USW@Work - National College Players Association - United ...

USW-represented workers at Stora Enso in CentralWisconsin broke new ground in paper industry bargainingwith a contract that enhances job, retirementand health security.The contract, approved by a majority of 1,410 USWmembers at facilities in Stevens Point, Whiting, Biron andWisconsin Rapids, is a strong first step in turning around thelack of pattern bargaining that has plagued paper industryunions for decades.“The membership voted in support of a new direction andstrategy for unions in the paper industry,” said TomPeplinski, who chaired the USW’s Stora Enso bargainingcouncil.“We have shown Stora Enso that we will fight together toachieve our goals, that we will leave no one behind, and thatthey too can prosper in the end, if they choose to work withus,” he added.Local and International representatives worked together tocreate an agreement that gives workers greater job and economicsecurity while providing Stora Enso the work restructuringit needed to succeed in the highly competitive paperindustry.In addition to security, the contract provides wages, healthcare benefits and pensions to USW members who are at thetop tier of the paper industry.“This was truly an example of how the USW and papermanagement can negotiate to ensure the success of theindustry and the well-being of the workers who make it allpossible,” said USW Vice President Richard LaCosse.Contract breakthroughsThe breakthroughs at Stora Enso included common contractexpiration dates among USW-represented facilities.Undoubtedly, this will strengthen our bargaining power.The company also agreed to stay neutral in USW organizingdrives at its non-union plants and to not interfere withworkers’ rights to form a union.In a first for the paper industry, the contract containsunprecedented job security language. No active employeewill lose permanent employment as a result of the contracting,work restructuring or work competitiveness provisionsof the labor agreement.“This was truly an example ofhow the USW and papermanagement can negotiateto ensure the success of theindustry and the well-beingof the workers, who make itall possible.Richard LaCosse,USW International Vice PresidentIf one of the USW-represented Stora Enso facilities is sold,leased or transferred, successor language guarantees that thenew owner has to honor the existing agreement until its expirationdate.The union also won the right to review the company’s contractingout plans and to propose ways to perform the work inhouse on an equal or lesser cost basis. The reviews are subjectto arbitration.Wages hikes, signing bonusThe five-year contract, which is retroactive to the originalexpiration date and expires March 31, 2010, gives workers a 9percent increase in base wages (3 % at ratification, 3 % in 20months and another 3% in 32 months). Additionally, a $3,000signing bonus was due at ratification.Stora Enso will pay 80 percent of the health care premiumsfor active employees. There is a 73 percent increase in the pensionmultiplier raising the amount paid per year of service from$40 to $55.Workers will have a voice in the redesign of how they dotheir jobs. Once they finish the transition to a team-based, customer-focusedand self-directed work system, they will receivea $1,000 bonus.When Stora Enso’s business improves, the workers will benefitmonetarily. The USW will have a say in the targets, rulesand procedures established for the gain-sharing, which couldamount to as much as $1,000 per quarter for each employee.“14 winter 2007 • USW@Work