Quala Wash Starts Economic Discussion With Bad Faith Bargaining and Insulting and Unrealistic Wage and Benefit Offer: Union Files Unfair Labor Practice
On Wednesday, June 21st, Local 727 reconvened negotiations with Quala Wash for the third round in pursuit of a successor contract. However, to the astonishment of the Union, the Company regressively bargained in bad faith and withdrew two previously agreed to provisions. This breach of trust immediately raised concerns within the Union Bargaining Committee regarding the Company’s integrity and willingness to reach a deal. The more significant of the two tentative agreements involves the guarantee of paid work hours both daily and weekly. The Union gave the Company the day to come to its senses walk back its withdraw but the Company failed to do so. The Union ended negotiations by filing an Unfair Labor Practice charge with Region 13 of the National Labor Relations Board as it is the Union’s position that the Company has violated federal labor law.
Adding insult to injury, the Company presented two economic proposals, both proved to be immensely disappointing and disingenuous. The proposed wage increases fell far short of the wages achieved in the previous contract. Swiftly, the Union Bargaining Committee voiced its dissatisfaction with the Company’s meager economic offer and justified the imperative for higher wage increases. The rank-and-file members of the committee emphasized the challenging working conditions, back breaking work they perform and the skilled nature of the work, as well as the necessity of higher wages to retain existing employees. When the Union asked the Company how it justified paying its employees so little, the Company had no response.
Lastly, the Company proposed a new vacation time policy and system that included some increases. The Union made it clear that introducing a new system is not something any of the employees are interested in and the Company would be better served putting money into the areas outlined in the Union’s proposal.
“Today was a disappointing day at the bargaining table, to say the least. Instead of progress, it seems like Quala was intent on going backwards and bargaining in bad faith,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “With economic proposals like this, it is becoming evident that the Company undervalues the hard work and dedication of its employees. Quala has one more session to prove otherwise. They must roll up their sleeves and dig deep in their pockets. What these members have accepted in the past simply won’t do. They need to do better.”
The current collective bargaining extension agreement (with retro pay back to June 16, 2023) expires Monday, July 3, 2023. The next scheduled bargaining session is Thursday, June 29, 2023.
If you have any questions, please contact Business Representative Sean McGough at 847-696-7500 or [email protected].
Category: Union News
