Local 3212 Tower workers win wage increases

From left, bargaining chair Mike Sorak, UAW Local 3212 member Albert Hogan, unit chair Ed Kendall and UAW International representative Frank Angel.

Photo: KIM TOWNSEND

Endurance, persistence and solidarity – it’s a powerful combination.

“In this day and time and with the economy like it is, it is nice to be able to leave the bargaining table with wage increases, decent health care and language that will help our members in other ways,” said James Dumas, an assembly production operator and UAW Local 3212 financial secretary.

Dumas and his fellow Local 3212 members at Tower Automotive Chicago ratified a new contract 124 to 46 in a Sept. 11 vote – after working more than 2½ years without one.

The agreement gives workers two wage increases and a lump sum, maintains an affordable health care plan and offers two unpaid personal days.

“We applaud the endurance, persistence and solidarity of Local 3212 members and the bargaining team in negotiating this agreement,” said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger.

“With this new agreement, our members can continue to support their families and communities as they build quality automotive parts for the industry,” said UAW Vice President Bob King, who directs the union’s Competitive Shop/Independents, Parts and Suppliers Department.

Under the new three-year agreement, Tower workers will receive wage increases of $2 an hour the first year of the agreement, with an additional 50 cents per hour the second year and a $1,000 lump sum in the third year.

Also, workers on afternoon and midnight shifts will receive an additional 50 cents per hour shift premium.

“We asked Local 3212 members to be patient, work with us and wait to get in a better position,” said UAW Region 4 Director Dennis Williams. “After more than 2½ years, it all worked out.”

“We’re pleased with what has been accomplished and looking forward to more conversations with the company in an even greater partnership that benefits everyone involved,” said Roosevelt Williams, Local 3212 president.

Workers at Tower’s Chicago facility produce chassis and rear floor pan assemblies for various customers, including Ford Motor Co.

“With a new contract under our belt, it would be nice to see our plant get more work and see more of our members on layoff be able to get back to work,” said Dumas.

Sandra Davis