Vought said the IAM recommended what was essentially its opening offer, which included a 401(k) retirement plan, performance-based pay and the ability for the company to manage the local plant.
"With certain limited exceptions, such as the institution of a seniority-based layoff system, the agreement includes terms and conditions substantially similar to those in effect at the time of the union's certification approximately one year ago," Vought said.
Wood said the two sides have negotiated, but he blasted the company's tactics, saying they were beyond stalling. He described Vought as "arrogant."
"They weren't bargaining in good faith," he said. "They were surface bargaining."
Vought said Thursday it did bargain in good faith.
Wood said the IAM had little choice but to recommend the agreement, even if it "isn't a perfect contract." Not only was the union facing the one-year decertification deadline, it also felt it had to lock down a deal before the 170 layoff notices that went out Thursday, he said.
"You're giving people their right to get their jobs back," Wood said. "With a union contract, now these folks have rights to come back to their jobs, to their old jobs and their old rate of pay. Without a contract you do not have this right."
Vought said it has since signed the agreement and believes it to be valid.
Relations between the company and the machinists union are already strained. About 900 IAM members have been on strike at the company's Nashville plant since their five-year contract expired in late September. Pensions, seniority, insurance and overtime benefits are among the key issues, according to reports.
-----
To see more of The Post and Courier, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.charleston.net.
Copyright (c) 2008, The Post and Courier, Charleston, S.C.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
A service of YellowBrix, Inc.
