Union and Reyes Reach Tentative Agreement on First CBA for Mechanics, Ratification Vote to be Scheduled
The Teamsters Local 727 bargaining committee and representatives of Reyes Fleet Management, a subsidiary of Reyes Holdings, LLC, successfully reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year collective bargaining agreement covering Reyes mechanics yesterday, October 9. This Tentative Agreement will be the first Teamster CBA to cover the group of mechanics, who overwhelmingly elected Local 727 as their collective bargaining representative earlier this year.
Under the Union’s Tentative Agreement, Reyes mechanics will receive 3% annual wage raises beginning in March 2020, a $500 ratification bonus, and a $125 safety shoe allowance. Additionally, the agreement guarantees Reyes will match 50% of members’ contributions to the Company’s 401(k) retirement plan up to 10%.
Local 727 was also successful in securing improved health care options for workers—a top priority for the new bargaining unit. After negotiating the inclusion of a PPO health care plan during the parties’ bargaining session last week, the Local 727 bargaining committee succeeded yesterday in finalizing the details of the plan. In addition to lowering the cost of health care for mechanics and their families, the new PPO plan will have a “Most Favored Nations” clause. Should another Reyes employee receive better rates for the PPO plan, this clause guarantees that the lower rate will also be extended to mechanics.
In addition to raising pay and introducing a more affordable health care plan, the Tentative Agreement also includes paid time off improvements. In regards to holiday pay, the agreement specifies that an employee that is required to work on a holiday will receive double-time in addition to holiday pay. Upon ratification of the Tentative Agreement, eligible full-time employees will also qualify for four weeks of paid vacation, forty hours of which may be used as paid sick leave. Additionally, the Union bargaining committee was able to negotiate the inclusion of contract language that stipulates “time paid” must be counted as “time worked.”
Local 727’s agreement with Reyes also includes crucial job protections for the new union members, including a strong and efficient grievance and arbitration process.
Local 727 will inform members as soon as the details for a ratification vote have been confirmed. The Union is currently working to finalize a draft of the full tentative agreement, which will be distributed to members for review prior to voting.
Members 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.
