Manufacturing Workers Still On Strike

Bell Helicopter announced Sunday it has reached a new contract agreement with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Local 317, which represents 340 office and clerical workers at Bell facilities in Fort Worth, Hurst, Arlington, Grand Prairie and Roanoke, Texas.

Members of UAW Local 317 ratified the three-year contract earlier today with an 86% vote in favor of the new agreement. Included in this contract is a healthcare package with three options similar to the plan most other Bell and Textron employees have.
“We worked hard to come up with a new contract that is beneficial for our 317 members, our customers and our company. This new contract will help us continue to improve our manufacturing processes and enhance our ability to meet our customer needs now and in the future,” said Dick Millman, Bell president and CEO.

In a report in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the contract includes a $3,500 ratification bonus and no increase in base wages in 2009, but 3 percent raises in the following two years. The ratification bonus is $1,000 less than Bell offered to the manufacturing workers of UAW Local 218.

The contract also includes health benefits that are nearly identical to the ones offered to the manufacturing union, and which were cited as one of the principle reasons for the strike vote on June 14th.

Negotiations with UAW Local 218, which represents manufacturing workers for Bell Helicopter, remain unresolved. In a letter dated June 26th sent to the union membership, Union Leadership said "Your bargaining committee will reconvene on July 1st in an effort to bargain a fair and equitable contract. In the mean time, please continue to show the solidarity that you have always shown. We appreciate the support you have given us."

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com, www.uaw218.com