In less than three weeks, IAM Local 176 Negotiating Committee members and Stewards, pictured left to right, Kevin Ewing and Sandra Edmonds, IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Joe Capra and their team successfully negotiated a first contract for new IAM members at Syncreon.US in Kansas City, MO.
About 145 workers of Syncreon.US, a subcontractor of Harley-Davidson, have become the newest members of IAM Local 176 in Kansas City, MO.
The supply chain logistics provider voluntarily recognized the IAM to represent its operators, forklift operators and truck drivers after a majority of employees signed authorization cards in March 2016. In less than two months, the new IAM members have ratified their first contract.
“It’s a new day for workers at Syncreon.US,” said independent IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Joe Capra. “Thanks to their hard work and solidarity, they will now know, first hand, the benefits of having a union contract. This is a really strong contract – one in which Syncreon workers should be very proud of. They deserve a huge congratulations for what they were able to achieve by simply coming together and demanding a voice at the workplace.”
After less than three weeks of negotiations, the Syncreon negotiation committee secured substantial wage increases for the entire bargaining unit. Healthcare for all employees will stay the same the length of the three-year contract, with a 2 percent cap on employee contributions. The new members will also be enjoying new overtime rules, which include time and a half after 40 or 8 or 10 hours – plus, double time on Sundays, holidays, and if the worker works on their regular day(s) off more more than two weeks in a row.
“Congratulations to Local 778 Directing Business Representative Joe Capra, his team and staff on a job well done,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber. “And a special congratulations to the newest members of IAM Local 176. Your IAM contract will go a long way toward bringing economic security to you, your family and community. It’s the ‘union difference’ so many workers are proud to have in the workplace. We welcome you to the IAM family and hope you will actively join us in spreading the word and educating others about the benefits of IAM membership.”
