2023 Tenative Agreement FAQs

Ratification Meeting Questions

  • Is the lump sum bonus based off hours worked?

    • Yes, the 4% lump sum payments will be (hours worked in previous year multiplied by the employee’s wage at eligibility date multiplied by 4.0%).

  • Does PAA (blue-card) still run April to April?

    • Yes. It will be pro-rated for people who start after April.

  • Can you use PAA (blue-card) while at work?

    • Yes, as long as you notify your section manager.

  • What are the hours for the ratification vote?

    • Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 6am-6pm and Sunday, March 12, 2023 from 7am-3pm.

  • Is the whole contract going to be released?

    • Yes. We have two copies available to review.

  • What happens if one of the locals votes no? Do we still get a ratification bonus?

    • No

  • Does the retention rate calculate into the lump sum payments?

    • Yes

  • What % of the ratification bonus comes out for union dues?

    • 1.44%

  • Will the strike pay decrease if we strike?

    • No

  • Will we get a 2nd boot voucher if we have already used ours this year?

    • The boot voucher runs annually. You would have to wait until the next available voucher.

  • Who decides what other companies are used to determine the market base wage increase?

    • Caterpillar determines where the market base wage comes from.

  • When would our wage increases take affect?

    • The day of ratification.

  • When would they pay out the ratification bonus?

    • The company has 60 days to pay out the ratification bonus.

  • What happens if we do not ratify this agreement?

    • The Union would request to continue bargaining with the company while working under an extension of current contract language.

    • The company could deny further talks.

    • The Union could call a strike.

  • Can Ratification and/or lump sum bonuses be split between 401K and cash out?

    • Yes, upon further review the maximum into your 401k is 70%. 

  • Who do we call 30 minutes prior to shift for PAA?

    • Section manager or Hotline.

  • If 3A64s sign the retention bonus, are they automatically converted?

    • No

  • Will the 30-minute notification for blue card usage count as an attendance occurrence?

    • No

  • If you don’t vote, will it count as a No vote?

    • No, only the votes that are cast will be counted.

  • Can they lower your retention bonus once it’s raised?

    • No. It can be raised again at company’s discretion. 

  • Is the one week of shutdown released for just this year?

    • No. One week will be released every year of the agreement.