The Portland Metal Trades Council (PMTC) ratified a new two-year agreement May 28, 2015, with Cascade General. The vote was 74-41. This was the third contract vote for the 184 workers represented by the PMTC, a coalition of 10 craft unions at the shipyard on Swan Island. The previous contract expired on November 30, 2014.
The new two-year agreement expires Nov. 30, 2016. The contract adds $1.40 per hour to the overall package the first year, and $1.25 per hour the second year.
Workers can choose their preferred medical plan—either a 90-10 deductible plan through Regence Blue Cross or the current Kaiser Permanente plan, or an 80-20 deductible plan with Regence. Workers who choose the 80-20 plan will get a $1.02 an hour increase on their check. Those choosing the 90-10 plan will see a 20-cent per our wage increase.
Workers will also receive a one-time lump sum payment of $300 on December 1, 2015 to offset the cost of health insurance. Workers must log a minimum of 80 hours in a month to qualify for the medical plan.