Members of IAM Local 1363 who are employed by the Catholic Diocese in Youngstown, Ohio have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. The contract is the result of 16 months of negotiations.
Robert Towslee, Business Representative for IAM Local 1363, said, “This agreement represents not only improved terms, but also the beginning of a renewed commitment to job responsibilities, accountability, and employment security.”
Timothy Verlinden, Directing Business Representative for IAM Local 1363, commented on the negotiation process: “While the process included moments of disagreement and outside anti-union efforts, we remained steadfast and focused on our shared goals. Together, we achieved fair resolutions on wages, benefits, time-off accruals, and holidays.”
The Catholic Diocese in Youngstown serves more than 117,000 Catholics across 67 parishes and one mission in northeast Ohio. It also provides education to over 17,000 children through its network of 30 schools. Approximately 30 workers represented by IAM are employed at four cemeteries managed by the diocese.
Under the new agreement, workers will receive wage increases ranging from 3% to 35%, depending on their specialty and current wage rate. The contract includes provisions for 13 fully paid holidays each year and maintains all existing employment benefits such as personal days, sick leave, vacation accruals, and retirement plans. A joint health and safety committee comprising company representatives and workers has also been established.
David Sullivan, Eastern Territory General Vice President for IAM, stated: “Standing up for your rights as workers for the first time is always challenging. I am so proud of these members of Local 1363 and what they have achieved with solidarity. We look forward to more justice on the job for themselves and their families, and more job growth through unionism in the future.”
