The contract offer from Cessna was turned down by 58%. However, the membership voted to strike by only a 49% margin.
According to the IAM Constitution, a 2/3 majority is required to strike.
The Contract is therefore accepted, and will go into effect.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
From the imail
From today's imail, the IAM e-newsletter:
Hundreds of of District 70 members and supporters in Wichita, KS, rallied for jobs and a fair contract with Cessna.
Cessna Contract: a Knife in Wichita's Heart
Hundreds of of District 70 members and supporters in Wichita, KS, rallied for jobs and a fair contract with Cessna.“When negotiations started with Cessna, the IAM committed to partner with the company to survive the current recession, and to save and create jobs for the future,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “It soon became obvious that the parent company Textron had a radically different agenda.”
IAM members of Local 774 in Wichita, KS, are weighing a seven-year takeaway contract offer from Cessna that is devoid of any wage increases for the first four years for anyone, and no increases for 25 percent of the membership. Instead, the company proposed a “performance pay” system that would be managed exclusively by management, which may never pay a dime. Members vote on the offer Saturday.
Textron demanded gutting the traditional health care plan and replacing it with by a “consumer-driven” plan that raises premiums by as much as 160 percent and will cost members $5,000 a year before coverage finally kicks in. All future increases in health care will be passed on to the membership, as there are no caps and the company can change the plan design at any time.
The Local 774 Negotiating Committee unanimously recommended that members reject the company’s proposal and authorize a strike when the current agreement expires at midnight on September 19, 2010.
“It is clear Textron was not interested in breaking new ground in saving jobs in Wichita, but instead demanded concessions and takeaways with no real guarantee of keeping significant work here,” said Martinez. “This is a fight we must win, and I will commit the full resources of the Southern Territory to ensure that we prevail.”
Local 774, District 70 represents about 2,400 of Cessna's 6,000 Wichita employees.
IAM members of Local 774 in Wichita, KS, are weighing a seven-year takeaway contract offer from Cessna that is devoid of any wage increases for the first four years for anyone, and no increases for 25 percent of the membership. Instead, the company proposed a “performance pay” system that would be managed exclusively by management, which may never pay a dime. Members vote on the offer Saturday.
Textron demanded gutting the traditional health care plan and replacing it with by a “consumer-driven” plan that raises premiums by as much as 160 percent and will cost members $5,000 a year before coverage finally kicks in. All future increases in health care will be passed on to the membership, as there are no caps and the company can change the plan design at any time.
The Local 774 Negotiating Committee unanimously recommended that members reject the company’s proposal and authorize a strike when the current agreement expires at midnight on September 19, 2010.
“It is clear Textron was not interested in breaking new ground in saving jobs in Wichita, but instead demanded concessions and takeaways with no real guarantee of keeping significant work here,” said Martinez. “This is a fight we must win, and I will commit the full resources of the Southern Territory to ensure that we prevail.”
Local 774, District 70 represents about 2,400 of Cessna's 6,000 Wichita employees.
Exclusive! Secret video from Cessna's Captive Audience Meetings!
We've just received a clandestine video secretly filmed during the mandatory meetings where Cessna tries to shove the contract down your throat.
It's the UHC/Definity "fuzzy math" where they explain how their snake oil insurance is a good deal for you.
It's the UHC/Definity "fuzzy math" where they explain how their snake oil insurance is a good deal for you.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Negotiations Update 9/13
We met with company negotiators throughout the weekend, and are still meeting with them today. We will let you know of any developments as they occur.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Rally photos
District Communicator Larry Wilson posted a photo slide show of the rally here. Thanks to Larry and LL 839 Communicator Dennis Williams for the photos.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Rally today 4 PM!
Be sure to be in Old Town today at 4 PM for the latest updates from the bargaining table and to show Wichita and Cessna we are determined to stand up to corporate greed!
The current contract proposal destroys your ability to provide for your families for the next ten years. It's time to stand up for our community.
The current contract proposal destroys your ability to provide for your families for the next ten years. It's time to stand up for our community.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Rally Friday 4 PM!
Rally, Friday, Sept 10 4 PM
In Old Town, 2nd Street
between Mosley and Rock Island
Click on graphic for large size
Friday, September 3, 2010
Negotiations Update - 4:30 PM Sept 3.
Your Negotiating Committee met this afternoon with Cessna, and we are forming sub-committees that will be meeting through the holiday weekend with Cessna concerning job operation flexibility and job classifications combinations.
Enjoy your IAM-negotiated holiday weekend, and on Labor Day, remember to celebrate the American working men and women who have built our nation.
Your Negotiating Committee.
Enjoy your IAM-negotiated holiday weekend, and on Labor Day, remember to celebrate the American working men and women who have built our nation.
Your Negotiating Committee.
Negotiations Update - 2 PM Friday Sept 3
Brothers and Sisters,
Your Negotiating Committee met with the company this morning concerning pensions and health care.
The company was completely clear: They have no intention of continuing the pension plan. They plan to terminate it for everyone.
Also, they are serious about only offering the Definity/UHC plan the non-bargaining workers now have, with no other options.
We only have 57% membership. It's quite simple - Cessna thinks we are weak. Cessna believes that the non-members will happily accept whatever they are offered.
Give us the power we need at the bargaining table. We have fought so hard for decades for the benefits we have. We must organize the non-members to stand up for our jobs and benefits. Every non-member weakens our negotiating strength, not only for you as an employee, but also for your families.
Your Negotiating Committee
Your Negotiating Committee met with the company this morning concerning pensions and health care.
The company was completely clear: They have no intention of continuing the pension plan. They plan to terminate it for everyone.
Also, they are serious about only offering the Definity/UHC plan the non-bargaining workers now have, with no other options.
We only have 57% membership. It's quite simple - Cessna thinks we are weak. Cessna believes that the non-members will happily accept whatever they are offered.
Give us the power we need at the bargaining table. We have fought so hard for decades for the benefits we have. We must organize the non-members to stand up for our jobs and benefits. Every non-member weakens our negotiating strength, not only for you as an employee, but also for your families.
Your Negotiating Committee
The Answer, My Friends...
Yesterday's marchers encountered a light Kansas breeze, known elsewhere as gale-force winds! But everyone persevered, and the march was well-attended and successful. It was covered in the Wichita Eagle, and Channel 10 and Channel 12 also covered it.
Thanks to everyone who came out, and remember we're having a rally in downtown Wichita next week, we'll let you know as soon as the details are finalized.
You can click on the photos for a larger size.
Thanks to everyone who came out, and remember we're having a rally in downtown Wichita next week, we'll let you know as soon as the details are finalized.
You can click on the photos for a larger size.
Goldman Sachs wants Katrina money
This is happening at Hawker, but make no mistake, it can happen to us, too.
Click graphic for large size
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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