Local 70 members working for xpedx overwhelmingly ratified a new four year contract in late February. The agreement contains solid wage increases, a lot of money for health care and the right to divert money to pension over its life.

Agreement didn't come easy. Xpedx is a subsidiary of International Paper, a company with a reputation (deserved) for hard bargaining and long strikes. They didn't disappoint. Talks were tough. The company had a low ball proposal and they moved very little over the six months bargaining.

The Local was up to the task, and more. Business Agent Dominic Chiovare and President Joe Silva met with the company a number of times. They were clear telling the company that no movement guaranteed a strike.

Chiovare also sought help outside the Local. He hooked up with Local 25 in Boston late last year. The Local was on strike at xpedx at the time and the link hinted at national action against the company if they failed to come to terms with either Local. Chiovare also reached out to IBT's Corporate Affairs, Strategic Campaign Department. It just so happens they were running a campaign against xpedx at the time and they used that to leverage a final (before the strike) meeting with xpedx and International Paper. It worked. A five hour bargaining session at IBT headquarters in mid-February produced a tentative agreement.

Chiovare and Secretary-Treasurer Chuck Mack represented the Local. In the end, as is most often the case now, it came down to health and welfare – and the company moved. They agreed to a significant contribution increase insuring that members and their families have comprehensive coverage at moderate cost.

In recommending the agreement to members, hiovare, Mack and Silva said; “We're pleased, it's more than we expected short of a strike.” They also expressed appreciation to the IBT's Corporate Affairs Department for its support; “It was important in moving the process toward agreement.” Finally, they thanked the xpedx members for their patience and commitment over the many months of bargaining.

Xpedx has three locations in Southern Alameda County and employs 100 drivers and warehouse workers.