Reyes Presents Opening Economic Proposal for Mechanics’ First Collective Bargaining Agreement
Representatives of Reyes Fleet Management, a subsidiary of Reyes Holdings, LLC, opened today’s bargaining session with Teamsters Local 727 by presenting the Union bargaining committee with the Company’s first economic proposal. Included in the Company’s opening offer was a 2% wage increase for Reyes mechanics. This meager wage increase is a far cry from the substantial raises Local 727 has demanded since day 1 of negotiations.
“Mechanics are vital to the running of Reyes. Without them, the wheels of the Company would not be turning. Their contributions deserve recognition and fair compensation,” said Caleen Carter-Patton, Local 727 Lead Business Agent and representative for Reyes mechanics. “While this proposal may be a starting point, the Company must return to our next bargaining session with an offer that fairly compensates these hardworking men.”
Today, Local 727 also emphasized the importance of health care improvements for Reyes mechanics. The Union bargaining committee made it clear to Company representatives that a fair CBA must include a medical insurance plan that provides workers and their families with adequate health care coverage at an affordable price.
Additionally, Local 727 Union steward Rich Sanoguet spoke at length about the dangers of working with subpar equipment and the importance of providing mechanics with a tool allowance. He explained to Reyes representatives that a tool allowance would enable mechanics to purchase quality tools and prevent on-the-job accidents. After hearing the safety concerns of an experienced employee, the Company still chose to reject the Union’s tool allowance proposal.
While bargaining over a tool allowance, wages, and health care will continue at the next bargaining session, the parties have been able to reach tentative agreements on nearly all non-economic matters. This includes tentative agreements on a strong grievance and arbitration procedure, the inclusion of contract language regarding seniority, and a tentative agreement on contract provisions that will require the presence of a Union steward at all disciplinary meetings. The Union bargaining committee was also successful in negotiating a tentative agreement today that limits the amount of time Reyes management has to issue discipline to employees to 30 days.
Local 727 has requested additional bargaining dates from Company representatives. The Union will continue to update members as bargaining over the first collective bargaining agreement covering Reyes mechanics continues.
Anyone with questions should contact Local 727 Lead Business Representative Caleen Carter-Patton at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
