargaining topics and ultimately made sure every need of the membership was addressed.”
The bargaining committee negotiated to improve crucial elements of the agreement, including better wages, overtime pay, accrual language, sick time, tool insurance, 401(k) retirement contribution, and health insurance.
“We thank everyone involved in helping to make this ratification meeting run smoothly,” said IAM Union Local 778 Business Representative and lead negotiator Kevin Watkinson. “Thank you to all of the members who came out to cast their vote and to the dedicated IAM members who volunteered their time to help with the ratification process: April Major, Joe Ester, Brad Kreisel, and Tyler Gibson.”
April Major- Secretary-Treasurer for IAM Local 778
Joe Ester- Plant Engineer (BASE) and Steward at UPS
Brad Kreisel- Full time Committee person at Honeywell (FMT)
Tyler Gibson- Mechanic and Steward at UPS
Jeff Jaenson- IAM Bargaining Committee
Mike Kampman- IAM Bargaining Committee
Kevin Watkinson- IAM Business Representative
Erik Holtzclaw- IBT Bargaining Committee
Brad Neighbors- IBT Business Agent
Jim Eaton- IBT Bargaining Committee
Zach Alden- IBT Business Agent