Approximately 280 IAM Local 588 (District 65) members from Garlock Sealing Technologies in Palmyra, NY ratified a new four-year contract today, ending a three-day strike.
The new deal includes significant wage increases, a signing bonus, automatic 2 percent employer contribution for all members to their 401k plan, seven full paid sick days under the New York State Sick Leave(NYSSL) policy and improvements to company medical contributions. The contract also removes discipline restrictions for job bidding, reverting to the original language. The attendance policy will go back to original point levels.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our Local 588 members for sticking together and showing the company what the Machinists are all about,” said IAM District 65 Directing Business Representative Ron Warner. “It was a tough fight, but we didn’t waver. Member activism was high and the bargaining committee was ready and well-prepared. This group was determined to get a good contract, and they did.
“Congratulations to the members of IAM Local 588 on their new contract,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “This contract was achieved because of the solidarity exhibited by our sisters and brothers on the picket line. I’d also like to thank District 65 Directing Business Representative Ron Warner and the Negotiating Committee for their tireless work and relentless pursuit of a fair and just contract.”
The new accord ended the strike which began when members rejected the company’s last proposal which included concessions, such as a freeze to the company pension and a change to the attendance policy.
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