Another Wage Increase Victory at MV Transportation Division 72
Six members recently received anniversary wage increases as outlined in the Union contract along with applicable retroactive back pay. After hearing reports from Union stewards that several members had not yet received their wage increase upon their anniversary date, Teamsters Local 727 was quick to respond and immediately filed a grievance on behalf of all affected members.
At first, management was either confused or playing dumb, stating during the grievance hearing, “how can there be more raises when we already gave wage increases on July 1st?” This is true—most members did receive raise increases in July, thanks to the collective bargaining agreement which has scheduled wage increases effective on July 1st in 2020, 2021 and 2022. However, management failed to acknowledge that the contract also guarantees wage increases after completion of each of the first 5 years of continuous service with the company. In most cases, members can expect to receive 2 wage increases per year. The company eventually figured out that they were wrong on wages, yet again, and were forced to apply the increases along with retro back to the affected members’ anniversary dates.
This is the 4th victory for wages for the Teamsters Local 727 membership at Division 72 in Batavia this year. Most recently, several frontline, essential drivers received safety bonuses in the amount of $200 thanks to member involvement and Teamsters Local 727 demanding management abide by the CBA. Shortly after the contract was ratified and, unsurprisingly on July 1st, MV Transportation failed to properly raise the contractually guaranteed wage rates. On both occasions, after the Union filed grievances, MV management was forced to abide by the contract, raise members’ hourly wage rates, and make all affected members whole.
“Time and time again, we see MV Transportation fail to pay their employees what they are entitled to,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “Luckily, our Teamsters brothers and sisters in Batavia and our newly appointed stewards have been vigilant and vocal in getting what they deserve. The only thing MV seems to respond to is power—Union power. I encourage all members to stay vigilant, to get active in their Union and to join the fight to build worksite power so we can continue to win.”
If you believe you have not received your anniversary wage increase in its entirety or have any questions about your Union contract, please contact Sean McGough at 847-696-7500, [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.
Category: PARATRANSIT
