Last Minute Change by Westco Management Averts Strike

Every contract these days has health care costs as a challenge, and these negotiations between Local 70 and Westco were no exception.

nths of exhaustive negotiations the sides were hopelessly deadlocked. The company was dug in on its proposal that would require the employees to pickup a major portion of the health and welfare costs. The Union was just as adamant in its position that the company provide enough money to cover future increases.

It came to a show down when the company presented the Union with a final proposal that was way short. The final offer was presented to the members with a recommendation from both Business Agent Odus Hall and Steward Schel Roland that it be rejected. The members rejected unanimously and authorized the committee to call a strike. “We didn't falter in our position;” said Business Agent Odus Hall. “We were not going to agree to the company's demands on health care.”

The company based in southern California had watched the chain store strike and the eventual acquiescence by the Union . However, following the unanimous strike vote, the company's position started to crack. When the Union notified the company that it had sought and received strike authorization, the company immediately requested federal mediation. Shortly thereafter the first mediation session was held. “It became clear that the company took the Union 's assertion that a strike was eminent to heart, and a settlement was attained.”

The four year contract has increases of $.98 during its term with $2.00 allocated for health and welfare increases. The company's responsibility for health and welfare will increase from $627.00 per month to $975 per month per member, a staggering amount of money.

“Health care continues to be a colossal problem;” said Business Agent Odus Hall. “Every negotiation is affected. We came within an eyelash of a strike.” Westco Steward Schel Roland commented “This is one of the best contracts we have received in the 15 years I've been with the company. “