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What began as a normal round of negotiations for a group of service technicians at Ed Shults Ford-Lincoln in Jamestown, N.Y., ended with the organizing of two new members. The IAM has represented nearly a dozen technicians at what is now Ed Shults Ford-Lincoln for several decades, and at one point, the parts counterpersons were covered in the agreement, too.
Over the years, the dealership experienced several changes in ownership. Along the way, management decided to offer the parts counterperson employees a commission-based pay structure, removing them from the IAM contract.
They watched their colleagues in the service technicians’ unit, who are under the IAM contract, enjoying more stable and secure working conditions. Realizing the value of collective bargaining and the protection it offered, the parts department employees decided to seek the help of the IAM.
Of course, management protested vigorously but after several rounds of negotiations and discussions, management finally relented, but only after the successful election. The IAM negotiated a new contract that not only brought the parts department counterpersons back into the bargaining unit, but also secured a healthy wage increase for all employees. The new contract included a pension plan under the IAM pension, ensuring a secure future for everyone.
“This is a victory for solidarity and a testament to the power of collective bargaining,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “They realized the importance of an IAM negotiated contract has on their families and for their future.”
“Through perseverance and unity, we’ve secured a brighter, more stable future for our members,” said IAM District 65 Directing Business Representative Ron Warner. “This victory underscores the critical role of collective bargaining in protecting workers and their families.”
“These new members started the day non-union, and by 5:30, they were union and under a contract,” said District 65 Business Representative Ryan Sweeny. “My thanks go out to Mark Himes, who spearheaded the effort to organize the parts counterpersons.”
