Press Release (Jan. 9) announcing the signing of the historic new contract

From Concretepumping

Concrete pumpers ratify historic new contract

Locals 302 & 612 members at Conco approve new industry-standard agreement Members of Operating Engineers Locals 302 and 612 who work for Conco Concrete Pumping ratified an historic new contract agreement on Friday that restores to their industry the fundamental Union principle of "one contract for all." The new contract covers about 30 employees.

The new deal replaces a master agreement that expired on Dec. 31, and was terminated by several concrete pumping companies in Washington state. The old agreement included a controversial two-tiered system of benefits that was unique to the construction industry. Some employees received one set of health and retirement benefits and others received another, as employers pressured members to choose what was cheaper for the company.

"We are very pleased that our members recognized the importance of sticking together, which is what unions are all about," said Allan B. Darr, IUOE 302 Business Manager and General Vice President. "We look forward to meeting with other concrete companies about becoming signatory to this new industry-standard contract."

Local 302 members at three other concrete companies -- Brundage Bone, Ralph's and Pacific -- voted overwhelmingly on Dec. 30 to reject a last-minute contract proposal that retained the two-tiered benefit system and took further steps backward on other language, including denying their right to honor picket lines. Those companies had previously notified the Union that they were terminating the contract upon its expiration on Dec. 31, so they are now considered to be non-union.

Local 302 remains willing to meet with those companies, and all other concrete pumping firms, about becoming signatory to what the union considers the new industry-standard master agreement. However, the union is not interested in negotiating two-tiered contracts that divide the members and violate the fundamental principle of "one contract for all."

"We heard loud and clear from our members -- both concrete pumpers and others -- that two-tiered contracts discourage member unity," Darr said. "They were angry that the old contract was not only undermining pumpers' wages and working conditions, but it could encourage employers in other crafts to demand similar two-tiered contracts in the future."