Published: November 25, 2009 03:42 pm      

Clinton, other Evergreen sites approve contract

PITTSBURGH — United Steelworkers Union (USW) members at five Evergreen Packaging sites approved a five-year master labor agreement covering about 1,600 workers that features wage increases and benefits.

The master labor agreement covers plants and mills located in Clinton, Canton, N.C., Waynesville, N.C., Athens, Ga., and Olmsted Falls, Ohio. Each location bargained over local issues and has the same contract expiration as the master labor agreement of May 13, 2014.

Wages will increase three percent the first year, two percent the second year, two percent the third year, two percent the fourth year and 2.5 percent the fifth year for a total of 11.5 percent during the contract term. The first year raise is retroactive to May 13, 2009.

Wage adjustments were done for classifications at each mill and increased the base wage. The percentage wage increase for each year is then added. At the Clinton converting facility, workers received a 43-cent per hour wage adjustment equivalent to three percent; the first-year three percent wage increase was added on to that so that workers received a six percent wage increase the first year.

Under the agreement, Evergreen will deposit $200 into a flexible spending account for each employee that can be used for health care expenses like co-pays for doctor visits and prescription drugs. If workers get preventive screenings like mammograms and cholesterol checks, an additional $120 will be deposited.

Workers who retire and turn age 65 during this contract term will have health care reimbursement accounts. Each Jan. 1, Evergreen will give the retirees $2,000 to be used for the retiree and his/her spouse to purchase a Medicare wraparound plan.

A clause was obtained that will ensure Evergreen workers’ jobs and union contract are preserved in case the company is sold. Both parties also agreed to principles for conduct in union organizing campaigns that enable workers to freely choose representation without a negative campaign.

Evergreen Packaging workers produce milk and juice cartons.