Triumph Composite Systems Inc. Ratification in Spokane, Washington

Thursday, May 31, 2007 the membership voted to strike Triumph Composite Systems Inc. in Spokane, Washington. The offer was rejected by 67% and the strike vote was 72%. The Union and the Company negotiators came together and reached a tentative agreement on a revised offer early in the morning on June 4th. The membership voted throughout the day on Monday, June 4, 2007 with the resuls as follows:

The membership vote was 68% to accept the offer and ratify the contract. Out members at TCI/Spokane build and assemble floor panels, ducts, and flight deck interiors for all Boeing aircraft and some aftermarket floor panels for Airbus. The current IAM bargaining unit size is 387 with 349 members voted.

• 3 year agreement
• 4% GWI year one, 3% GWI year two, 3% GWI year three of contract.
• lump sum based on service – minimum $900 Max $3175
• More money for former Boeing workers who were on layoff at time of acquisition and hired later on at smaller wage.
• COLA – to be paid in lump sums every (6) months – approx. $4000.00 over life of contract.
• IAM NPP – $1.25 in year one, $1.45 in year two, $1.55 in year 3.
• Renewed Gain Sharing Plan – $4800.00 (estimate) over life of contract.
• Wage progression rates increased from $.43 to $.55 per hour every 6 mos.
• Promotions by seniority
• Doubled rates of increase for promotions from $.50 to $1.00 per hr.
• Recall rights doubled from 3 years to 6 years
• Bump rights increased from 5 years to 7 years
• 36 paid holidays over life of agreement
• Paid time off (PTO) in lieu of sick leave.  More flexibility for workers.
• Medical insurance capped at 2007 rates.
• Improvements to eye care
• Improved Job Security language
• Improvements in Grievance Procedure
• Mandatory overtime limits and double time after 128 hrs per calendar quarter
• Increased Union representation – added ability for additional Stewards.

Revised offer included a cap on progressions, additional bonus money ($75.00 per month of service at TCI – $900 – $3975), more upfront money for recent hires, and additional money for former Boeing workers not hired at time of sale to Triumph.

I commend the Membership, District 751 DBR Tom Wroblewski and the entire bargaining committee including Mark Johnson, Ray Baumgartner, Steve Warren, Ed Rittenberg, and Paul Milliken for a fine job – as well as Barb Strole who handled clerical and Connie Kelliher in charge of communications/media.  Our membership did the right things to get the job done and can hold their heads high knowing they made the difference.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Blondin

IAM Aerospace Coordinator

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