I had heard rumors of the $19.00 an hour but nothing else. Again rumor only. If that's the case my personal vote is to just move to the next phase.
Coach,
my understanding is that ORD fleet were briefed a few days ago by a member of the negotiations team and that things are being worked out in a cordial manner to keep the IAM from going to arbitration where fleet could actually get huge rewards. Many rampers said that it appeared the IAM didn't want to go to arbitration and that the IAM rep grew somewhat hostil when asked by rampers to just go to arbitration since he didn't think they would get much back.
Coach, the $19 is accurate per negotiations from what I understand, plus some other improvements in OT/sick time but not as big as improvements as you'd probably like.
OTOH, the arbitration award, which appears convincing, would net:
1. $20+
2. Full retro pay of all money owed over the past 18 months. The math can add up to $20,000+ back pay for those US East workers who work alot of OT at $15.60hr.
3. Plus an immediate 3% yearly raise based on the contract that fleet would have already received, and 3% thereafter until a new contract is settled.
4. This grievance award will only benefit US east employees. This is the contention since it is my understanding that the IAM wants the west included in alot of the things that only the East is entitled to.
So, in a sense, the IAM may be willing to 'cash in' the "Big Payday arbitration award" US EAST employees would get just so the 'westies' could share. What the grievance doesn't include is anything other than the wage.
The important thing is this, the grievance award isn't anything to do with present negotiations since a grievance award was based on the prior contract and the employees would only be getting an award from a contract violation. So that, even with a grievance award, the company is still expected to finish negotiations for a 'seamless' transition.
My opinion, the IAM throws out the grievance case 'soon' instead of fighting for what the fleet service contract gives fleet service. The IAM is pathetic indeed, they talk the talk about the greivance but IMO, no way they will 'walk the walk'. Never have.
regards,