Remington workers ratify new contract

[ILION, N.Y.] By a substantial margin, members of United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Local Union 717 yesterday ratified a new five-year agreement with Remington Arms that features significant improvements in wages and jurisdiction.

The new pact includes a provision extending Local 717 jurisdiction to any new plant that Remington builds, as the company is presently considering, within a 100-mile radius of the main plant in Ilion, N.Y. In addition to a $500 signing bonus, the contract features 3 percent wage increases in each of the first four years, and 3.5 percent in the final year. It also maintains the current level of medical benefits, improves the language governing overtime and creates a new position, Utility Specialist, aimed at reducing the reassignment of regular workers.

“Members of the Bargaining Committee poured their hearts into this, working diligently to achieve this solid contract, and they are to be strongly commended,” said International District 2 Vice President Ed Yankovich.