They Got Nothing New.
Because of the “low performance” of the company’s negotiators, Guild bargainers spent a beautiful Friday accomplishing little at the Federal Mediation Office.
We countered the company’s latest proposal as the contract deadline of midnight Saturday neared. The company was unable to respond to our counter or provide any new details on their plan to gut your health care.
We agreed to a contract extension to June 27, making it very clear we expect significant movement from the company well before then – we meet again next Friday – and that we are not inclined to extend beyond that.
In the meantime, we plan to hold a strike-authorization vote the week of June 1, date depending on space availability. Guild bargainers will be meeting with International Guild and CWA officers the week of June 8 in Detroit to advance strike preparations.
Please show your continued support by displaying stickers in your work area. We will be contacting you soon about other actions. Have a good weekend.
In solidarity,
Howard Gensler
Bill Ross
Diane Mastrull
Cindy Burton
Regina Medina
Melanie Burton
Brian McCrone
PS: The health care plan will continue through the extension without any changes to benefits or the rate you pay. The Health & Welfare Fund will continue to bleed the money.