MTESC Workers Unanimously Ratify First Contract

New APWU members at the Mail Transport Equipment Service Center (MTESC) in Urbandale, IA, unanimously ratified an initial two-year contract.

The workers, employed by Pacific Architects and Engineering, Inc. (PAE) and are newly organized members of the Des Moines Area Local, voted to join the APWU last October. Contract negotiations for their first collective bargaining agreement started on Jan. 23.

The contract will increase job security through the implementation of a grievance process, a guaranteed number of full-time employees and a “no-lay-off” clause. The APWU also secured enhanced safety commitments from the company with improved pay and better benefits.

“The negotiation team spent numerous hours bargaining with management over the terms,” said Support Services Division Director Steve Brooks. “This initial collective bargaining agreement gives the employees a strong foundation to build on.”

The workers are “very happy with the gains they have made through collective bargaining,” said Des Moines Area Local President Michael Bates. “Now when management goes to discipline them for not making production, they have union representation and a voice.” The contract will be printed in both English and Spanish, to accommodate the primarily Latina workforce at the center.

President Dimondstein stressed the need for all workers to have union representation. “In these tumultuous times, it’s crucial that every person has a voice in the workplace,” he said.