FDSA Ratifies New Five-Year Contract
Funeral Directors Service Association of Greater Chicago members ratified a new five-year contract that, among other things, maintains employer-paid participation in Teamsters Local 727 health and welfare, pension, and legal and education funds. The overall increase in benefit contributions come out to 39%, which the employer will pay over the course of the five-year agreement.
The new contract, which covers 330 workers, also includes more simplified removal language and an 8% overall increase in wages over the life of the contract.
“This was a hard-fought battle with countless hours of negotiations but nevertheless, the Union achieved significant increases in employer contributions to the benefit funds as well as wage increases,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “I applaud Local 727’s bargaining committee for their efforts in securing a very strong contract that maintains the 727 health insurance.”
Members are also eligible to use up to one week of vacation in single day increments rather than taking the whole week at once, while their vacation allotment is now to be determined by years of industry service. Other new provisions include an increase in trade embalming rates to $510 in year four of the contract, and to $520 in year five. The trade director rate increased to $250, and the stand-by call pay rate was raised as well.
Members with questions should contact FDSA Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].
