Labor & Employment Law

Detroit Musicians on Strike Today?and More Bargaining News

By Belinda Boyce

Members of the Detroit Federation of Musicians went on strike today, and more news from the “Bargaining Digest Weekly.” The AFL-CIO Collective Bargaining Department delivers daily, bargaining-related news and research resources to more than 1,300 subscribers. Union leaders can register for this service through our website, Bargaining@Work. 

WORK STOPPAGES
AFM, Detroit Symphony Orchestra: The musicians of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra are on strike today, opposing cuts they say would hurt the quality of the orchestra. The members of the Detroit Federation of Musicians/AFM were willing to take cuts to help the orchestra out of its financial hole but say the extent of the cuts, as well as changes to working conditions, would be too damaging to the orchestra in the long term. 

NEGOTIATIONS
ATU, Jacksonville Transportation Authority: In Florida, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority will return to the bargaining table with a mediator for a four-day session later this month. The 250 members of ATU authorized a strike in August but are hopeful a deal can still be reached.

AFSCME, City of Detroit: In Detroit, AFSCME is vowing to fight the contract imposed by Mayor Dave Bing and the City Council. Last Tuesday, the council voted 5-3 to impose a three-year contract, which includes unpaid furloughs amounting to a 10 percent pay cut, on 3,200 mechanics, 911 operators and recreation workers.

IAM, Continental Airlines: The Machinists (IAM) District 142 reached a 26-month tentative interim agreement with Continental Airlines, covering the airline’s 9,500 flight attendants. The pact addresses issues related to Continental’s merger with United Airlines and will be voted on by the membership later this month.

ATU, Veolia Transportation: ATU Local 1433 in Phoenix is requesting a third extension in contract talks with Veolia Transportation. ATU Local 1433 President Bob Bean alleges Veolia underbid its contract with the city and is now trying to make up for it on the backs of his 600 members.

UAW, Kohler Company: UAW Local 833 and Kohler Co. agreed to extend negotiations for at least another week, after UAW leaders called the company’s last proposal “unacceptable.” The 2,300 members of Local 833 last month voted overwhelmingly to  authorize a strike.

SETTLEMENTS
UMWA, Teck Coal: Members of Mine Workers (UMWA) Local 7292 ratified a new three-year contract and ended a 54-day strike at Teck Coal’s Coal Mountain mine in British Columbia. The contract includes wage increases to bring pay in line with other Teck mines, as well as job security language and improvements to health benefits.

UFCW, Kroger Company: Members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 455 ratified a new contract with Kroger Co. in Houston. The contract covers 13,000 workers at more than 100 Texas stores.

Disclaimer: This information is being provided for your information only.  As it is compiled from published news reports, not from individual unions, we cannot vouch for either its completeness or accuracy; readers who desire further information should directly contact the union involved.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on October 04, 2010 (boomark / email).