Peru Workers End Two-Week Strike
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowMore than 300 Schneider Electric Square D workers have returned to work at a Peru facility after accepting a new labor deal. The employees, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, approved a contract including a $1,600 signing bonus and a general wage increase.
October 23, 2014
News Release
Peru, Ind. — Members of IAM Local 2069 voted to accept an improved offer from Schneider Electric and end a two-week strike by more than 300 IAM members in Schneider’s Square D facility in Peru, IN.
“Our members stood strong and won improvements that they can be proud of,” said IAM Director of Collective Bargaining Tom O'Heron. “Schneider Electric is an extremely profitable company and our members, who make those profits possible, fought for their rightful share of the company’s success.”
Local 2069 members won improvements in key areas of the new three-year contract. In addition to a $1,600 signing bonus, there is a general wage increase of 3 percent in year one, followed by 2 percent wage increases in years two and three. IAM negotiators also addressed members’ concerns that the gap between lower and higher-paid workers was growing too wide.
Although the new pact freezes the traditional Defined Benefit Pension as of December 31, 2015, IAM negotiators achieved company contributions in the transition to a Defined Contribution plan that are higher than the company originally proposed.
“Both local businesses and other local area unions gave our members tremendous support,” said O'Heron. “Local 2069's Bargaining Committee also did a great job keeping our members and the community informed throughout the entire process. Together, it made a big difference and we are grateful that it helped lead to an agreement.”
Source: International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers