Approximately 1,900 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 778 on Saturday overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new agreement with Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies (FM&T) in Kansas City, Mo after rejecting an initial offer in December 2023.
The four-year contract includes:
– Removal of a two-tier wage system
– 90% of members will receive an additional 40 to 60 vacation hours
– 50% increase on the 401k match
– Reduced health care costs
– Maintaining the pension plan for legacy employees
– 13 guaranteed holidays for all members.
– Addition of 40 hours in paid absence time
– Increased paid absence to 56 hours effective on hire date
– Enhanced vacation for employees in years 0-15
– Additional committee person representation
– Shift differential increase from $0.85 to $1.50 per hour
“These were tough negotiations, but we are proud of the gains made in this contract,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “This bargaining committee was determined to bring home a contract that addressed the wants and needs of the membership. We appreciate Local 778 members’ trust and support throughout negotiations.”
The union and the company began negotiations on Monday, Nov. 27, more than three months before the contract’s expiration date, March 23, 2024. The membership voted down a tentative agreement on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 from early bargaining between Local 778 and Honeywell.
“Every member of this bargaining committee worked extremely hard to address the issues our members told us were a priority after the Company’s initial offer was rejected,” said IAM District 778 Business Representative Landon Miner, the union’s lead negotiator. “We went back to the table this March and bargained until we felt the Company’s offer would satisfy the valid desires of our proud and hard-working IAM members at Honeywell.”
The new four-year contract takes effect on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
“My congratulations to IAM Local 778 members at Honeywell and the bargaining committee on this hard-earned agreement,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “The entire Committee was incredibly dedicated and worked hard in bargaining to achieve significant improvements and were able to negotiate what our members rightfully deserve. DBR Scott Brown and BR Landon Miner did an exceptional job leading these negotiations and keeping the membership informed throughout the entire process.”