Pge Wage Agreement

The PG&E wage agreement is making headlines, and for good reason. This is a significant development for Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) employees who have been working without a contract since June 30, 2021. The agreement, announced on September 9, 2021, is between PG&E and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245.

So, what does this agreement mean for PG&E employees? Let`s dive into the details.

Firstly, the agreement covers around 10,000 PG&E employees who are part of IBEW Local 1245. This includes electricians, maintenance workers, system operators and clerical workers. The agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2021, and will last until June 30, 2024.

One of the key details of the agreement is the wage increases. Under the new agreement, employees will receive an immediate 4% wage increase. This increase will be followed by annual increases of 3% in 2022, 2023 and 2024. This is a significant improvement from the previous wage offer of a 1% increase in the first year, followed by 1.5% increases in the following years.

The agreement also includes a one-time payment of $1,000 to each eligible employee. This payment is to acknowledge the work of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another important aspect of the agreement is related to benefits. The agreement will maintain current healthcare benefits with no changes to the employee contribution rates or plan designs. The agreement also includes increased funding for the employee pension plan.

The negotiations between PG&E and IBEW Local 1245 were not without their challenges. The two parties began negotiations in May, but were unable to reach an agreement by the contract expiration date of June 30. This led to an impasse, and PG&E implemented its final offer, which was not accepted by the union. This sparked a strike authorization vote, which was approved by 94% of IBEW Local 1245 members.

However, negotiations continued, and the new agreement was reached before any strike action was taken. Both PG&E and IBEW Local 1245 have expressed satisfaction with the agreement.

This agreement is an important development for PG&E employees, and it highlights the importance of collective bargaining and the power of unions. The wage increases and benefits improvements will have a positive impact on the lives of PG&E employees, and the agreement sets a precedent for future negotiations.

In conclusion, the PG&E wage agreement is a win for employees and a significant development in the ongoing negotiations between PG&E and its unions. This agreement underscores the importance of fair wages, benefits, and collective bargaining, and it signals a positive future for PG&E employees and their families.