As we are all aware, last season the Local Union negotiated new bargaining agreements with Interlake Steamship, Central Marine Logistics, and Key Lakes Inc. While a lot of time and effort went into the negotiation process, the work didn't end as soon as an agreement was reached between the Local Union and the individual companies. Upon reaching an agreement, both the Local Union and companies needed to update the language of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and proofread the updated terms to ensure that no mistakes or non-negotiated terms and conditions were put into print. This process takes time, and as we all know, the entire world has been battling COVID-19, and the resulting disruptions have caused numerous problems for organizations everywhere. USW has not been immune to these disruptions, and neither has our Local Union or the companies whose workers we represent. Unfortunately, this did have an impact on the process of proofing the new CBA's and getting them to print. At this time, the Local Union has completed its part in proofing the new CBA's, we are just waiting to hear back from each of the three companies to learn where they are in their part of the proofreading process. We did reach out to each of the companies for an update on their progress and are waiting to hear back. At this time, in order to expedite getting the new CBA's out to our members, our plan is to send out electronic copies to each vessel and will do so as soon as we get the final copy from Interlake, Central Marine, and Key Lakes Inc. For the time being, your Ship's Chairman should have a copy of the approved proposals as a reference as well as a copy of the previous CBA. If not, please contact us with any questions you have or issues that arise and we will get you the answers you need. 

As always, stay healthy and work safely. 

In Solidarity, 

Nate Chesebro
Financial Secretary