Four-Year Pact at Stuart Manufacturing (3/3/08)

A new four-year contract at Stuart Manufacturing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, entitles the 150 RWDSU Local 835 members there to improvements in wages, benefits, and workplace policies. The contract, which was ratified by a 4 to 1 margin, improves wages 3 percent per year, and maintains the health insurance and retirement plans, while increasing life insurance benefits.

A number of contract changes will improve the day-to-day work lives of members. Training will be offered to members to improve their job classification, which will make them eligible for work on higher-paying jobs. The deadlines for grievance filings have been increased, and deadlines have been created for management response to grievances. Overtime notification must now be made earlier to provide members with more advance notice, and members working overtime will now receive an additional work break. The vacation policy has been improved to provide workers with more flexibility in using their vacation time.

RWDSU members at Stuart Manufacturing produce cables for military equipment including radios.