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The IP Mill Council represents 5,200 workers at the following 16 mills across the IP Mill system:
Pine Hill, Alabama
Franklin, Virginia
Bogalusa, Louisiana
Mill representatives convened in Birmingham last week to continue working through the Council’s campaign timeline for building power to bargain a new Master Agreement in 2023. This plan includes creating communication, education and action structures between the International and the Locals, across the Council and within the Locals at each location.
The meeting included local reports across the system; common themes included:
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Inability to attract or retain new hires because of the two-tier wage system
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Staffing issues as a result of the inability to attract and retain new hires
- Issues with the following 3rd party administrators: CIGNA (health insurance); Sedgwick (disability) and worker compensation claims
The Council also brainstormed campaign theme ideas, provided bargaining survey inputs, and reviewed the campaign calendar to make sure that the plan is on track.
A text messaging system has been set up for the Council so that all sites will receive important updates leading up to and throughout the Master bargaining process. Local leaders left last week’s meeting with text message sign-up cards and posters with instructions for enrolling. Be on the lookout for these materials and reach out to a member of your bargaining committee for more information.