Contract enforcement is a crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring fair treatment at Heidelberg Materials, and while you may think that Heidelberg Materials stands alone as the only shitty company on planet earth where contract enforcement is necessary…
You would be wrong!
Lots of companies across the US and Canada are shitty: UPS, Coca-Cola, and Amazon to name a few.
Here’s why contract enforcement is so important:
Upholding Negotiated Terms: When our union successfully negotiates a contract with the employer, it’s essential that the agreed-upon terms are actually implemented. As we know, Heidelberg Materials engages in union busting, so without proper enforcement, our hard-won benefits and protections could become meaningless.
Setting Precedents: Successful enforcement actions can set important precedents that benefit not just our current members, but future employees as well. Thanks to past precedent at Rempel Bros and Ocean, we were able to cement important language into our current CBA. Language involving paid breaks; bumping; and being paid back to your seniority start time when you require your 10 hour break.
Increasing Solidarity: Some of our members are fearful of management and afraid to file a grievance, which is EXACTLY what the union busting pricks in the company want! When your fellow brothers and sisters see you enforcing the contract, they learn that they aren’t going to die when they submit a grievance. Effective contract enforcement demonstrates that WE ARE THE UNION and we will support and defend each other – and management’s threats are as meaningless as lint.
Deterring Violations: When managers know that contract violations will be swiftly addressed and that increased costs will result, they’re less likely to attempt to skirt the rules. This creates a more stable and fair work environment.
Resolving Disputes: A well-enforced contract provides a clear framework for resolving workplace disputes, reducing confusion and conflicts between workers and management. We are not looking for a fight – however, we will not shrink from one either.
So by now you are probably wondering…
Who Is Responsible For Contract Enforcement?
YOU ARE!
You are the union. Your shop stewards have volunteered to guide you and lead you in battle – but you are the guy swinging the sword!
Every grievance enforces the contract and is a swipe of the sword in our battle against this company. That is why we are now requiring a Grievance Report for every grievance. Even the ones that are settled informally.
In conclusion, contract enforcement is normal and is the backbone of the Teamsters Union’s effectiveness. It ensures that the promises made during negotiations become realities, ultimately leading to better pay, working conditions and job security for our members.
So if your pay is screwed up… if you rights are being violated.. or if you are being bullied by an Operations Manager – file a grievance!
PRINT and share the following flyer “Best Practices for Contract
Enforcement”:
