Outsourcing Nixed/Newport News contract improves pay, pensions and benefits

摘要

USWA members at Newport News ratified a new 52-month labor agreement on June 9 by more than a 2 to 1 margin, covering some 8,500 shipbuilders that will provide pay raises totaling more than 15 percent, cap health care costs, boost pensions, and protect union jobs from outside contractors. The average hourly wage increases from 16.50 dollars an hour to 17.08 dollars an hour in the first year; 17:68 dollars in the second year; 18.29 dollars in the third year and to 19.03 dollars in the fourth year. A major improvement in the pension plan increases the multiplier from 29 dollars per month per year of service to 40 dollars per month per year of service.