May 10, 2019 Bargaining Update: Arconic targets security of members’ jobs, earnings, more

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As negotiations with Arconic continued this week, our committee has recognized a theme reflected in the company’s contract demands—radical and unnecessary changes to our agreement that would amount to major economic and non-economic concessions for our members.

Management wants to expand its use of temporary workers while limiting our ability to challenge decisions that directly threaten the security of our jobs.

The company has proposed to eliminate performance pay without providing an alternative plan for individual workers to share in the company’s success, undermining the security of our earnings. As for wages, Arconic says it will not discuss wage increases until our committee accepts the concessions already on the table.

Similarly, before they will address premium pricing for our health insurance, management wants us to agree to allow them to offer an optional low-cost, obviously inferior health care plan to current employees while the company also seeks to end contributions to the fund that pays a portion of retiree healthcare premiums.

Arconic has also proposed to replace our current pensions and instead force individuals into a 401(k) plan that will not include contributions for lost time due to layoff or injuries, whether personal or work related.

We must be prepared to stand together and deliver the strong message to Arconic management at all locations that we have earned and deserve a fair contract that makes our jobs, wages and benefits more secure instead of less.

As negotiations proceed, we will provide information about our progress. We urge everyone to keep focused on working safely and staying united.

In solidarity,

Your USW/Arconic Negotiating Committee