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Mercury, union meet about Wisconsin plans
Posted on August 04, 2009
Mercury Marine and officials of the International Association of Machinists and Aviation Workers met Monday in the third scheduled meeting to discuss the future of the company in Fond du Lac, Wis.
Mercury in earlier meetings had made detailed proposals regarding operational flexibility and benefits, according to a negotiation update on the "Charting our Course" section of the company Web site. The company said a detailed proposal regarding wages - the final component - was added to complete the package. Mercury said it now has a comprehensive unilateral proposal to advance negotiations with the union that has the potential for:
- no wage reductions for current employees for the next three years and an overall structure for new hires and rehires.
- health care and retirement plans that are much like its current plans for salaried employees.
- an early retirement incentive proposal that provides an opportunity for employees to retire with their current benefits and potentially opens up new employment opportunities in the community.
- the possibility of a long-term labor agreement in Fond du Lac.
Mercury said the union offered an initial proposal that the engine manufacturer will evaluate before the next meeting, scheduled for Thursday.
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WOW !
It really sounds like the union is wanting to work things out. "NO WAGE REDUCTIONS" for three years, at that time they can negociate again.
They haven't seen the light yet. The higher expenses have contributed to the situation at hand. What makes more sense to continue higher labor costs, and higher state taxes, vs. lower labor rates, and no union to negociate with? In the global markets, you have to be competitive to be a viable company.
The union may want the govenor to help, and he probably needs the unions help to survive in office. Unless the union works in behalf of the workers to save jobs, rather than protect an outdated work agreement. The company will leave a community, where most workers live, and it won't be because they didn't have a chance to save their jobs. The workers should speak up, and not let the union dicate their future.
Maybe the hard line boys at Mercury will be paying for the good help at Wisconsin !!
I hope the union puts it down Mercurys gut , like they did the dealers of past !!!