L-159 BARGAINING COMMITTEE MEMBERS, l. to r., Tim Ehrhart, Ken Chamberlain and Carl Zielinski.
Members stand firm, defeat employer’s 401(k) switch
BOILERMAKERS LOCAL 159 (Wyoming, Pa.), led by its bargaining committee, preserved the members’ participation in the Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust in contract negotiations completed with Ashley Machine Tool earlier this year. Members ratified the proposed agreement Feb. 19. The contract is effective Jan. 14, 2016, to Oct. 31, 2018.
The bargaining committee included President Kenneth Chamberlain, chief steward Carl Zielinski and first shift shop steward Tim Ehrhart.
Ashley had sought to withdraw from the union pension plan, which provides a defined benefit amount for participants, and replace it with a 401(k) plan, which only provides a defined contribution into the plan. L-159 members unanimously opposed the change, but did agree to contribute $12 per week towards their health care insurance.
The previous collective bargaining agreement had been extended for 30 days, and it took until the last day to reach a tentative agreement, according to International Rep Phil Evans.
“The guys fought very hard,” Evans reported. “They stuck together and just said ‘no’ [to the company’s regressive demand on the pension]. I am very proud of them for their courage and commitment and confidence in the system.”
Local 159 members employed by Ashley Machine & Tool manufacture structural components and assemblies for the military and commercial aircraft industries.
