On Wednesday July 28, 2004 Local Lodge 449 of District Lodge 75 concluded negotiations with Lockheed Martin Systems Management, Aerial Targets Program for the facilities at Tyndall AFB in Panama City, Florida.

A meeting was held on Friday July 30, 2004 at which the membership expressed their desire to ratify the new three year agreement by almost a three to one vote count.

The highlights are of this new CBA are as follows:
 

• 3 Year Agreement effective 02 August 2004 through 05 August 2007.
  4% General Wage Increase the first year and 3.5% in the second and third years.

• Additional $1.00 per hour wage adjustments for Aircrafts Helpers, Dispatchers, Supply Technicians and Electronic Technician 1’s.
  Continuation of Machinists Custom Choices Worksite Benefits Program.
  Implementation of additional new medical plan (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) at a reduced cost.

• Agreement to include “Leads” into bargaining unit with a $1.00 per hour premium pay rate.

• New provision for reimbursement of up to $200.00 on prescription safety glasses.

• New agreement to prorate vacation on a monthly basis for pay at separation.

• New “Standby Pay” language and pay of $4.00 per hour while on standby status.

• Improved Union Steward rights and duties provisions.

• New Language for a monthly Labor-Management Meeting to review and enforce agreement provisions.

• Broad new Seniority provisions to insure bargaining unit members right by seniority.

• Various other areas of improvement in contract language.
  NOTE: Monetary improvements effective on the first Monday of October each year.
  
  Negotiating Committee members Ben Collins, Howard Davis, Ed Deal and John Newgarden all performed outstandingly during these negotiations and provided an excellent service in behalf of their membership.
  
  Additionally, District Lodge 75 Business Representative Steve Pridgen provided exceptional leadership and experience during these negotiations. His expertise and knowledge of the history with this collective bargaining agreement and unit personnel proved invaluable in bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion.
  
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