More than 200 members of Local 13-1 at Dow-Deer Park, Texas, have obtained significant wage increases and other vital wins in their latest contract approved on Dec. 9.
The union agreed to enter into early negotiations and their contract was not set to expire until March 11, 2023. Dow earlier gave the union a last, best and final offer which was rejected by the membership by a 2-to-1 margin.
“Our main objective was a fair contract,” said Local 13-1 President Harold Scott. “We were locked out in 2019, and we didn’t get a fair contract then. The members wanted a contract that was comparable to other chemical plants and refineries in the area.”
Highlights of the agreement include first-year wage increases of 7 percent, followed by 3 percent for each of the remaining three years of the contract. Members will also receive a ratification bonus of $1,500 and lump sums of $2,000 for the first year and $2,000 for the second year.
The bargaining team was also able to obtain two additional bereavement days, along with seniority rights and increased financial incentives for the Emergency Response Team (ERT).
“Dow plays hardball, and we just have to learn their game and educate each other by networking,” said Scott, who kept the membership engaged via social media, texting, and e-mail.