Local 98 and Plastic, Soft Materials Association Reach Agreement

Contract negotiations have recently concluded between the New York New Jersey Regional Joint Board, and its Local 98 with the Plastic, Soft Materials Association. The results— an impressive 3 year contract.

 After months of talks between the Union and the Company, and as many as 10 bargaining sessions, a new agreement was reached. From the beginning the bargaining committee was steadfast in maintaining affordable health insurance and fair gains in wages for its 600 members. Thanks to their dedication, nearly all goals where met. Just to name a few:

• A three (03) year agreement.

• No increase in health insurance co payments.

• A health insurance paid “opt-out” agreement.

• An increased contribution to the pension fund.

• A substantial wage increase.

Local 98 represents numerous Companies in the tri-state area. Several committee representatives suggested that the current agreement was one of the best in recent memory. The results mentioned here could not be reached without the expertise of the committee members— they are: Mario De La Cruz- General Film Products, Hugo Caicedo-Dining Fashion, Roberto Marrero- Dining Fashion, Ferod Gillespie- Hospital Corporation, Thomas Adley- Hospital Corporation, Manuel Coreas-Poly Pak, Rose Maria Arrotta-Carnation Home Fashion and Pitro M. Sarni- General Film Products.

The term of the new agreement will be from December 17, 2007, through December 15, 2010.