Contract Reflects `Common Vision for the Future`
DERBY, N.Y--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Jun 27, 2002--New Era Cap Company and the Communications Workers of America today hailed the ratification of a four-year contract by workers at the company`s Derby facility as a mutually beneficial agreement that will allow New Era to focus on the future.
The new contract establishes clear and specific guidelines to be followed by both management and union on a broad range of issues, including health and safety, wages, productivity, and absenteeism. The ratification of the contract puts a formal end to an 11-month long strike.
''The ratification of this contract signals that we are all ready to move forward together,'' said New Era President Chris Koch. ''For 82 years, New Era has stood by its American workers, increasing jobs, improving wages and always proud to sew on that label that says `made in the U.S.A.`. This contract is further proof that by working together we can move beyond our differences and find a common vision of the future. For us, that means continuing to make the best headwear in the world, right here at home.''
Jane Howald, president of CWA Local 14177, said ''The union is extremely pleased with the results. The contract was overwhelmingly ratified by the membership by a vote of 125-36. We look at this as the beginning of a strong working relationship between the CWA and New Era.''
In addition, the CWA has contacted the Worker Rights Consortium to formally withdraw its complaints brought against the company, stating that the contract agreement adequately address all of its concerns. In addition, the CWA sent a letter to the Fair Labor Association urging them to grant New Era`s application for a Class B license.
The contract covers some 330 New Era employees in its Derby facility. New Era also has production facilities in Buffalo and in Alabama.
New Era has been producing the highest quality headwear for over 82 years, and is the exclusive supplier of Major League Baseball`s on-field caps. Unlike most other apparel manufacturers, New Era makes the vast majority of its product in the U.S. and is the last American company capable of supplying domestically produced caps to major professional and college sports teams.
CWA represents over 700,000 workers in Telecommunications, Health Care, Public Sector, Cable and Higher Education.
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