July 2009 Vol. 12 No. 7

Contract 2008 update: Wages going up this month

Bill Feyling, Executive Director 46 Counties Conference Board

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In a world of challenging financial news, there’s a distinct bright spot for carpenters this month: On July 1, we marked another contractual increase in the 2007–2012 Master Agreement. Moreover, the $1.75 per hour increase to wages represents the largest annual monetary increase to date. (The wage increase is effective August 1 for Drywall/Lathers.)

“This 2008 Master Agreement is one of our better contracts,” said Executive Officer Bob Alvarado. “That success is a testament to rank-and-file involvement.”

In addition to the wage increase, $.50 will go to Pension, $.50 to Health & Welfare, $.05 to Annuity, $.05 to Vacation, and $.05 to Training, for a total package increase of $2.90 per hour.

On January 1, 2010, Sacramento, Yolo, San Joaquin, western Placer and western El Dorado counties (Area 3) will see an additional increase of $.45 per hour to wages.

On July 1, 2010, there will be a total increase of $3.10, topping all previous package increases. Another $.45 wage increase will take effect in Area 3 on January 1, 2011, followed by a total package increase of $3.20 on July 1, 2011.
There’s another first, too: The 2007-2012 Agreement contains the following language: “If any of the above holidays fall on Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be observed as the holiday.” Since July 4th fell on a Saturday this year, we enjoyed Friday, July 3, as the holiday.

For those members who are working, the July 1 increase is a welcome boost to their weekly take-home—and we hope you enjoyed the long holiday weekend.

The Union fights for every possible work opportunity with aggressive organizing and effective use of PLAs and prevailing wage enforcement. Still, the current economy means fewer of our brothers and sisters are reaping the rewards of this increase. But know this: As the economy turns around, this solid contract will be here for all of us as the hours pick up.

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