After a two-week strike, auto parts workers at BorgWarner in Lansing, New York, overwhelmingly voted up an improved contract offer Sept. 21. The over 700 members of Teamsters Local 317 voted 539-60 to accept a four-year agreement that increased wages by 21% and defeated company efforts to raise health insurance costs. The workers make automotive chain systems for engine timing and power transmission.
“We were able to keep the insurance from doubling,” John Cometti, a business agent for Local 317, told the Cornell Daily Sun. In addition to a $5,500 ratification bonus, workers with 25 or more years seniority will get four more vacation days. All the workers will receive five additional paid personal days and one additional paid holiday.
Some progress was made on pushing back overtime. Up to now new hires have had to work mandatory overtime for their first seven years there, but strikers cut that to four years.