Cadence-Giddens workers win raises, paid time off
EVERETT — Machinists Union members who work at Cadence Aerospace-Giddens in Everett ratified their first union contract in February, winning additional pay and improved working conditions.
Union members had overwhelmingly rejected a previous offer with a 94-percent “no” vote on Feb. 5.
That triggered a new round of negotiations, which led to an improved offer that members approved with a 72-percent “yes” vote on Feb. 16.
“Our members stood together and won themselves a contract they can be proud of,” said Richard Jackson, who led the negotiating team from Machinists Union District Lodge 751.
“This is a first agreement with a company that has never been unionized,” he continued. “We worked hard to address all of our members’ top issues, and made real improvements over what they had before they had union representation.”
Under the terms of the agreement, all workers will receive raises of 85 cents an hour in the first year, along with a lump-sum payment of $350. They’ll get raises of 2.5 percent in the second year and 2.25 percent in the third year.
The agreement also improves paid time off, caps health care costs, restores a 401(k) match and provides for a grievance procedure to protect against unfair discipline and firings.
This is the first collective bargaining agreement for workers at Cadence-Giddens, who voted to join District 751 in May 2015.
The contract covers more than 220 workers at the company’s two plants in Everett, who produce precision-machined aerospace components, subassemblies and kits, and do sheet metal forming.
The Boeing Co. is a major customer, but parent company Cadence Aerospace also sells parts to Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Fokker, along with other aerospace suppliers.
“This contract is a good starting point and something we can build on for the future,” said IAM 751 President Jon Holden. “I thank everyone who served on the negotiating committee, and I congratulate our members at Cadence-Giddens for what they’ve accomplished so far.”
Originally formed in 1935 by hourly workers at Boeing, District Lodge 751 of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers now represents more than 33,ooo working men and women at 53 companies across Washington and California.
Think you’d be better off working under a union contract? Click here to talk to an IAM 751 representative about how to join the Machinists Union.
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