Protecting Members' Health Care in Massachusetts (4/13/07)

Two new agreements in Massachusetts have helped secure continued health care benefits for over 160 members of the New England Joint Board.

Reed & Barton

A new three-year agreement has been ratified by RWDSU Local 593 members employed at Reed & Barton Silversmiths, a silver goods distribution center in Taunton, MA. The contract was approved by membership on April 8, 2007.
In addition to wage increases and other improvements, the health care plan was locked in, and individuals will see savings $267 per year. Family plan users will save $667 per year.
"We are very happy to be saving money on our health care," says Local 593 member and Secretary-Treasurer Vinnie Sampson. "Our raises aren't going to be eaten up by increases in health care, and we will be saving money. The bargaining committee did a great job."

Fosta Tek

RWDSU Local 60 members employed at Fosta Tek Optics in Leominster, MA, have ratified a new three-year agreement. Members at the plant, which produces special lenses for use in goods like fireman helmets and gas masks in use by US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Most importantly, we were able to protect our health care," said New England Joint Board President Brian Sabourin. "There is no change or increases in cost to the health insurance plan. This was a big concern for us coming in."
The contract contains improvements in wages and benefits, including an additional floating holiday for workers with 15 years of service, increase in the weekly sick benefit, and an expansion of the bereavement benefit to cover more family members.