UTC Fuel Cell Workers Agree To New Contract
The Machinists union has agreed to a three-year contract with United Technologies Corp. for about 150 hourly workers who manufacture fuel cells, in a deal that includes raises, a signing bonus and a new “alternative work week” schedule for some employees.
The contract covering UTC Power’s South Windsor unit, was approved “overwhelmingly” in a vote Sunday, the union said. The company also announced the vote; a tally was not released. The agreement calls for annual raises of 2.5 percent, a $1,000 signing bonus, ongoing cost-of-living adjustments, and increases in pension and savings plan benefits — all of which offset higher worker costs for health coverage.
Some employees will work three 12 hour shifts each week, and others will work four 10-hour days, under the new agreement, although most remain on a 5-day schedule.
“We’re hopeful that now that negotiations are over, we can work with the company to bring fuel cells to full commercialization. The world needs sources of alternative energy, and fuel cells are ready to fill that need,” said James Parent, chief negotiator for the union.
