NEGOTIATIONS:

Our members are involved in each step of the negotiation process.

Surveys: Several weeks before the expiration date of a contract, survey forms are distributed to the members. These forms allow the members to express their ideas, thoughts, & desires for the next contract. The negotiating committee goes through these surveys and uses them to put together the contract proposals that will be submitted to the employer.

Negotiations: Union members are selected to serve on the negotiating committee as representatives of their co-workers. An experienced union representative will also serve on the negotiating committee.

Ratification: When a tentative agreement is reached with the employer, a ratification meeting is held where union members in the bargaining unit are informed as to the content of the tentative agreement. All union members in the bargaining unit have the right to attend this meeting and ask questions and comment on the proposed contract. It takes a majority vote of the voting union members to ratify the agreement.