Workers at the Magellan Aerospace Haley plant returned to work this week following a nine-week strike.
Fifty-seven per cent of workers voted to accept the company’s most recent offer, says Jennifer McMaster, president of United Steelworkers Local 4820.
McMaster said there were mixed feelings among workers about returning to work, but that the wage increases were significantly higher than what was being offered when the strike began.
The deal consists of a five-year contract with increases per year of: 7% (first year); 4.25 % (second year); 4% (third year); and 3.25% in year four and five.
A five-year contract means hopefully no negotiations until 2029, said McMaster.
Pension improvements, a signing bonus, a guaranteed profit-sharing bonus and maintaining weekly pay rather than a proposed change to bi-weekly are among some of the other negotiated items.
Additionally, a cost-of-living clause will be reactivated in the last two years of the contract.
McMaster said something the committee tried to get across to the company was the importance of maintaining good morale and considering how workers feel about how they’re being treated.
She said she was glad to see everyone back at work this week.
As is usually the case in these situations, neither side got exactly what they wanted, said McMaster.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
