Near-Unanimous First Contract Vote for New Flyer Members

Last week, members of IUE-CWA Local 83600 in Louisville, Ky., voted overwhelmingly to ratify a first contract with New Flyer-NFI Parts. Members in this right-to-work-for-less state manufacture parts for buses, motorcoaches, and transit shuttles. The five-year contract builds on the recent gains won via the New Flyer National Agreement, securing wage increases, stronger benefits, and enhanced workplace protections.

Key highlights of the agreement include up to 47.52% wage increases over the life of the contract, guardrails against unexpected healthcare premium hikes, 100% company-paid dental and vision insurance, new just-cause protections, the introduction of paid maternity leave, and much more.

The path was not easy, however. Local management routinely provided incorrect information to decision-makers at the table, downplaying or denying issues with overtime, wages, and safety. The company also began installing surveillance equipment and issuing write-ups for attendance and overtime worked on Saturdays.

To combat these anti-union tactics, members signed a petition declaring their support for a living wage and took group photos wearing their union paraphernalia. The bargaining team recorded videos to keep members informed, and four members also recorded personal testimonials on why workers deserve wages comparable to those of their colleagues at the nearby KMG facility.

Congratulations to our New Flyer-Louisville members on a job well done!

 
IUE-CWA Local 83600 President Mell Taylor (front and center) led New Flyer members in an explanation meeting ahead of their near-unanimous ratification vote.

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This post originally appeared on cwa-union.org.