Local 992 Wins Strong Contract at Redland Brick
December 30, 2004
On December 15, members of Local 992 in Hagerstown, Maryland, who work at Redland Brick Inc., overwhelmingly ratified a strong new three-year contract. The contract, which covers more than 90 workers involved in all aspects of brick manufacturing, returns union security to the workers, provides significant wage increases, pension increases and improved language. “This contract provides security for our Redland Brick members and their families—many of whom have been on the job for 20 or 30 years,” said Tom Krause, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 992. “At a time when giant corporations are squeezing their workers more and more, this agreement goes in the opposite direction. It protects our members and gives them a fair share of the wealth they help create.” Although the negotiating process was not easy, the team was able to hammer out a solid agreement for the workers in just four sessions. They knew they were on the right track when the company's representatives made positive comments about their forthright manner. Also, the negotiating team was buoyed by the staunch support from the members. “The support from the workers really helped the team stay focused,” said Local 992 Business Agent Ron Merceruio. “They weren’t constantly wondering if the guys would be on board with this or that point. The representatives knew they were truly speaking on behalf of all of the members.” Highlights of the contract include: The return of union security at the plant; Wage increases of 4, 3.5 and 3 percent raises over the life of the contract; Low employee co-payment costs for health insurance; Reduced age eligibility for early retirement; An $8.00-pension multiplier increase over the life of the contract; Reduced penalty amounts for early retirement each year prior to age 65; and Numerous language improvements.
Local 992 Wins Strong Contract at Redland Brick