Bargaining Update – Day 7

     We kicked things off today with an incredible surprise. One of our own shop stewards, Dante Ruiz, stopped by with breakfast and letters of appreciation from our stewards. None of us had ever seen something like that happen during negotiations before, and it truly made our day. To all our stewards, THANK YOU for fueling us with your words, and believing in us.

     The rest of the day stayed just as strong. We spent the session signing off on tentative agreements for several non-economic items, including:

* Equalizing overtime opportunities

* Allowing bumps for schedule changes

* Maintaining eligibility for promotions while on educational leave (per Article 6)

* Secured FMLA participants to be eligible for holiday pay

* Resetting overtime charts at the start of each year

* Agreeing that both the Union and the Company will grant reasonable extensions when requested

     We’re nearly through the non-economic issues, and gearing up to begin the economic phase of bargaining tomorrow.

     To everyone back at the plant: stay motivated, and stay united. The energy and solidarity you’ve shown are what keep us pushing forward. We’re only just getting started!

In solidarity,

Your Local 1821 Bargaining Team