BAILEYVILLE, Maine — After weeks of negotiations, union workers in Baileyville have agreed to the terms of a new and improved contract offered by Woodland Pulp—one of the largest papermills in Maine.
Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1490 (District 4), in collaboration with 20 Millwrights and 38 oilers and stream and water plant operations from Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 330-3, and Millwrights Local 1121, first went on strike in mid-October, according to a press release.
Workers who marched on the picket lines told NEWS CENTER Maine the strike wasn't about better wages but about asking the company to encourage tradesmen with highly specialized training to adopt more generalized skillsets. One worker claimed the company is, "trying to make everyone basically do every job here."
Workers said they felt the support of their community, especially during Thanksgiving, according to the release.
“I appreciate the Baileyville community, SEIU, Millwrights, Maine AFL-CIO, and our IAM members and staff for their support,” IAM District 4 Business Representative Danny Loudermilk said in a statement. “I am grateful to the Food and Medicine organization for providing groceries and turkeys for the 86 members and their families during this strike. Their donation was greatly appreciated.”
Here are some highlights of the tentative agreement with Woodland Pulp
- Job Classification and Wage Increase: All current journeymen maintenance employees will have the option to be placed in the A2 GM classification, receiving an immediate 11.6% wage increase. Those choosing to opt out will still receive increases outlined in bullet 5.
- Vacation Policy: The current tiered vacation system will be removed, allowing all employees to cap out with a fifth week of vacation.
- Paid Sick Leave: Employees will be eligible for 20 hours of earned paid sick leave, usable in 1-hour increments.
- Equity Adjustment: Employees in the bottom five Water and Steam plant classifications will receive an immediate equity adjustment of $0.30 to $1.00 per hour.
- Wage Increases: General wage increases of 4%, 3%, and 3%.
- Ratification Bonus: A ratification bonus of $750 per employee.
- Bargaining Unit Proportion Guarantee: A guarantee of bargaining unit proportion for the life of the Agreement.
“I want to personally thank the elected officials, community, and our negotiating committee," General Vice President David Sullivan of IAM Eastern Territory said. "We look forward to moving ahead in a spirit of mutual success.”
“I am extremely proud of the solidarity and resilience shown by our members and the community,” IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. said. "We will always fight for a brighter future for IAM members and their families at Woodland Pulp.”