Kalamazoo Local Approves Three-Year Contract

This article originally appeared in Standing Strong at Solvay: May 2018.

Local 220 production and maintenance workers at Solvay’s Kalamazoo, Mich., site ratified last February a three-year agreement that ends Feb. 26, 2021.

The contract covers 10 workers and contains general wage increases of 3 percent each year. This 9 percent wage hike over three years increases an employee’s benefits, while a signing bonus is a one-time shot and does not add to benefits over the long run. That is why it is better to have a wage increase than a bonus.

Under the agreement, bargaining unit employees can participate in the same health, welfare and 401(k) plans that salaried, non-union employees have, except for benefits regarding vacation, buying and selling of vacation, and severance. The cost per program or option is the same for each employee, with variations dependent upon which option is selected, the worker’s age and the number of dependents covered.

There are some minor contract language changes on items like overtime and the absentee and shift switching policies. Language concerning the lead operator position is changed.

The contract also provides for increases in the safety shoe allowance, gift card amount for perfect attendance and reimbursement for educational assistance.

Contract addendums include a Memorandum of Agreement regarding the 12-hour fixed shift schedule and Letters of Understanding regarding the KM Polymer department and posting of job openings.

Cytec owned the site until 2015 when Solvay acquired the property. Originally used as an alum plant, the site is now part of Solvay’s composite materials global business unit. The main product is KM polymers that are key toughening elements in resin systems. The aerospace industry uses the resin systems to produce composite components for the commercial and military aviation sectors.