Workers at Trane Hold Line Against Health Care Cost Increases

IUE-CWA Local 81455 members at Trane in Trenton, N.J., have overwhelmingly ratified a new contract that caps workers' share of health care costs. The four-year agreement covers nearly 900 workers who make residential central air conditioning units.

The contract was the result of tough negotiations, lasting 17 bargaining sessions, and involving six months of preparations. IUE-CWA President Jim Clark praised the local bargaining committee for successfully pushing back against company attempts to raise workers' health care costs. Instead, out-of-pocket medical costs are capped for the life of the contract.

Union negotiators also got Trane to remove restrictions on workers' vacations, which had been tied to times when the company shut down. Other gains include an increase in tuition reimbursement and life insurance for new retirees.