Local #145’s primary goal as an organization is to strengthen the craft of the plumbers, pipefitters, welders and service technicians; and to improve the wages, hours, and working conditions for its’ members. The Labor Contract (or agreement), is the signed document between the company and Local #145 which describes the terms and conditions of employment.
Local #145’s Business Manager and/or staff will meet with your employer on a regular basis every few years to collectively bargain for a labor contract which will govern your employment, such as:
- Wages: Fair rates of pay for each job, including automatic wage increases for the duration of the contract.
- Conditions: Safety and health, personal rights and fair treatment, lunch breaks, and work hours.
- Benefits: Company paid health, and vision insurance, pensions, safety, skill training, etc.
Put them all together and you have a package of wages, benefits, and work rules, which become the subject of contract negotiations. Employers – large or small – don’t just hand out this package.
You will have an opportunity to discuss the contract proposals and vote to accept or reject the contract.
Among the most important features of a Local #145 contract is the orderly system for settling disputes between an employee and the contractor. This is called “grievance procedure” and it requires the company to go through successive steps until a satisfactory resolution is found between the employee and contractor.
As a member of Local #145, you are provided with personal protection under the terms of your labor contract. In the event your employer does not abide by the terms and conditions of the labor agreement, requires you to be exposed to unsafe working conditions, or fails to treat you fairly or with dignity, you have the ability to address these problems with the assistance of a union steward or a Local #145 business representative.