New contract for Local 2367 members at Revere Copper

In May, when UAW member Kelly Alger celebrated five years at Revere Copper Products Inc. in Rome, N.Y., it was just one notable milestone.

Another was the newly ratified two-year contract she helped negotiate for the 222 active members of UAW Local 2367.

Alger, the local's financial secretary, and her fellow union members on May 7 voted 78 percent in favor of a new contract that gives them an enhanced grievance procedure, an improved bereavement policy and a $1,000 lump-sum bonus for members younger than 62 who retire as of Jan. 1, 2010.

"We applaud the members of Local 2367 for negotiating and ratifying a solid new contract that gives them a stronger voice in issues that directly affect their workplace," said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger.

Under the new agreement, the union and company will form a committee that gives each equal decision-making to address quality and productivity issues. Also, a new Joint Health Insurance Cost Containment Committee puts union members at the table with the company to explore health care savings and provide workers with good consumer education about health-related matters.

"I think our members will benefit from the strengthened partnership with the company, especially when it comes to health care matters," said UAW Region 9 Director Joe Ashton.

The contract also provides a shift preference increase, an improved system for computing overtime, a shoe allowance increase and more flexibility with vacation time.

Workers at Revere Copper produce architectural copper. The company, founded in 1801 by Paul Revere, is one of the oldest manufacturing companies in the world.

"We had a good bunch of people working for our members," said Alger, a spare operator. "We worked day and night and bargained a contract that our members approved. That is a good feeling."

Sandra Davis