Feedback From Locals

 The Company and Union met yesterday to discuss the feedback received from each of the Local Unions from the last Contract proposal.  The Union Committee discussed the major issues with the Company that were identified across the board by the Membership which included; wage increases and elimination of  the split increases, additional Pension contributions, hour for hour Retro payments, hour for hour sick leave replenishment, increased Per-Diem rates, STD approval assurances, 12 hour schedule holiday pay issue, the PTN retention payment and staffing issues at both sites and the quality of life issues related to staffing, vacation issues and the treatment of employees in all Business Units.

The Company indicated that they were willing to return to the table in an attempt to reach resolution on the issues and would take the issues back to develop options on possible remedies.  The Company also informed the Union that in order for them to address the issues that we identified, they want to re-open discussions on the Medical and Prescription Drug Plan to address the continued increasing costs of the medical plan. 

Both parties discussed the desire to conduct discussions as expeditiously as possible, in order to complete negotiations.  Plans at this time are for the Company to develop their options next week, then share them with the Union Committee as soon as possible but no later the May 31, 2005, when the parties are scheduled to re-convene for discussions.

We have been able to work out the legal issues with the web-site and are currently awaiting one last document from the widow of the last domain owner and hope to have the site up and running soon.  We appreciate your patience and understanding and will continue to communicate by faxing out the bulletins to the Local Union.