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HAWAII TEAMSTERS APPROVE CONTRACT AT AMERON HAWAII

Honolulu - Members of the Hawaii Teamsters & Allied Workers Union, Local 996 employed at Ameron Hawaii voted to accept the company's "last, best and final" offer during a meeting at the union's Kalihi headquarters on Sunday.  Over the course of the five-year deal, workers will see their employer-sponsored hourly pension contribution increase by 70 percent.

"After addressing wage issues in previous contracts, our members made the wise choice to focus on building security for their retirement," said Ron Kozuma, president of Local 996.  "This contract is really the legacy our members present to Ameron Hawaii's younger and future workers - a package that will hopefully enable those coming up the ranks to retire with greater peace of mind."

Under terms of the contract that is retroactive to January 1, the ready mix concrete manufacturer's contribution to the employees' pension plan will gradually increase from the current rate of $5.00 per hour to $8.50 per hour in the fifth year.

Ameron also agreed to provide for the replacement of workers' personal safety equipment and tools.  In addition, the union negotiated increases in the weekly payments for workers on temporary disability leave, the meal allowance for overtime work, and mileage reimbursement for work travel.

In February, Local 996 members at Hawaiian Cement accepted a five-year contract that provided a total wage increase of $1.80 per hour and pension increase of 27 percent, bringing their company-sponsored pension contribution to $8 an hour in the last year of the contract.

"It is gratifying to be able to negotiate these contracts on our members' behalf without takeaways or giving up any of their benefits, particularly in these difficult times," Kozuma said.  "We are also pleased that these contracts will give the local building industry stability for the next five years, laying a solid foundation for rebuilding our state economy."

Thank you to all who have participated in our Labor Dispute Fund Golf Tournament whether you were playing, working at the Golf Tournament or even contributing to the tournament.  Again for the 2nd year, this event has been successful and we know that this will help with our Union Brothers and Sisters that might have a labor dispute.  Thank you again and we look forward to see you next year at the 3rd Annual Labor Dispute Fund Golf Tournament.

The 2nd Annual Hawaii Teamsters, Local 996 Labor Dispute Golf Tournament is set for Monday, April 27, 2009 at Olomana Golf Links.  For this year's Labor Dispute Golf Tournament, we will be taking the first 150 golfers.  Get your family and friends together and form groups which consists of 3 golfers per group to support our members that may have a labor dispute.  So please make your reservation by registering early.  Registrations and Payments is due no later than Monday, April 20, 2009.  For more information, please take a look at the attachment below that has the registration form as well.  Or you can call the union office at (808) 847-6633 and ask for Pat Silva.