More than 240 IAM members, who perform aircraft maintenance at Whidbey Naval Air Station, have overwhelmingly ratified a new first collective bargaining agreement with URS Corp. The 97 percent vote reflected the tremendous solidarity the group has maintained since initially voting for IAM representation at the end of last year.
“The workers were excited to know their wages, hours and working conditions are secured in writing,” said IAM Business Representative Jon Holden, one of the Union negotiators. “I believe the agreement touched on every major issue members identified as important in our surveys.”
The new agreement provides wage increases of at least 14 percent over the life of the four-year agreement.
Other highlights of the first agreement negotiated under Service Contract Act guidelines include participation in the IAM Pension Plan with an increased company contribution each year of the contract, improved health care benefits, and better work rules.
“I want to give a special thanks to the Negotiating Committee, who worked tirelessly to address issues members had identified as a priority,” said District 751 President Tom Wroblewski. “Union negotiators provided leadership and guidance throughout the bargaining process. Solid, positive contracts like this show the unorganized the value of gaining IAM representation.”
“This is a tremendous win for our new members, and for the IAM. They stood strong to win the right to bargain with the company, and our highly-trained representatives delivered a first-class contract to them,” said Gary Allen, General Vice-President of the IAM Western Territory. “Congratulations to DBR Wroblewski and his staff for their fine work, and to our URS members who stood strong and now have a contract they can be proud of.”