Contract Sets Stage for Going Lean at Fenn

Newington, Conn.

A newly ratified five-year agreement with Fenn Technologies sets the stage for future growth at the plant, where members of Local 266 manufacture helicopter parts.

With the contract, the local union and the company expressed their commitment to working together toward a high performance workplace that will create opportunities for both parties.

The contract guarantees union involvement in a continuous improvement process. "The union will play an active role in helping facilitate all manufacturing CI initiatives," the contract states.

"The parties recognize the desire to create a special workplace at Fenn, a dynamic workplace with a dynamic mindset that is customer-centric, embraces change, creates the opportunity for business growth and, through growth, provides security," according to the newly stated contract goal.

As part of the new outlook, the local increased temporary transfer language to help avoid layoffs and expanded cross-training language to allow for a more flexible workforce.

In the economics, workers gained increases and lump sum payments with a potential payout equal to 10 percent of their gross earnings.

There is a 4 percent general wage increase the first year, followed by a 3 percent lump sum and 3 percent general increase that alternate in the remaining four years.

New hires after March 5, 2007, in the material processor, lubricant and cooling person and utility worker classifications will start at a competitive rate.

The contract also codifies a $2-an-hour multi-machine rate and a policy allowing workers to use up to five vacation days as "same day call-in" personal days.

Workers saw increases to life insurance, pension , accident and sickness and vacation benefits.

Health care contributions increases were limited to approximately 1 percent a year for current employees.

Fenn agreed to maintain retiree health, dental and life benefits, though anyone hired after March 2008 is not eligible for retiree benefits.