Armstrong Union Voting Held This Week

Lancaster, PA, June 6, 2007--Unionized workers at Armstrong World Industries' Marietta ceiling plant voted Wednesday on a proposal for a new four-year contract, according to the Lancaster New Era

The newspaper reported that the pact, covering about 325 hourly employees, would provide a $500 signing bonus, 3 percent raises each year and higher pensions.

However, it does not broaden medical coverage for retirees, a major goal for the union. Armstrong balked at that, saying the change would be equal to giving a raise of $13 per hour.

"That's a hard pill to swallow," said Joe Rumberger, president of United Steelworkers' Local 285. The local's Unit 441 represents the Marietta workers.

Nonetheless, the union's bargaining committee is recommending that the membership approve the proposal, which the two sides forged Friday — the last day of the old contract.

"You never get everything you want," said Rumberger.

If the workers ratify the proposal, the vote will cap a speedy five-week negotiation process.

Talks, which opened April 26, were hastened by Armstrong's ongoing efforts to sell the company. Both Armstrong and the union wanted to work out a contract before Armstrong changes hands.

Despite the setback on retiree medical coverage, Rumberger and Steelworkers international staff representative Tom Jones noted that the deal has several important provisions.

Its length would make Unit 441's next contract due when contracts at five other Armstrong plants are due. That should help Unit 441 at the bargaining table in 2011, the

union leaders said.

The size of the economic provisions — the signing bonus, raises and pension boost ($4 per month per year of service) — compared to the inflation rate are positives too, they said.

"I think it's a good contract, for a combination of things," said Jones.

The provisions also mark upgrades from Armstrong's earlier proposal of a $100 signing bonus and 2 percent raises for three years, an offer that the union negotiating committee did not take to the membership.

Workers at the Marietta plant, who now earn an average base rate of $18.75 per hour, voted to join the Steelworkers in 1999. They ratified their first contract the next year and their second contract in 2004.