"No Progress" In Negotiations, No New Talks Scheduled
In a short statement on the company website, Bell Helicopter
announced Friday afternoon that negotiations between the company
and its manufacturers union had been suspended for the
weekend. The statement reads: "Bell Helicopter met today with
representatives from UAW International Region Five and failed to
make any progress in our negotiations. Talks have been suspended
with no future meeting date scheduled. Bell Helicopter remains
available and committed to reaching a solution that will get
everyone back to work."
Earlier in the week, Bell's Senior Vice President and chief
human resources officer Martha May, sent the following in a letter
to Mr. Tom Wells, UAW Local 218 Chairman
"...On Wednesday, July 1, 2009, we met with the UAW Local 218
Bargaining Committee and the UAW International Representative in an
attempt to understand the failed ratification of Bell's last, best,
and final offer on June 14, 2009. We have never before received a
unanimous recommendation from both the International and Local 218
bargaining committees where the members did not ratify the offer.
It is crucial that we understand our employees' concerns in order
to come to a fair and equitable agreement that meets the needs of
our business and our employees.
I have been upfront in sharing Bell's concerns over the
spiraling cost of healthcare. The fact remains that there is a
direct correlation between unhealthy lifestyles and the
disproportionate rise in healthcare costs for our UAW employees.
Our approach remains simple: Raise employee awareness regarding the
importance of wellness and implement a health plan design that
rewards employees for making good healthcare choices."
In response UAW 218, the union representing manufacturing
workers at Bell, sent this to the membership Friday via the union
website:
"Your Bargaining Committee met with the Company today in an
effort to bargain a fair and equitable agreement. This Company has
strongly taken a position that they have no more to offer to this
membership. Your Bargaining Committee has taken a stronger position
that it is not enough.
Brothers and Sisters we are fighting for not only ourselves but
for each other’s family and for quality of life for our
future. In order to do this we must stay together as one.
Your Bargaining Committee remains available to bargain seven
days a week, twenty four hours a day. We will keep you informed on
all actions as they happen, via this website.
When you are walking your picket duty or talking to your
families please remember what you are fighting for. God bless you
all and stay strong."
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