Local 1102 Members at Davis Aircraft Win Improvements (12/9/09)

The 100 RWDSU Local 1102 members who work at Davis Aircraft in Bohemia, Long Island, stuck together during long and difficult negotiations to win a three-year contract.  

During the negotiations, management proposed a “high deductible” plan to the workers that would cause workers to pay more money out of pocket to cover expensive medical costs.  Additionally, management wanted to weaken employees’ seniority rights in case of a layoff.  To keep members informed and united, the union held several off-site meetings where many workers expressed concerns.  The workers also held a demonstration in front of the employer’s office to show management that their proposals were unacceptable.

The final contract, which was ratified by 100 percent of the members,  included significant wage increases in each year, a new  401 K plan in addition to the pension plan already in place, protection of the union health plan, and guaranteed seniority rights.  Local 1102 members at Davis Aircraft manufacture interior parts for commercial and military aircraft, such as seat belts and cargo netting.

“The unity of the Davis workers is what made the difference,” said Local 1102 President Frank Bail. “It took 13 meetings over nine months, and we were on the brink of a strike vote. But the workers stuck  together and because of that, they won a great contract.”