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| The District 947, Local 389 Negotiating Committee attended a Negotiation Prep class at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in advance of upcoming talks with Solar Turbines. From left, Local 389 President Darrin Williamson, District 947 Business Representative Daniella Ferioli, District 947 Assistant Directing Business Representative James Watson, Local 389 member Rudy Amaral, and Local 389 member Chester Bullock. |
IAM San Diego Local 389 members at industrial gas turbine manufacturer Solar Turbines geared up for upcoming contract talks by attending a Negotiation Preparation class at the William W. Winpisinger (WWW) Education and Technology Center.
The week-long class included training in drafting contract language, presenting proposals, analysing the company’s strengths and weaknesses, and identifying a broad array of potential tactics.
“It takes all of us to build these products, and it’s going to take all of us to strengthen our position for the upcoming negotiations,” said Local 389 President and Negotiating Committee member Darrin Williamson. “All we want is a fair and reasonable settlement – one that protects our benefits including our pension and also recognizes our contribution to Solar’s long term success. If the company tries to take away any of our hard-earned benefits, we want to be ready. The training we received this last week has given us the tools to do so.”
Chester Bullock, a Kearny Mesa plant site Chief Steward and Negotiating Committee member, said a successful contract “will take unity, common purpose, membership solidarity and a strong voice at the table. We do this by growing our membership and by sticking together.”
The over 480 District 947-affiliated members produce and manufacture industrial gas turbines that play an important role in the development of oil, natural gas and power generation projects around the world. Solar Turbines’ products include gas turbine engines, gas compressors, gas turbine-compressor sets, mechanical-drive packages and generator sets.
“I commend the hard work of the Local 389 Solar Turbines Negotiations Committee,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary Allen. “They have developed a plan with strong values and fresh ideas for these negotiations. Their commitment to excellence and growing their membership validates their dedication to the members of their local and the Western Territory’s values of growth, prosperity and strength.”
The current contract expires May 17, 2015.
