Negotiations Update May 30, 31 and June 1

The Guild and company met May 30 and 31 and June 1 for negotiations for the Portland unit contract. During the meetings neither side made any substantial changes to their previous proposals. However, the parties did have substantive discussions about insured benefits, including health care and flexible spending accounts, transfers, inserting in distribution, hours and overtime, including notice for change in schedule and weekly overtime, and jurisdiction issues, including MaineToday.com

The company did make a package proposal encompassing Article I, union membership, employment information, probation, Article IV, exempt employees, Article V, general wage provisions, Article IX, outside activities, Article X, grievance procedure, arbitration, no strike - no lockout and Article XII, sick leave. The package was discussed thoroughly.

The Guild and company have agreed to six additional bargaining dates before the end of July, with the company continuing to pay the Guild bargaining committee and for the meeting location. The dates are June 7, 19, 20 and 26 and July 26 and 27. All dates start at 10 a.m. Locations are to be determined. Members are always encouraged to come and observe if they have an opportunity. The parties have also agreed to form a sub committee that will discuss the part-time issue of distribution assistants away from the table. There is another sub committee currently working on job descriptions away from the table as well.

If you have any questions, concerns, want to see the proposals or attend a negotiating session, please contact a bargaining team member or the Guild office at cbetit@local128.org or 772-1202.