It has several changes from the offer workers overwhelmingly rejected last week.
For Cornwell, the biggest change was “No overtime. That was really the sticking point that was going to try to make it mandatory on Saturdays. So that was a problem for a lot of people.”
The new deal also keeps members healthcare plans the same as the previous deal, another big sticking point. General wages will be guaranteed to increase 20% over the 4 year contract, with cost of living adjustments increased to a max of 3.5%. Members would also get a $3,000 ratification bonus.
“Our union, you know, they backed it. Then reading up on the IM app and I think it’s a good decision,” said another union member Jacob Rucker.
While there is more support for this contract, it took a lot to reach the 50% majority for it to go into effect. Just under 80% of union members voted against the last one. Both Rucker and Cornwell think that made it a close vote.
“It’s gonna be a debate between the guys that have been here for a longer time,” says Rucker. “We understand why they want to strike and do what’s best for you know, best for their family and stuff but what’s best for me and my family is to get to work.”
Rucker says, “A lot of people’s feeling like me, while people feel another way, they still want better, they want more.“
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