Where I work as a teamster we just signed a five year contract which these days is outstanding. There are plenty of companies offering only two year deals. We got a few bucks and as usual decided to divert a large portion into our pensions. At the end of the five years we will be close to 8.00p/hr for our pension contribution which is also outstanding. We did lose a little ground on our health and welfare, we will have to continue to pay a percentage of the yearly increase in the cost of our package. Right now we pay 1oo.oo a month for our coverage but on the open market it would be close to 1500.00 so we cant really complain. However there was a time when we paid nothing. We have medical,dental and vision for us and our families. All in all we came out in good shape hope you fare as well, remember to think about the future and don't get greedy for the short term when you go to the table.
On a darker note where I work as a tech our representation by the SEIU is a joke. We in the ER (techs and secretaries) have tried to break free but there are trades within the hospital that have been convinced that they need the union. Its amazing how different the two unions are and what you get for your dues.
