""A few months ago at the bargaining table, we said we can't let this drag on into another year," Robbins said. "We're close to an agreement, but we're still pretty far apart on a lot of important issues." The union (NSLU) told New Seasons they needed to come to a tentative agreement on a historic first contract by the time they held their monthly membership meeting on December 4, so union members could review the agreement prior to the end of the year."
""Considering how far apart we were on some of the really important issues in the contract, I think for most of October and November we were pretty much fully focused on strike preparation," Robbins said. "We were still in bargaining at this time, but it could feel like kind of beating your head against the wall." Ultimately, however, that changed: After months of stalled negotiations, New Seasons sent out an improved contract offer to NSLU's membership on December 2."
"The contract includes a $19-per-hour starting wage for new employees-a number Robbins believes is the highest in the Portland area. It's a significant step up from the current starting rate, which was $16.30. Continuing workers will see hourly pay increases of between 50 and 70 cents, and wages will rise yearly with cost of living adjustments."
Employees represented by the New Seasons Labor Union prepared for a potential holiday strike after months of stalled bargaining and significant outstanding issues. The union set a deadline for a tentative agreement by December 4 and threatened a strike on December 17 if no deal emerged. Negotiations shifted when New Seasons submitted an improved offer on December 2, leading to a finalized agreement on December 4 and a subsequent membership ratification vote. The first contract sets a $19-per-hour starting wage for new hires, modest raises for continuing workers, and annual cost-of-living adjustments to wages.
Read at Portland Mercury
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