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PDC Glass & Metals Earns First Contract

Submitted by Tony Lazzari, District 10 Organizer 

 

USW District 10 Director John DeFazio and Assistant to the Director Jack Coates are proud to announce the following: 

 

On June 27, 2005, the newly formed USW Local of Pdc Glass & Metals ratified their “FIRST CONTRACT.”  The negotiating team of Mike Brown (Unit President), Rich Lloyd (Head Griever), Joyce Gabler (Recording Secretary), Dan Krystek, Ron Verzinskie, Sam Ball, Chip Nicewonger, USW International Staff Representative Jim Watt, and D-10 Organizer Tony Lazzari, worked over 6 months on the new agreement. 

 

Some of the benefits captured in Pdc’s First Contract:
  1. Union Security Clause
  2. Dues Check Off
  3. Up to Five Weeks Vacation
  4. Three Sick Days
  5. Successorship Language
  6. 17 % decrease in medical contributions
  7. Bidding Procedure
  8. Grievance Procedure
  9. Seniority Provisions
  10. Wage Increases Totaling $1.05 Over Three Years
  11. Retroactive pay to January 1, 2005
  12. Jury Duty Language, Bereavement Language, and Many Other Benefits   

USW International Staff Representative Jim Watt chaired the negotiations and stated that the gains that were obtained in Pdc’s first contract were due to the membership’s solidarity and the Union Negotiating Committee that performed like a seasoned bunch of veterans. 

 


(L to R:  Rich Lloyd, Ron Verzinskie, Joyce Gabler, and Mike Brown)

 

Watt said, “This group (Pdc’s Union) really surprised me with their experience levels, determination, and knowledge that they brought forth in this negotiating process.  I see a lot of good things transpiring at Pdc with the leadership that is now present at the plant.”

 

Pdc Glass & Metals Inc. was organized by Phil Ornot (USW District 10 Assistant Organizing Coordinator) and Anthony Lazzari in November of 2004.  Pdc Glass & Metals manufactures some of the finest plate glass windows and doors in the country.  Unit President, Mike Brown, stated that by organizing with the USW his membership was able to bargain with management on issues such as wages, benefits, and working conditions.  Mike stated, “We organized with the USW because we felt that they would provide us with the best possible opportunity to achieve our goals.  The USW did exactly what we thought they’d do.  My membership is proud to be a part of the largest industrial union in North America.”      

 

The newly formed local is now working with their amalgamated President Carl Ansell, in areas such as training and the construction of their in-house committees as prescribed by our constitution. 

 

Director John DeFazio and Assistant to the Director Jack Coates wish the group the best in the future.  Director John DeFazio stated that the Pdc group is a clear cut example of our union’s motto, “United We Bargain and Divided We Beg!”