I am pleased to announce that the Union has reached a tentative agreement
with Levitz Furniture, on behalf of all Full & Part Time Sales Associates.
The Agreement was reached after approximately 22 negotiating sessions during the
past 4 ½ months, where more than 65 proposals were brought to the bargaining
table by the union. This Agreement is subject to ratification by the Sales
Associates.
Upon your review you will find that this Agreement addresses nearly every
concern that was raised in December 2006 when you sought the help of Teamsters
Local 810. This first time contract is one of the best in the furniture industry
and guarantee’s certain rights, procedures and benefits for the life of the
contract.
The
Union and your negotiating committee are very proud of the accomplishments that
were made in this first time contract and fully support the Agreement being
approved by the Sales Associates.
Some
of the highlights contained in the new 3 year Agreement, August 1, 2007 through
July 31, 2010 are as follows:
A
commission schedule similar to the one you lost in November 2006 that becomes
effective on August 5, 2007
A
Pay Bonus program for non-commissioned Associates
Pro-rata
paid vacation
A
Pension Plan paid for by the company
Continued
participation in the company sponsored 401-K Plan
FT
Associates will receive family coverage for Medical, Dental, Optical and
Prescription benefits with no co-contribution
FT
Associates will receive Life Insurance Coverage
Improvements
on the “MSQ” policy
Continuation
of commissions for Internet sales
Guaranteed
Sick days, Holidays & Personal days
A
Grievance & Arbitration Procedure to protect Associate’s against unjust
Discipline & Discharge
Seniority,
Layoff & Recall Protection
Protection
against the Subcontracting of Associates Jobs
Limitations
on the use of Temporary Associates
A
complete copy of the Tentative Agreement will be available at each store for
your review and consideration. Any Associate that has a specific question or
would like a copy e-mailed to them, please feel free to call me at
212
691-4100 ext 230 or e-mail your request to tfeeley@local810.org
The
Union’s staff and negotiating committee have spent hundreds of hours preparing
contract proposals, attending negotiating sessions, and communicating with
Associates. Some of the members even gave up work so that they could be a part
of creating a better future for their fellow Associates. The union has expended
nearly One-Hundred Thousand Dollars in response to your request for help. In
return, I am asking that EVERY Associate set aside the few minutes
that it will take and make sure that your vote will be counted.
On
behalf of the Negotiating Committee
Fraternally,
Thomas
J. Feeley, Business Agent
OVER 4
1. Remove your Ballot from the small envelope marked “SECRET BALLOT”
Do not place any other markings on the ballot.
(The return envelope is pre paid.)
As the ballots are received at the Union they will be secured and remain un-opened until the count.
During the count, the return envelopes will be opened and the Secret Ballot envelopes will be removed and mixed together to insure voting secrecy.
Any Associate’s that would like to observe the committee members count the ballots are welcome to attend.
The results of
the ballot count will be faxed to the representatives in each store.