Utility workers end strike at Detroit Edison

Monthly Labor Review, Oct, 1984

Members of the Utility Workers union employed by Detroit Edison Co. approved a 3-year contract after rejecting two earlier proposals, ending a 6-week strike, the longest in the history of the bargaining relationship. The new contract provides for specified wage increases, retention of the automatic cost-of-living pay adjustment formula, and higher employee costs for health insurance.

Hourly pay, which reportedly averaged $13.23 under the old contract, was raised by average amounts of 39 cents an hour effective immediately; 34 cents on the first anniversary; and 39.5 cents on the second.

Under the new health care plan, employees will pay half the cost of any premium increase, up to 6 cents per hour each year, or a maximum of 18 cents per hour over the contract term. Deductibles were raised to $125 for individuals and $300 for families in the first year and to $150 and $350 in the second, from $100 and $250. The deductible for prescriptions also was raised to $3, from $2.

In a change in the savings plan, the limit on employee investment was raised to 6 percent of earnings, from 5 percent, with the utility company continuing to contribute 50 cents for each $1. Other terms of the contract included early retirement at unreduced pension rates at age 61 (formerly 62); and a 13th paid holiday, beginning in 1986.