CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS - 10/24/2011 & 11/14/2011
The Local’s Negotiating team has met the Contractor’s side twice in the past month. The first meeting was on October 24th and again on November 14th. The October 24th meeting was semi-productive. We were able to agree on a few lingering items. Our next meeting was not as productive. We met for several hours in the hopes of making more progress. No progress was made. The Negotiating Committee will give a detailed report at the November 30th meeting. We will update the website when another meeting is scheduled.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS - 9/15/2011
After the Negotiating Committee met this morning with our legal counsel, the negotiating committee decided to offer going back to work unconditionally to the contractors.
A letter was drafted and faxed to all contractors, then it was promptly sent by certified mail to all struck contractors.
A phone call was placed to NFSA legal counsel Jim Lynch where the offer was rejected. It was asked if the contractors were locking Local 704 out, his response was yes.
The negotiating committee will continue to keep the members posted to any additional information as soon as it is available.
Next regular Union Meeting is October 5, 2011.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS - 9/12/2011
After several hours at the negotiating table today, there is no new news to bring an end to the strike.
The Union's negotiating committee stressed that we would not accept a $21.00 wage cut. We tried to focus on other issues in the hopes we could get something accomplished. At the end of the meeting we also offered the possibility to go back to work day to day as a good faith effort to continue to meet and get a resolve to the contract. The Contractor's showed no interest in accepting our offer.
We told the Contractor's that we were going to get together and come up with a proposal. The response at the table was unless we brought back "cuts" they were not interested.
No new meeting was scheduled.
Alliance One Fire is the eighteenth contractor to sign the interim agreement.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 9/8/11
A meeting has been scheduled with the contractors on Monday, September 12, 2011 at 10 A.M.
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With the layoff of Business Manager Robert Rutan, an emergency Executive Board meeting was called for on September 1, 2011 at the request of International Representative Gary Young under the orders of the UA, and in accordance with Article X Section 4 of the Constitution and Bylaws of Local 704.
Article X Section 4 states: “If the Business Manager or any other officer of Local 704 should become unable to hold office due to illness, death, or any other unforeseeable accident, the Business Manager and Executive Board shall appoint a member to act in that office if less than half of the term is left. A special election will be held if more than half of the term is left.
Results of the special called meeting are as follows:
| Business Manager | Greg Herman |
| Business Agent | Tim Trujillo |
| Vice President | Mike Dunn |
| Executive Board | Butch Stewart Jr. |
| J.A.C. | Mike Vargas |
| S.I.S. Trustee | Bruce Lukosavich |
| Building Trades Delegate | Ron Murawsky |
| Pipe Trades Delegate | Jeff Gray |
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CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 9/1/11
Had conversation with N.F.S.A. representative. Let him know we have been ready, willing and able to meet. He said he would get back with a date to meet after contacting contractors.
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A letter from our Business Manager/Financial Secretary Bob Rutan:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
At the close of business on August 31, 2011, I will no longer be in the position of Business Manager/Financial Secretary of Sprinkler Fitters Local 704.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve the local in many capacities, the last 13 years as a full-time paid officer. I would like to thank everyone for their support during the good times and bad times. My leaving office will enable the local to save a considerable amount of money over the next several months during these times of economic uncertainty.
“Always remember to fight one more round. When your feet are so tired that you have to shuffle back to the center of the ring, fight one more round. When your arms are so tired you can hardly lift your hands to come to guard, fight one more round. When your nose is bleeding and your eyes are black and you are so tired that you wish your opponent would crack you one on the jaw and put you to sleep, fight one more round, remembering that the man who always fights one more round is never whipped.”
I will continue to offer my assistance to the local to help make this transition seamless.
God bless the United Association and god bless Sprinkler Fitters Local 704.
Fraternally,
Bob Rutan
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CONTRACT NEGOTIOATIONS UPDATE - 8/30/11
More misinformation from the N.F.S.A. Calls were received and returned to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation service last week. The first step in ending the strike would be to schedule a meeting - which the N.F.S.A. refused to do at our last meeting.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/26/11
Conti Fire Protection has become the seventeenth contractor to sign an interim agreement.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/25/11
Ace Sprinkler Company has become the eighth N.F.S.A. contractor and sixteenth total contractor to sign an interim agreement.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/24/11
Lincoln Fire Protection has become the fifteenth contractor to sign an interim agreement.
Sprinkler Fitters Local 704 has provided factual information for the purpose of helping our cause. With respect to our sister Locals, we will not post their wage rates.
We have been and will continue to be honest with our members.
The desperation continues to grow each day for the N.F.S.A. and the contractors who refuse to negotiate a fair contract.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/23/11
Wm. Crook Fire Protection has become the fourteenth contractor to sign an interim agreement.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE 8/21/11
Desperate contractors and the N.F.S.A have fallen to a new low with outright lies. Please refer to our 8/18/11 posting that clearly states what the contractors N.F.S.A. representative said. “No, we’re not going to set up another meeting.” Their allegation that Bob Rutan is not available to meet until Friday, august 26th is totally false. We made it clear to the contractors that we were available to meet any date except august 26th, 2011.
Where did the N.F.S.A. get the rumor that the union wants to pull the pension of members who are not cooperating with us? Did they fabricate this on their own? Before posting such an irresponsible rumor, one would think that any rational person would first determine if these assertions had any factual or credible basis. The union categorically denies this rumor and asks the N.F.S.A. to be responsible and truthful in future postings. The cheap attempts by the contractors and N.F.S.A. to divide us will only make us stronger.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE 8/19/11
Motown Fire Protection has become the thirteenth contractor to sign an interim agreement.
LATEST CONTRACTORS PROPOSAL:
JOURNEYMANS WAGE -$10.35
SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION -$3.00
S.U.B. FUND -$2.40
RETIRED EMPLOYEE SUBSIDY ACCOUNT -$2.40
UNION ASSESSMENT -$2.00
ORGANIZER FUND -$.30
APPRENTICE FUND -$.25
BUILDING FUND -$.18
STRIKE AND EMERGENCY FUND -$.04
CRAFT FUND -$.03
P.A.C. FUND -$.03
RETIREE HOLIDAY FUND -$.02-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL WAGE CUT -$21.00
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/18/11
Systematic Fire Protection has become the twelfth contractor to sign an interim agreement.
The contractors walked out of negotiations today after a brief twenty minute meeting. Bill Case, contractor representative for Professional Sprinkler, suggested setting up a new meeting date but their attorney stated, "No, we're not going to set up another meeting".
Let's see???... What would be more ridiculous/nonsensical? A $1.75 per hour increase or a $21.00 per hour wage cut.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/17/11
Detroit Automatic Sprinkler has given up its seat on the N.F.S.A. negotiating committee to sign an interim agreement. Detroit Automatic Sprinkler becomes the seventh N.F.S.A. contractor and eleventh total contractor to sign an interim agreement.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/16/11
V.F.P. has become the sixth N.F.S.A. contractor and tenth total contractor to sign an interim agreement. This leaves only two N.F.S.A. contractors who have not signed an interim agreement that are able to. There are four N.F.S.A. contractors that cannot sign an interim agreement because they are represented on the negotiating committee.
The contractors have requested a meeting for Thursday, august 18th, at 9 a.m. We will be meeting at this time.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/16/11
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! All emergency service work will only be performed by Local 704 contractors who have signed an interim agreement. This does not affect NMAs, PLA's or CUB agreements. Any questions, contact Bob Rutan or Greg Herman – (248) 474-7553.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/15/11
No progress today at our meeting. Contractors proposed across the board pay cuts instead of a light commercial rate. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig. We offered a reduction of $.10 in our hourly request as well as proposing a 40 hour training course before new apprentices are sent out to the contractors. The contractors are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, August 16th. We are waiting to hear from them regarding our next meeting.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/14/11
A meeting has been scheduled with the contractors on Monday, August 15th, at 1 P.M.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/13/11
The update for 8/13/11 was mistakenly truncated, please read the complete post below - Local 704 Webmaster
Please remember the N.F.S.A. encourages NON-UNION membership in their organization.
"Contractor memberships is open to any firm or corporation which installs, inspects, or repairs fire sprinkler systems in the United States."
Unfortunately, this is whom we are dealing with.
Local 704 never used the word “RIDICULOUS” as claimed by the N.F.S.A. One would think that if you put a word or statement in quotations that you would be certain it was correct.
The latest N.F.S.A. proposal is out of line with other pipe trades locals.
The N.F.S.A. has no clue what our market share is in our jurisdiction.
Local 704 has proposed several changes. N.F.S.A. was never "Happy to provide increases" even in good times.
The unemployment percentage in Local 704 hovers around 25%, NOT near the number that the N.F.S.A. claims.
Local 704 performs approximately 75% of the work being done in our territory.
The N.F.S.A. proposal of a $21.00 Hr. pay cut is truly, using their word, “RIDICULOUS”.
The N.F.S.A. should realize that we receive a wage and benefit package that is fair to our members.
A reduction in yearly hours worked should not relate to wage and benefit increases.
Fitters on the picket line are standing up for their future, while N.F.S.A. uses tactics to try and divide us. THIS WILL NEVER WORK.
Electronic negotiations that the N.F.S.A. refused to participate in was particularly disheartening. This is 2011, NOT 1911.
The N.F.S.A’s proposal regarding a light commercial rate is “RIDICULOUS”. Their claim that it "would involve relatively few employees" is a blatant LIE. It would involve every member not working on an N.M.A. or P.L.A. job. It does not help contractors compete against the non-union. It does create a race-to-the-bottom. It would NOT get any members off the bench and back to work. This would absolutely NOT save the Local any money. Sprinkler Locals across the country have rejected this proposal.
The N.F.S.A. suggests that this is a pilot program. We call it a KAMIKAZE PROGRAM and we're NOT boarding the aircraft.
Not one contractor has told the Local they didn't want to sign an interim agreement or felt they had to.
Not one contractor has told the Local they decided to lose money now rather than lose money and customers later.
We are always concerned with market share and the non-union contractors (who may be members of N.F.S.A.)
Local 704 keeps its members up to date with contractors who have signed interim agreements, so that they may pursue job opportunities.
Our last agreement did not include increases well in excess of inflation.
Local 704 has made proposals to improve the situation. Our members have sacrificed more than enough.
We want a fair contract that will get our members back to work.
How can the contractors committee say they are committed to reducing the union contractors and union members competitive disadvantage verses non-union competition when the N.F.S.A. encourages non-union membership in their organization. Is that talking out of both sides of your mouth?
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/12/11
Shambaugh & Son has become the fifth N.F.S.A. contractor and ninth total contractor to sign an interim agreement.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/10/11
John E. Green has become the fourth N.F.S.A. contractor and eighth total contractor to sign an interim agreement.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/9/11
Simplex-Grinnell (another N.F.S.A. contractor) has signed an interim agreement. this brings our total number of contractors signing an interim agreement to seven, including three N.F.S.A. contractors.
RESPONSE TO N.F.S.A STATEMENT
Jim,
Local 704 has always been willing to meet in an attempt to come to a fair agreement to end the strike. We have no intention of prolonging this unfortunate strike. You and your committee were well aware; months in advance that we would not be held hostage by your refusal to bargain in good faith.If you would like to email us a proposal, FAX us a proposal, or set up a conference call, we are available. We will be in Las Vegas for the duration of the convention. It would be a waste of time, as you suggest, if you continue to offer nonsensical proposals. We are not available to meet, August 10th in Detroit, but are willing to meet in Las Vegas as soon as your schedule permits.
Bob
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/7/11
RESPONSE TO N.F.S.A. STATEMENTS:
1. Contractors were not available to meet until July 25th after they cancelled a July 21st meeting. The union was ready and available to meet starting in June.
2. The union has always kept its options open regarding negotiations.
3. The contractors have not negotiated in good faith and we see no change in their approach.
4. The contractors never suggested a meeting on August 2nd. Their last statement when they left the room on July 29th was - we will not negotiate behind a picket line.
5. Going on strike was our last option. The contractors have shown no inclination to reach agreement on a fair offer.
6. We made it crystal clear that we would not be held hostage by the contractors regarding our participation in the United Association convention.
7. Continuing to work without a contract would have allowed the contractors to complete projects in this busy time of year while they continue to show no respect for the members of our local.
8. Local 704 has always maintained that we are available to meet as soon as possible. We have not heard from the contractors.
9. We urge the contractors to come to the table with a fair proposal. Our members will settle for nothing less.
10. The contractors solution to getting members back to work is wage cuts. It has been proven that this never works. The non-union will adjust their rate and it becomes a race to the bottom. The contractors admit that they cannot guarantee 1 job with their ludicrous proposal.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/5/11
Two additional contractors signed interim agreements today. Interstate Fire Protection and Michigan Fire Sprinkler brings the total number of contractors signing an interim agreement to six.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS INCLUDES TWO N.F.S.A. CONTRACTORS - INTERSTATE FIRE PROTECTION AND TRITON FIRE GROUP.
The contractors representative threatened at our last meeting that they would not negotiate if we were to go on strike. Local 704 has been in contact with the federal mediator on a daily basis. We have clearly communicated to the federal mediator that, as always, we are willing to meet as soon as possible.
Even though we are out of town, we are not out of touch. The N.F.S.A. and the contractors were aware well in advance that we would be out-of-town the week of the United Association Convention. Yet they chose not to begin bargaining until July 25th, while we suggested that we start negotiating in June.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/4/2011
Interim agreements are now being offered to contractors. As of August 4th, four contractors have signed. They are Lawrence-Green Fire Protection, Michigan Fire Sprinkler, National Fire Protection and D&H Fire Suppression.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 8/1/ 2011
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY - ALL NATIONAL MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT PROJECTS, ALL PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT PROJECTS AND ALL CONSTRUCTION UNITY BOARD PROJECTS ARE TO BE MANNED BY EACH INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTOR'S WORKFORCE.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 7/31/2011
As of 12:01 a.m., August 1st. Sprinkler Fitters Local 704 is on strike.
Foremen will be requested to man all National Maintenance Agreement Projects, all Project Labor Agreements and all Construction Unity Board Projects. All other manpower for these projects will be supplied by the Local Union Hall from the out of work list.
EMERGENCY SERVICE CALLS During the strike.
Emergency service calls will be handled in the following manner:
1. Call to member must come from management.
2. Time begins when member accepts service call assignment.
3. Rate of pay is "double-time".
4. Company must call Local 704 to notify of emergency call and the nature of the service.
5. Member must call Local 704 notifying them that he has accepted the service call, the time he begins work, and call again, when service call is completed.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 7/29/2011
Several issues remain to be resolved. The 2 major issues are as follows:
NUMBER ONE
"NFSA/LOCAL 704 NEGOTIATIONS NFSA PROPOSAL, FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011Article 6, Paragraphs 11 and 12 (Wages): NFSA withdraws its proposal of 7/25/11 and proposes instead:
No change to existing wages and benefits for those working on "Building Trades Journeymen" jobs, which are defined to include work under the following: Project Labor Agreements, U.A. President's Agreements, National Maintenance Agreement, and Prevailing Wage and Davis Bacon jobs.
All other work shall be classified "Light Commercial Work" which shall be compensated at $21.00 an hour less than the existing Local 704 Journeyman package. The union shall decide if the difference shall be taken from wages, benefits, or a combination of both.
Notwithstanding the above, contractors with any market recovery jobs bid on or before August 31, 2011 for which market recovery funds are agreed upon shall receive such funds and the jobs shall be worked at the agreed upon rate.
Apprentices shall be paid their class percentage of either the "Building Trades Journeyman" rate when working on such jobs or their class percentage of the "Light Commercial Work" rate when \working on Light Commercial jobs."
NUMBER TWO
Elimination of Local 704's Apprentice School
Sprinkler Fitters Local 704's negotiating team was willing to meet Saturday July 30, and/or Sunday July 31, but the Contractors are not available.
No new meetings are scheduled at this time.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 7/27/2011
Contractors have threatened to implement a two tier wage system without our approval. No progress was made today. A meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. on July 29th.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 7/26/2011
Some progress was made on a few minor issues today. The contractors are unavailable to meet tomorrow. Meetings have been scheduled for 7/28 and 7/29.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 7/25/2011
Please click on the following link to view the contractors proposal submitted to our negotiating committee at the July 25th meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for July 26th.
Please be advised that the struck-through text in this document is language that the Contractors want removed from the Agreement.
Text that is Italicized, Bolded, and underscored is new language to be added to a new Agreement proposed by the Contractors
Proposed contract from the Contractors (This document is in .PDF format)
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 07/19/2011
The attorney representing the contractors has confirmed that a negotiations meeting is scheduled to take place on July 25th.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - 07/14/2011
The contract negotiations meeting tentatively scheduled for July 21st has been postponed by the contractors until July 25th. This date is also tentative until we receive confirmation from their attorney.