AGREEMENT IS REACHED

The Association of Master Painters & Decorators of NY and the Painters D.C. #9 have reached a 4 year contract agreement. Below are some of the key details included in the agreement:

Contract Duration: May 1, 2011 – April 30, 2015


Wages & Benefits:

• 1 year wage freeze.
• 1.9% weighted average increase over 4 year period.
• 20% reduction in payroll costs of wages and benefits for non-Manhattan commercial work (similar reduction for residential work through previously negotiated PLA)
• Currently seeking PLA with REBNY for Manhattan interior work to be enacted by May 2013 for 17% to 20% cost reduction through wage/benefits and work rule changes. Failure to execute the PLA will result in the employers to contribute an additional $.50 each for May 2013 and May 2014.
• Overtime calculation reduced to straight time plus ½ the annuity plus ½ the vacation rate – estimated 20% reduction.
• The union is required to reduce the current healthcare costs by 10% over the course of the 4 year contract - approximately $4.4 million.
• No future employer contributions to health benefit funds from May 2012 to May 2014 funding a union responsibility.
• No additional employer contributions into pension fund over 4 years.
• Security checks will be at employers’ expense.
• No overtime for shift work on Manhattan interior work

Work Rules & Related Issues:

• Flexible starting times between 6 AM – 9 AM.
• Elimination of hiring hall.
• Free use of tools.
• No restrictions on type of work apprentices can perform.
• Security background checks.
• Random drug and alcohol testing paid for by the employer.
• Adoption of top work place performance plan to retrain unqualified or unproductive employees. After 3 bad evaluations the employee can be removed from the union.
• Working Shop and Job Stewards must be qualified and productive. May be removed after 24 hour joint hearing.

The Association and the Union are currently attempting to negotiate a PLA with REBNY.