Does IPC plan to continue relations with our workers union in 2020 when our contract is up? If so, will we see big changes in a positive direction? As of right now, we have no retirement and are interested in better insurance. There’s a rumor that other IPC factories insurance coverage is 90-10. Is that true and will we (the union) be offered the same insurance and retirement on the upcoming contract?

I want to apologize for the delayed response to this question. Since close on October 1, we’ve been running hard. Let me address your questions.

On your first question, we intend to continue relations with UFCW Local 227 just as SFG had previously and honor the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement.

As for the potential differences between facilities or the outcome of negotiations, I’d first say that it’s not unusual for different locations to have different terms and conditions of employment – either because of different histories, starting points, or job markets between the locations, varying priorities at those locations, or prior trade-offs that may have occurred at one location and not the other. As for what the future might hold, there’s – unfortunately – no way to know. In our current economy & business climate, there are simply too many “unknowns” – how the economy will be in 18 months, how the plant will be performing in 18 months, or how negotiations turn out. Regardless, you can rest assured that IPC will always negotiate in good faith.

I’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly about this or other questions. It’s a privilege to be part of our newly-combined company.

Mark Berry, Vice President, People (HR, Safety, & Health Services)