Northrop Grumman Reaches Labor Contract Agreement With United Steelworkers Local 8888

Northrop Grumman Reaches Labor Contract Agreement With United Steelworkers Local 8888

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Oct. 30, 2008 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced today that its Shipbuilding sector's United Steelworkers members voted to accept a new 52-month labor contract. The current contract expired at midnight October 26. The new contract takes effect from October 27, 2008 through March 10, 2013.

"We are pleased that the union members voted yes for the contract and we look forward to moving ahead, together, to build ships for the world's greatest Navy," said Bill Ermatinger, vice president, human resources and administration for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. "We believe the contract is a very fair and competitive one with a strong economic package and significant benefit enhancements. Most importantly, we believe it is a contract worthy of our great shipbuilders at Newport News," he added.

Highlights of the contract include:

* Contract Length: The new contract spans 52 months and will be effective from October 27, 2008 through March 10, 2013. It is split into four 13-month periods.

* Wages: A 16.4 percent increase over the life of the contract for more than half of the workforce. This averages to a 3.75 percent increase per year for each employee. On day one, employees in pay grade 13 through 17 will receive four percent increases. All others will receive 3.75 percent increases. The next two 13-month increments will have 3.75 percent increases. There will be a four percent increase for the final 13 months of the contract.

* Shift Differential: Increased from 75 cents to $1.25, effective immediately (for employees working on second and third shifts).

* Pension: Increased from $1,100 per month to $1,250 starting February 1, 2009. It will then increase to $1,350 per month beginning January 1, 2011. Additionally, a $20 per year supplement will be given to employees for each year of credited service after 30 years. For example, an employee with 35 years of credited service on February 1, who qualifies for the $1,250 per month pension, will receive $1,350 per month. The current pension multiplier will increase from $40 per year of service to $45 over the life of the contract for future years of service.

* Medical Benefits: Maintained current premium cost sharing for current and future years with only a 3.2 percent premium increase, beginning in July. Premium increases are between 72 cents per week for single coverage to $2.26 per week for family coverage.

* Paid Sick or Personal Leave: Employees who miss six hours or less during a calendar quarter will earn six hours of sick or personal time. Employees can earn a maximum of three days per year and bank a maximum of six days.

* Employee Recognition Program: Supervisors will now have the ability to nominate their employees for monetary awards to recognize outstanding performance, process improvements, quality improvements and cost saving ideas.

Technorati Tags:
Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), Union