Local 364 Spreads Goodwill With New Contract

Local 364 Spreads Goodwill With New Contract

December 18, 2001

The Year 2001 has become a time in which Americans are donating money and resources at record levels. Indiana Teamsters will now be an intricate part in getting those resources to the right people.

In April, drivers and helpers at Goodwill Industries of Michiana voted 24-10 to organize with Teamsters Local 364 in South Bend, Indiana. They were concerned about pay, safety and disciplinary practices.

However, Goodwill Industries did not fully comprehend the resolve of its workers or that of the local's officials until they picketed Goodwill's main office when the company initially refused to agree to a "dues check-off" provision for the new Teamsters.

On December 10, a new five-year contract was ratified by the members after Goodwill finally agreed to the provision.

The contract includes:

• Starting wage increases for drivers increasing from $9.65 to $10 per hour
• Increased starting wages for helpers from $6.60 to $7 per hour
• Starting wages will rise 35 cents additionally each year for the first four years of the agreement and 50 cents in the final year
• Goodwill’s promise not to lock out any of the workers for the length of the contract
• Creation of a safety committee to provide lessons in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.