Labor Union Blog

Some 2,500 UAW members in Texas authorize a strike—and more updates here from the “Bargaining Digest Weekly.” The AFL-CIO Collective Bargaining Department delivers daily, bargaining-related news and research resources to more than 900 subscribers. Union leaders can register for this service through our website, Bargaining@Work.

WORK STOPPAGES AND JOB ACTIONS
UAW, Bell Helicopter: Some 2,500 workers at Bell Helicopter plants in the Fort Worth, Texas, area, represented by UAW Local 218, went on strike today after rejecting contract proposals that would have increased medical costs and outsourced the work of janitors.

IAM, Vance Air Force Base: In Enid, Okla., Vance Air Force Base workers, represented by Machinists (IAM) Local Lodge 898, went on strike. A union official told a newspaper the disputes with military contractors at the base center on vacation days, paid time off, seniority and forced overtime after 23 percent of the workforce was laid off last year. The parties agreed to return to the bargaining table. They have not met face to face since June 5.  

BCTGM, Stella D’Oro: Members of Local 50 of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) remain resolved in their strike that began Aug. 13 against the Stella D’Oro cookie factory in Riverdale, N.Y. The 136 members of Local 50 have picketed every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. outside the factory at 237th Street and Broadway.  

CNA/NNOC, Hope Medical Center: In Duarte, Calif., registered nurses, represented by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CNA/NNOC), rallied in front of the City of Hope Medical Center to protest stalling contract negotiations. Nurses at the hospital have been working without a contract since April 30. The nurses are fighting for safe staffing levels and patient protection.  

Roofers, Stock Roofing: In Minneapolis, workers on Target Center’s new green roof launched a 24-hour strike over their freedom to form a union. Workers allege that Stock Roofing, their direct employer, has them work in the dark without safety equipment and has shorted them up to $20 pay per hour on the city-funded project. United Union of Roofers and Waterproofers Local 96 has joined the workers in their campaign to demand safe working conditions and exercise the freedom to have a union. 

NEGOTIATIONS
AFSCME, Springfield, Ore.: Springfield, Ore., workers, represented by AFSCME, have been asked by the financially struggling city to accept a wage freeze. The current contracts expire June 30.

IAFF, Wilmington, Del.: Wilmington, Del., firefighters, represented by the Fire Fighters (IAFF), rejected proposals that would have frozen wages. The union filed an unfair labor practice complaint Monday against the city with the state Public Employment Relations Board, saying the city bargained in bad faith during talks on its recently signed contract. 

SETTLEMENTS
IAFF, Sacramento: Firefighters in Sacramento, Calif., represented by the IAFF, reached an agreement to help the economically troubled county. The agreement includes a salary freeze this year, followed by yearly raises into 2014.

IAFF, Worcester: Worcester, Mass., firefighters, represented by IAFF Local 1009, have a new three-year contract with the city and will receive mid-year 2 percent wage increases for fiscal years 2008 and 2009, but they will receive no wage increase for fiscal 2010, which begins July 1. 

IBEW, Dex Media: Members of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1269 in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming at Dex Media, publisher of the Yellow Pages, ratified a new three-year agreement.

AFT, Cranston Schools: Cranston, R.I., teachers, represented by the AFT, approved a new agreement. Details of the tentative deal were not available.

ALPA, Island Air: Island Air pilots, who are represented by the Air Line Pilots (ALPA), approved a new four-year agreement that provides wage increases, work rule advances and furlough protections.