Business Representative Al Fortier
BEW Local 1245 has resumed negotiations with AC Transit after the District concluded most of its bargaining with ATU, which represents the bulk of the District’s employees.
Management has indicated they are looking for concessions from IBEW similar to those negotiated in mediated talks with ATU.
In a meeting on Jan. 27, the District presented a revised set of proposals, including:
- Changing the basic workweek from Mon.-Fri. to Sun.–Sat.
- A two-tier pension plan
- A 90/10 split on medical and dental and reduced opt-out incentives
- Elimination of the Veteran’s Day holiday, and
- Reduction in the contribution to retiree medical.
“IBEW countered by rejecting many of the District’s financial proposals based on total compensation inequities that our craft persons and journeymen are already experiencing,” said Business Representative Al Fortier. “We presented data that showed our electricians and electronic technicians at AC Transit are underpaid by approximately 25% compared to surrounding areas.”
The District negotiator said the parties were far apart on many of the financial proposals, but that he would take the union’s counter-proposals to the AC Transit District Board for consideration.
Negotiations are set to resume on Feb. 11.
The Local 1245 Negotiation Committee consists of Shop Stewards Dale Brewer, Gary Vigil, and Britton Mansell, along with Assistant Business Manager Ray Thomas and Business Representative Fortier.