More than a thousand union members from groups including the PSEA, SEIU and AFSME gathered on the Capitol steps to protest Governor Corbett’s $27.3 billion budget today, with much of the anger focused on the more than $1 billion the Republican wants to cut from education spending.
About half of that money, as Corbett likes to point out during public appearances, comes from eliminated federal stimulus dollars.
At the beginning of the rally, AFSME Council 13 Executive Director Dave Fillman warned against the impact of Corbett’s proposed spending reductions. “We don’t want our kids on over-crowded classrooms. We don’t want health care cuts for our seniors. We don’t want huge increases in tuition. And we don’t want to see our property taxes skyrocket,” he said, as the crowd cheered. “A budget with devastating cuts for working families is wrong. A budget without a drilling tax on Marcellus Shale is wrong. A budget that allows tax loopholes for big corporations is wrong.”
Two themes emerged from the protestors I talked to. They’re 1) worried education cuts will lead to local property tax hikes and 2) think lawmakers should enact a natural gas drilling tax and send the proceeds to Pennsylvania’s general fund. Corbett has vowed to veto any tax increase, and the only drilling levy with a politically realistic chance of passing this year is Senator Joe Scarnati’s impact fee, which would send revenue to local governments and environmental efforts.
The union rally came a day after the release of April’s tax revenue figures, which were nine percent better than expectations. The extra income increased the year’s surplus to more than $500 million – way more than the $78 million projected by the Corbett Administration in March. Corbett has repeatedly vowed not to spend a cent more than $27.3 billion. If the surplus stays this large in June, there will be significant pressure from lawmakers to use the extra money to lessen basic and higher education cuts.
Showing posts with label unions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unions. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Workers Rally for Budget Reconsideration at State Capitol
In response to Governor Tom Corbett’s budget proposal, thousands of members of labor and social organizations, and faith-based groups in Pennsylvania converged on the state capitol to rally for reconsideration.
Mackenzie Smith, leader of Unite Here 57, left Pittsburgh with 12 buses carrying nearly 1,000 people to Harrisburg. She says her group believes a rally in the Capitol is the best way to make a stand.
“I think getting out in the streets in addition to voting is the essence of democracy in showing our legislators that we care and that we’re watching the decisions they’re making. It’s the essence of America to get out in the streets and protest and make our voices heard.”
The group also protested at the Chamber of Commerce of Pittsburgh. “We want to send a message to our legislators and to Gov. Corbett that we expect a budget that is fair, where corporations are paying their fair share. We want to eliminate our corporate loopholes which is the real reason we’re having a budget shortfall in the state.”
Saturday, April 30, 2011
No Talks Over Transit Cuts
The president of Local 85 of the Amalgamated Transit Union went before the Port Authority Board to urge them to resume negotiations over contract concessions so that service that was cut by 15% a month ago can be restored.
Pat McMahon says there have been no contract talks since Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato left a meeting 4 weeks ago. During the public comment period at the PAT Board meeting, McMahon told board members they should either resume negotiations or resign.
It was Onorato who rejected an offer of $18.5 million in temporary concessions by the union, not the PAT Board. At the time, Onorato said he became involved because the PAT Board had already made its decision about service cuts. Onorato said the concessions offer did not address the legacy costs of health care and pensions for retired PAT workers.
PAT CEO Steve Bland said at the end of yesterday's board meeting that they gave the union information about health care costs 2 weeks ago, but have not received a reply.
Pat McMahon says there have been no contract talks since Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato left a meeting 4 weeks ago. During the public comment period at the PAT Board meeting, McMahon told board members they should either resume negotiations or resign.
It was Onorato who rejected an offer of $18.5 million in temporary concessions by the union, not the PAT Board. At the time, Onorato said he became involved because the PAT Board had already made its decision about service cuts. Onorato said the concessions offer did not address the legacy costs of health care and pensions for retired PAT workers.
PAT CEO Steve Bland said at the end of yesterday's board meeting that they gave the union information about health care costs 2 weeks ago, but have not received a reply.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Union Reps Honor Workers Memorial Day 2011
One-hundred years ago 146 workers died in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City. Today in downtown’s Market Square, union leaders joined together to say what it will take to make sure a similar disaster could never happen today.The union representatives gathered at the Workers Memorial and expressed fear that today’s politicians are breaking down the workplace safety standards with consistent attacks on collective bargaining agreements. The unions say they rely on these contracts to achieve certain safety standards in the workplace.
Jack Shea, President of the Allegheny County Labor Council AFL-CIO says the Workers Memorial is a yearly reminder that the fight for workers rights rages on.
“You know every year on this date when we come here we mourn for the dead, fight for the living and we will continue to fight until one day we won’t have to come here anymore,” Shea says.
Frank Snyder, Secretary Treasurer of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO also spoke at the event. He says the number of work-related deaths is more than the common person may realize.
“Think about this: Every day in this country 149 workers lose their lives as a result of their workplaces, 12 will die from injuries and 137 from diseases. Every day,” Snyder says.
According to the AFL-CIO, 166 workeRS in Pennsylvania were killed on the job in 2009.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
County Council Hears Both PAT and Local 85
Members of the two sides in disagreement over labor negotiations between Port Authority Transit and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 met in Allegheny County Courthouse’s Gold Room Wednesday evening under a special meeting called for by Allegheny Council President Jim Burn.
Burn and his fellow council members asked each representative if they were willing to go back to the negotiating table after heated but closed talks ended on Saturday afternoon. The following day, the Port Authority went through with a 15 percent service cut. Steve Bland, CEO of PAT and Patrick McMahon, union President for Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 both agreed in principle to continuing negotiations.
According to reports from both sides, management and the union were close to reaching an agreement after “historic” concessions were made by the union regarding legacy funds and health care for retirees.
County Manager Jim Flynn said a “cooling off” period was necessary and four days between talks is helpful for each side to reset before negotiating again.
Many councilmen questioned the representatives to help educate themselves on where each side stands and to encourage immediate negotiations. Councilmen explained that the lack of state funding has driven the problems that lead to service cuts and further cuts expected in June of 2012. Councilman Michael Finnerty says the blame game between sides is unnecessary when there is a bigger issue.
“When we look at the situation be realistic about it in saying what the problem is, and the state is one of the problems, it’s not just legacy cuts, it’s not just healthcare, it’s dedicated funding, too.”
Bland agreed with Finnerty’s sentiments saying until there is a source of dedicated funding, these meetings will come up every few months as PAT finds itself in financial trouble again.
“We have to move away from these one-day, one-week, one-month, one-year Band-Aids, limp-alongs, bailouts, you-name-it and get to a point where public transportation in Pittsburgh is sustainable on an ongoing basis and frankly where derivative bodies like this one can move onto issues of other significant public policy interests.”
McMahon says negotiations can and will continue, but constant ultimatums from the Port Authority won’t be the fix.
“As far as we are concerned, Local 85, we have never left the negotiating table but we need someone that we can negotiate with,” McMahon says. “Take it or leave it proposals will not get it done, it will get a mutually agreeable solution.”
Burn and his fellow council members asked each representative if they were willing to go back to the negotiating table after heated but closed talks ended on Saturday afternoon. The following day, the Port Authority went through with a 15 percent service cut. Steve Bland, CEO of PAT and Patrick McMahon, union President for Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 both agreed in principle to continuing negotiations.
According to reports from both sides, management and the union were close to reaching an agreement after “historic” concessions were made by the union regarding legacy funds and health care for retirees.
County Manager Jim Flynn said a “cooling off” period was necessary and four days between talks is helpful for each side to reset before negotiating again.
Many councilmen questioned the representatives to help educate themselves on where each side stands and to encourage immediate negotiations. Councilmen explained that the lack of state funding has driven the problems that lead to service cuts and further cuts expected in June of 2012. Councilman Michael Finnerty says the blame game between sides is unnecessary when there is a bigger issue.
“When we look at the situation be realistic about it in saying what the problem is, and the state is one of the problems, it’s not just legacy cuts, it’s not just healthcare, it’s dedicated funding, too.”
Bland agreed with Finnerty’s sentiments saying until there is a source of dedicated funding, these meetings will come up every few months as PAT finds itself in financial trouble again.
“We have to move away from these one-day, one-week, one-month, one-year Band-Aids, limp-alongs, bailouts, you-name-it and get to a point where public transportation in Pittsburgh is sustainable on an ongoing basis and frankly where derivative bodies like this one can move onto issues of other significant public policy interests.”
McMahon says negotiations can and will continue, but constant ultimatums from the Port Authority won’t be the fix.
“As far as we are concerned, Local 85, we have never left the negotiating table but we need someone that we can negotiate with,” McMahon says. “Take it or leave it proposals will not get it done, it will get a mutually agreeable solution.”
Monday, March 28, 2011
PAT Riders Deal With Cuts
It's the first work day that commuters are having to deal with 15% service cuts by the Port Authority of Allegheny County. Effective Sunday PAT eliminated 29 routes and reduced operations on 37 others. Last minute efforts to eliminate the cuts or postpone them for a week while negotiations continued on union concessions failed.
Pat McMahon, president of Local 85 of the Amalgamated Transit Workers Union, said the service cuts would likely cause confusion and inconvenience for transit riders.
"The Port Authority workers who are members of ATU Local 85 are reliable, responsible and professional transit employees committed to going above and beyond what is required of them to help the transit riders we serve during this challenging transition resulting from the unnecessary cuts ordered by the Port Authority Board of Directors and Chief Executive Onorato."
County Council President Jim Burn has called a special meeting of Council on Wednesday, March 30 at 5:00 P.M. in the County Courthouse. Burn says PAT CEO Steve Bland and ATU Local 85 President Pat McMahon will be invited to the meeting and it's imperative discussions between management and the union continue in hopes of restoring the eliminated routes.
“At this time I cannot provide any assurance that routes will be restored as a result of this meeting, however, it is apparent that the union and management are at a point where meaningful negotiations can occur. County Council will continue to do our best to help facilitate a resolution to this issue.”
McMahon warned county and PAT officials that the protests will increase...
"If Executives Onorato and Bland and the Port Authority Board of Directors thought the Stop the Cuts campaign has been heated and intense, wait until they get a taste of our Restore the Cuts campaign which begins now."
Information about the transit cuts can be found at the Port Authority's blog
Pat McMahon, president of Local 85 of the Amalgamated Transit Workers Union, said the service cuts would likely cause confusion and inconvenience for transit riders.
"The Port Authority workers who are members of ATU Local 85 are reliable, responsible and professional transit employees committed to going above and beyond what is required of them to help the transit riders we serve during this challenging transition resulting from the unnecessary cuts ordered by the Port Authority Board of Directors and Chief Executive Onorato."
County Council President Jim Burn has called a special meeting of Council on Wednesday, March 30 at 5:00 P.M. in the County Courthouse. Burn says PAT CEO Steve Bland and ATU Local 85 President Pat McMahon will be invited to the meeting and it's imperative discussions between management and the union continue in hopes of restoring the eliminated routes.
“At this time I cannot provide any assurance that routes will be restored as a result of this meeting, however, it is apparent that the union and management are at a point where meaningful negotiations can occur. County Council will continue to do our best to help facilitate a resolution to this issue.”
McMahon warned county and PAT officials that the protests will increase...
"If Executives Onorato and Bland and the Port Authority Board of Directors thought the Stop the Cuts campaign has been heated and intense, wait until they get a taste of our Restore the Cuts campaign which begins now."
Information about the transit cuts can be found at the Port Authority's blog
Saturday, March 26, 2011
PAT Route Cuts Coming Sunday
The Port Authority Board is to meet at 3 o'clock this afternoon, but it won't be to vote on wage concessions offered by the union representing PAT drivers. Pat McMahon, president of local 85 of the Amalgamated Transit Workers Union, says they offered to eliminate a scheduled 3% pay hike, and trim current pay by 10%, a total of $18.6 million in savings. Port Authority CEO Steve Bland called the concessions offer "historic," but County Executive Dan Onorato rejected the offer, demanding health care and pension givebacks as well, plus changes to overtime rules.
The PAT board is to vote this afternoon on a proposal by private bus company, Lenzner, to operate 2 routes from Marshall and Franklin Park in the North Hills to downtown Pittsburgh which are among those to be cut. Starting tomorrow, PAT plans to eliminate 29 bus routes and reduce service on 37 others. 180 workers will be laid off.
The PAT board is to vote this afternoon on a proposal by private bus company, Lenzner, to operate 2 routes from Marshall and Franklin Park in the North Hills to downtown Pittsburgh which are among those to be cut. Starting tomorrow, PAT plans to eliminate 29 bus routes and reduce service on 37 others. 180 workers will be laid off.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Corbett, Union Disagree Over Master's Degrees
Governor Tom Corbett wants to end automatic pay bumps for teachers in Pennsylvania with Master’s Degrees.
The governor also wants to get rid of state subsidies for educators working toward MA's. The changes were announced in Corbett’s budget address, and would reportedly save $200 million a year. Corbett’s budget secretary, Charles Zogby, argued advanced degrees don’t automatically make someone a better teacher. “Not that it might not improve the individual. Not that more learning isn’t a good thing for educators. But I think what we’re looking at is investments that make a difference for kids in the classroom, in terms of their learning,” he said.
Corbett is also urging public school employees to take a one-year pay freeze. The Pennsylvania State Education Association is urging union members to “seriously consider” the freeze, but doesn’t like ending salary bumps for MA's. Spokesman Wythe Keever said “teachers should be rewarded…for continued learning,” adding, “This whole notion that we try to encourage students to continue their learning. But it seems kind of out of place to say to teachers, you shouldn’t continue your learning.”
The governor also wants to get rid of state subsidies for educators working toward MA's. The changes were announced in Corbett’s budget address, and would reportedly save $200 million a year. Corbett’s budget secretary, Charles Zogby, argued advanced degrees don’t automatically make someone a better teacher. “Not that it might not improve the individual. Not that more learning isn’t a good thing for educators. But I think what we’re looking at is investments that make a difference for kids in the classroom, in terms of their learning,” he said.
Corbett is also urging public school employees to take a one-year pay freeze. The Pennsylvania State Education Association is urging union members to “seriously consider” the freeze, but doesn’t like ending salary bumps for MA's. Spokesman Wythe Keever said “teachers should be rewarded…for continued learning,” adding, “This whole notion that we try to encourage students to continue their learning. But it seems kind of out of place to say to teachers, you shouldn’t continue your learning.”
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Teachers Union Leader Says Pay Freeze Should Be Considered
Reacting to criticism of his deep cuts in state funding for education in his budget proposal, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett has suggested teachers accept a one-year pay freeze to help school districts trim costs. Now, James Testerman, president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the state's largest teachers' union, says he's urging teachers to consider doing just that. Testerman told WDUQ that he has sent a letter to all of the PSEA locals...
"I encouraged them to enter into discussions with their school boards about a pay freeze and other cost-saving measures to maintain class size and academic programs."
Testerman says the union has serious concerns with some of the governor's proposals but they want to ensure that students' education does not suffer so teachers should consider measures including paying more into their insurance or taking furloughs.
Testerman said he wants to have conversations with lawmakers concerning cuts and ways to make up the deficit such as taxing the Marcellus Shale industry, taxing smokeless tobacco and eliminating state income tax loopholes for corporations.
He said the cuts would be a blow to the educational system and a turn in the wrong direction.
"Well you can't cut 1.2 billion dollars from public education and not understand that there will be fewer people and fewer programs for kids," he said.
"I encouraged them to enter into discussions with their school boards about a pay freeze and other cost-saving measures to maintain class size and academic programs."
Testerman says the union has serious concerns with some of the governor's proposals but they want to ensure that students' education does not suffer so teachers should consider measures including paying more into their insurance or taking furloughs.
Testerman said he wants to have conversations with lawmakers concerning cuts and ways to make up the deficit such as taxing the Marcellus Shale industry, taxing smokeless tobacco and eliminating state income tax loopholes for corporations.
He said the cuts would be a blow to the educational system and a turn in the wrong direction.
"Well you can't cut 1.2 billion dollars from public education and not understand that there will be fewer people and fewer programs for kids," he said.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Transit Workers Oppose "Stringing Out" Flex Funds
The leader of the local transit workers union says the Port Authority of Allegheny County should spend the emergency state funding it received this December over a 12-month period, rather than over 18 months.
President Pat McMahon of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 wrote to County Executive Dan Onorato saying the funding should be used as Governor Ed Rendell intended. McMahon says that means the $45 million in “flex” funding would cover only the Port Authority’s 2011 budget deficit in order to prevent service cuts.
McMahon says spending the money in 2011 would also keep pressure on the state legislature to come up with a permanent funding solution for both PAT and SEPTA, Philadelphia’s ailing bus service.
The union president says under Onorato’s plan to spend the money over 18 months, the Port Authority will make cuts.
“Their plan is to have a 15% service-hour cut, effective date in March, the 27th actually,” says McMahon. “There would definitely be some layoffs. They don’t know the numbers yet. And their plan absolutely includes closing the Harmar division.”
McMahon says these transit cuts would kill jobs for people who depend on bus and rail services, particularly low-wage workers. McMahon says he hasn’t heard back from Onorato yet.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Upcoming Battle Over State Store Privatization
Union groups are beginning to mobilize against a plan to sell off Pennsylvania’s state-owned liquor stores.
Incoming Republican leaders say privatizing Pennsylvania’s 600-plus stores is an early priority, and predict the sale would generate more than two billion dollars.
Wendell Young, who heads the United Federation of Commercial Workers’ Pennsylvania chapter, says their numbers are wrong.
"I think it’s a hard sell to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania to say that we know we can go to 2 billion. They know they can’t. There’s not a shred of evidence. Do the math. Take our your own calculator. Go talk to people in other states and ask what they pay for licenses. Nobody gets that kind of money. Why’s Pennsylvania going to be any different?"
Young says lawmakers would also be giving up future tax revenue by selling the state-owned system, as well as jeopardizing the jobs of liquor store employees.
Incoming Majority Leader Mike Turzai says liquor sales would still generate 500 million dollars in taxes each year, under his plan.
Incoming Republican leaders say privatizing Pennsylvania’s 600-plus stores is an early priority, and predict the sale would generate more than two billion dollars.
Wendell Young, who heads the United Federation of Commercial Workers’ Pennsylvania chapter, says their numbers are wrong.
"I think it’s a hard sell to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania to say that we know we can go to 2 billion. They know they can’t. There’s not a shred of evidence. Do the math. Take our your own calculator. Go talk to people in other states and ask what they pay for licenses. Nobody gets that kind of money. Why’s Pennsylvania going to be any different?"
Young says lawmakers would also be giving up future tax revenue by selling the state-owned system, as well as jeopardizing the jobs of liquor store employees.
Incoming Majority Leader Mike Turzai says liquor sales would still generate 500 million dollars in taxes each year, under his plan.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Rally for Better Training, Pay and Benefits for Security Guards
A small rally was held downtown on Tuesday. Those gathered wanted better training and benefits for security officers in downtown buildings.
Security guards who spoke said the training for them is informal and limited while they are the first line of defense, often responding to emergencies before police, firefighters or paramedics arrive.
"Private security officers protect thousands of people who work in downtown Pittsburgh. As a matter of public safety these security officers should have standardized training to do their work," said Allegheny County Council President Rich Fitzgerald.
In other areas, metropolitan areas security officers participate in standardized training.
Barney Ousler, Director of Pittsburgh United said in the wake of the disappearance of manufacturing jobs there is an obligation to ensure service industry jobs pay a living wage.
Security guards who spoke said the training for them is informal and limited while they are the first line of defense, often responding to emergencies before police, firefighters or paramedics arrive.
"Private security officers protect thousands of people who work in downtown Pittsburgh. As a matter of public safety these security officers should have standardized training to do their work," said Allegheny County Council President Rich Fitzgerald.
In other areas, metropolitan areas security officers participate in standardized training.
Barney Ousler, Director of Pittsburgh United said in the wake of the disappearance of manufacturing jobs there is an obligation to ensure service industry jobs pay a living wage.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Negotiators Try To Avert Moon Teachers' Strike
The Moon Area School District is preparing for a teachers strike that is scheduled to begin Monday. That is, unless a bargaining session this weekend is successful. Butch Santicola, spokesman for the Pennsylvania State Education Association, said he thought they would be closer to a settlement at this point...
"We have bargaining session set for Saturday and we had hoped that it would be a positive event but yesterday (Wednesday) the superintendent sent letters home with the students indicating schools will be canceled on Monday. In our view, that means they have no intention in settling."
However, in the letter, which is also posted on the school district's web site, Superintendent Donna Milanovich said that if the strike position by the union changes Saturday, the district will alert parents by automated phone calls, the web site and the media.
Santicola says the contract stumbling blocks are the "usual ones"....length of the school day and year, salary and benefits. He's not very hopeful but says Monday's strike can be averted...."If there's enough progress, if we get closer to a settlement, if there is progress made, I believe there would be a reconsideration(of the walkout)....yes."
The district plans to use administrators to teach seniors during a strike so their graduation will not be delayed.
Santicola estimates if the teachers do strike, they could be out till December 13 (23 class days) before they would have to return under state law, but the final determination is made by the State Department of Education.
Meantime, contract talks resume Friday morning in the Bethel Park School District where teachers have been on strike since October 25. The district says salary, health care premium contributions and length of school day are the points of contention. Starting Monday, the district plans to use administrators to teach seniors.
"We have bargaining session set for Saturday and we had hoped that it would be a positive event but yesterday (Wednesday) the superintendent sent letters home with the students indicating schools will be canceled on Monday. In our view, that means they have no intention in settling."
However, in the letter, which is also posted on the school district's web site, Superintendent Donna Milanovich said that if the strike position by the union changes Saturday, the district will alert parents by automated phone calls, the web site and the media.
Santicola says the contract stumbling blocks are the "usual ones"....length of the school day and year, salary and benefits. He's not very hopeful but says Monday's strike can be averted...."If there's enough progress, if we get closer to a settlement, if there is progress made, I believe there would be a reconsideration(of the walkout)....yes."
The district plans to use administrators to teach seniors during a strike so their graduation will not be delayed.
Santicola estimates if the teachers do strike, they could be out till December 13 (23 class days) before they would have to return under state law, but the final determination is made by the State Department of Education.
Meantime, contract talks resume Friday morning in the Bethel Park School District where teachers have been on strike since October 25. The district says salary, health care premium contributions and length of school day are the points of contention. Starting Monday, the district plans to use administrators to teach seniors.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
West Allegheny Teachers Authorize Strike
Teachers unions in four school districts in Allegheny County have now authorized strikes, but no walkouts have been scheduled yet.
Teachers in the West Allegheny School District voted unanimously to give their union leadership the authority to call a strike if necessary. Earlier, teachers in the Allegheny Valley, Bethel Park and Moon Area School Districts authorized strikes. Unions must notify school district officials at least 48 hours in advance of a walkout.
Teachers in the West Allegheny School District voted unanimously to give their union leadership the authority to call a strike if necessary. Earlier, teachers in the Allegheny Valley, Bethel Park and Moon Area School Districts authorized strikes. Unions must notify school district officials at least 48 hours in advance of a walkout.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
SEIU, Sodexo Reach Contract Deal
Unionized food service workers at the University of Pittsburgh will have higher wages and more affordable health insurance under a new three-year contract with employer Sodexo.
The deal comes almost four months after about 200 union employees held a three-day strike protesting low wages and high-priced insurance.
Non-union Sodexo employees will not receive the benefits of the agreement.
32BJ SEIU Western Pennsylvania Director Gabe Morgan says Sodexo’s previous health insurance plan was unaffordable for many of the employees. Morgan says under the new contract, Sodexo is offering multiple health insurance options at varying rates. The company will pay 90% of employees’ premiums and 80% of family coverage.
Morgan says every union employee will also receive a wage increase. The highest-paid workers will receive a minimum increase of $1.50 per hour over three years, while the lowest-paid employees would see a total three-year increase of up to $4.00 an hour. He says that will bring the pay range from about $10.00 to around $15.00 an hour, about two dollars per hour more than in the previous contract.
“This settlement and what’s happened with our union members is a much more accurate reflection of what happens to most folks who work on the University of Pittsburgh campus,” says Morgan. “Most folks there do have affordable health insurance. Most folks there do make a decent wage. We’re really happy to see Sodexo’s food service workers begin to fall into line with the good norms that exist at the university.”
Morgan says SEIU is working with the non-union employees to help them get the same benefits that their unionized coworkers will receive. He says SEIU is one of several entities across the nation bringing charges against Sodexo with the National Labor Relations Board. SEIU claims that Sodexo management tried to prevent workers from organizing in late April.
The deal comes almost four months after about 200 union employees held a three-day strike protesting low wages and high-priced insurance.
Non-union Sodexo employees will not receive the benefits of the agreement.
32BJ SEIU Western Pennsylvania Director Gabe Morgan says Sodexo’s previous health insurance plan was unaffordable for many of the employees. Morgan says under the new contract, Sodexo is offering multiple health insurance options at varying rates. The company will pay 90% of employees’ premiums and 80% of family coverage.
Morgan says every union employee will also receive a wage increase. The highest-paid workers will receive a minimum increase of $1.50 per hour over three years, while the lowest-paid employees would see a total three-year increase of up to $4.00 an hour. He says that will bring the pay range from about $10.00 to around $15.00 an hour, about two dollars per hour more than in the previous contract.
“This settlement and what’s happened with our union members is a much more accurate reflection of what happens to most folks who work on the University of Pittsburgh campus,” says Morgan. “Most folks there do have affordable health insurance. Most folks there do make a decent wage. We’re really happy to see Sodexo’s food service workers begin to fall into line with the good norms that exist at the university.”
Morgan says SEIU is working with the non-union employees to help them get the same benefits that their unionized coworkers will receive. He says SEIU is one of several entities across the nation bringing charges against Sodexo with the National Labor Relations Board. SEIU claims that Sodexo management tried to prevent workers from organizing in late April.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
CCAC Cancels Bids Deadline
The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) cancelled today’s deadline for bids on the construction of the K. Leroy Irvis Science Center after nonunion contractors raised concerns about the procurement process. The facility would provide health care and science education on the Pittsburgh Northside Campus.
Spokesperson David Hoovler says nonunion contractors were concerned with CCAC asking for 90% union employees in its labor agreement with the contractor. He says they do not feel they’ve done anything illegal or wrong. “It was not the intent to shut out any particular firm from bidding on the project, and we just want to be sure that’s clear.”
Hoovler says many local county projects have been done with very similar agreements, specifically the new stadiums, which were built with project-labor agreements.
Up until today, he says the changes are a result of meeting some requirements that had come through from the inspection and approval of the city, relating to fire code and such. “This [cancellation] will just enable some of those changes just to be incorporated into the main specification.”
Hoovler says CCAC hopes the cancellation will not delay the construction of this $21 million project significantly, which is set to open for the spring of 2012. “There is a great need for it to help provide the state of the art science, technology and health care education that our students really deserve.”
Spokesperson David Hoovler says nonunion contractors were concerned with CCAC asking for 90% union employees in its labor agreement with the contractor. He says they do not feel they’ve done anything illegal or wrong. “It was not the intent to shut out any particular firm from bidding on the project, and we just want to be sure that’s clear.”
Hoovler says many local county projects have been done with very similar agreements, specifically the new stadiums, which were built with project-labor agreements.
Up until today, he says the changes are a result of meeting some requirements that had come through from the inspection and approval of the city, relating to fire code and such. “This [cancellation] will just enable some of those changes just to be incorporated into the main specification.”
Hoovler says CCAC hopes the cancellation will not delay the construction of this $21 million project significantly, which is set to open for the spring of 2012. “There is a great need for it to help provide the state of the art science, technology and health care education that our students really deserve.”
Saturday, June 26, 2010
New Pact for Giant Eagle Workers
By a 5 to 1 margin, members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 23 have ratified a new 4 year contract with Giant Eagle. The deal covers about 5,800 workers at 36 stores....mostly in Western Pennsylvania, with a few in West Virginia.
Jim D'Alessandro, a bargaining team member and a meat cutter for Giant Eagle, said they are pleased with improvements in 3 key areas for members.... "Wage increases will up the standard of living for our members, the improvements to the health plan mean members will be able to take their kids to the doctors when they need to go, and we have secured the pension so they don’t have to worry about living in abject poverty after a lifetime of work.”
The old contract was to have expired today.
Jim D'Alessandro, a bargaining team member and a meat cutter for Giant Eagle, said they are pleased with improvements in 3 key areas for members.... "Wage increases will up the standard of living for our members, the improvements to the health plan mean members will be able to take their kids to the doctors when they need to go, and we have secured the pension so they don’t have to worry about living in abject poverty after a lifetime of work.”
The old contract was to have expired today.
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