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UAW Members Ratify First Contract at South Charleston Stamping

22 November 1999

UAW Members Ratify First Contract at South Charleston Stamping

    CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 19 -- Members of the UAW ratified a
four-year contract at South Charleston Stamping and Manufacturing (SCSM) in
Charleston, West Virginia on Friday, November 19, 1999.  The contract is the
first agreement negotiated since workers voted to join the International
Union, UAW in March of this year.
    "The UAW has established a clear set of bargaining priorities: work,
family, union," said UAW President Stephen P. Yokich.  "That's exactly what
this agreement delivers.  The bargaining committee and the entire membership
at South Charleston Stamping did an excellent job in negotiating a superb
first contract."
    "Workers at South Charleston Stamping have shown what you can achieve when
you organize," said UAW Region 2 Director Warren Davis.  "Eight months ago,
there was no Union at this facility.  Now, there is one -- and workers are
going to enjoy increased incomes, improved job security, better health care
coverage, and their first-defined benefit pension plan."
    "We're going to work together on quality, on safety, and on all of the
issues that improve the quality of life of our members," said Davis.  SCSM
provides auto parts to GM, DaimlerChrysler, and other automotive companies.
    Based on a 40-hour work week, the new agreement will deliver over $25,000
in economic benefits to each UAW member at SCSM during the life of the
contract.  This includes a $1,400 signing bonus, as well as a $1.30 per hour
across-the-board wage increase in the first year of the agreement.  In
addition, there will be a 70 cent per hour wage increase in each of the
second, third and fourth years.
    Workers will also benefit from an improved health plan, which includes
dental, vision and prescription drug coverage, but no co-pays.  SCSM workers
will retain their existing 401(k) retirement plans, and receive in addition
their first ever defined benefit pension plan.  Retired workers will receive
prescription drug coverage.
    The new contract also includes a union security clause, and a full
grievance procedure which provides for resolution of workplace disputes.
    In addition to substantial economic benefits, the new agreement requires
that temporary positions at the plant be filled by full-time, permanent
employees.  There are currently 800 UAW members employed at the plant; that
number is expected to increase to 1,000 during the course of the contract.
    The International Union, UAW, represents some 800,000 workers in a variety
of workplaces, including the auto assembly, auto parts, aerospace,
construction equipment, and other industries.  Technical, office and
professional members of the union include attorneys, freelance writers,
graphic designers, graduate student employees, hospital workers, nurses, and
public employees.