SCI Regressively Bargains With Striking Funeral Directors As Negotiations Continue

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Aug 06, 2013, 06:29 ET

Houston-Based Funeral Industry Giant SCI Continues to Bully Communities, Workers

CHICAGO, Aug. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than a month after Chicagoland funeral directors and drivers were forced to strike over unfair labor practices, Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI) resumed negotiations with Teamsters Local 727 only to regressively bargain.

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SCI's only change from its draconian last, best and final offer on June 30 — the final day of the previous contract — was to propose inclusion in the company's health, dental and vision insurance.

"It's clear to us that SCI isn't interested in good faith bargaining," said John T. Coli, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. "The only movement they made was regressive."

On Aug. 6, SCI resubmitted all of its original demands, including withdrawal from the Teamsters Pension Fund, evisceration of seniority rights and elimination of authority of the arbitrator in arbitration decisions.

The Teamsters, meanwhile, made movement on SCI's two key issues, proposing 1) to allow the company to withdraw from the Pension Fund for an economically equivalent 401(k) plan; and 2) for employees to pay the cost of future Benefit Fund increases.

Nearly all of the Teamsters' remaining proposals are for the current contract language.

"The Teamsters are willing to work with SCI on its two key issues — pension and health and welfare — but it has to be in a way that is going to be economically equal to our members' current benefits," Coli said.

The Teamsters and SCI are scheduled to meet for a second negotiation session on Aug. 8.

SOURCE Teamsters Local 727