SCI Bargaining Update
After Numerous Bargaining Sessions, Local 727 Rejects SCI’s Updated Contract Agreement
Representatives of Local 727 and Service Corporation International engaged in negotiations for a successor agreement to the collective bargaining agreement, which expired June 30, 2016. Union representatives rejected the extensive proposals of the company to diminish the contract rights of the membership.
The union previously proposed only five changes based on members’ demands: 5 percent wage increases, locked-in health care coverage, increase 401(k) company match from 4 percent to 6 percent, the installation of body lifts at each location and a four-year contract term.
However, the funeral industry giant responded with 90 proposals, such as dividing the seniority list into North and South lists, holiday/sick/personal days not considered as time worked; elimination of the Sunday premium for chauffeurs; a new “conflict of interest” provision to strip employees’ ability to work at multiple funeral homes; elimination of the $30 on-call fee; reduction of benefits for disabled employees; the ability to terminate trippers if they don’t have the opportunity to work three days in a month and the list goes on.
“We are frustrated with SCI’s position so far in terms of the welfare of its hard-working employees,” John Coli, Jr., President of Teamsters Local 727, said. “However, we are hoping that they will come to the bargaining table with a more rational approach in November.”
The parties have agreed on the next bargaining session to take place on November 21-22, 2016.
Anyone with questions should contact Business Agent Nick Micaletti at [email protected].
Category: FUNERAL, SCI/Alderwoods, Union News
