On Feb. 10, IBEW 1245 members ratified the Tentative Agreement that was reached with the Port of Oakland on Feb. 3. The final vote tally was 20-4.
The two-year agreement will be in effect from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. It includes General Wage Increases of 4% effective Jan. 1, 2016, 2% effective July 1, 2016, 2% effective July 1, 2017. Additionally, the Port of Oakland has agreed to proceed as judiciously as possible to binding arbitration on the applicability of the “Me Too Clause” toward the 4% wage increase received by other labor organizations from July 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.
The new agreement also includes the following:
- Language to allow stewards time off without loss of pay to investigate grievance issues
- A professional development fund of $1100 per year (probationary employees would be eligible to use the funds after six months)
- Unit members will be able to purchase computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets through June 30, 2017. After that date, approval required based on need for training course
- 100% reimbursement for cost of annual dues for one professional society or association/organization per member
- Promoted or retiring members shall be paid the balance of their Merit Pay premium in a lump sum
- Free parking for employees at 530 Water Street garage
- In exchange for 5% increase in wages, additional duties were added to job description for Airport Duty Manager
Serving on the Negotiating Committee were bargaining unit members Dion Bailey, Ken Taylor, and Eddie Villasenor.
–Al Fortier, IBEW 1245 Business Rep