Opinion ID: 771581
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Preuett Begins to Bargain4

Text: 13 On March 30, 1994, the first bargaining session between Grinnell and the Preuett-led Union took place in New York City. 5 Because Preuett had not attended the earlier sessions, Grinnell reviewed its reasons for revoking NFSA's bargaining authority and seeking improved terms in a new agreement with the Union. Grinnell also expressed concern that the Union would reach an agreement with NFSA that failed to address its problems, then expect Grinnell to accept the terms of the NFSA agreement, or one substantially similar. 14 Preuett was conciliatory, stating that the Union wanted to work with Grinnell to achieve an agreement, that it did not want a strike, and that a strike was not planned for April 1, 1994. Additionally, Pre- uett asserted that the Union was against a uniform targeting rate because the resultant loss of flexibility would permit non-union con- tractors to anticipate Grinnell's wage expense and adjust for it. On health and welfare benefits, Preuett related that the Union was reluc- tant to accept the Tyco plan because it lacked portability and reciproc- ity, and also because Tyco did not provide health coverage for retirees. Chatilovicz responded that Grinnell understood the Union's apprehension and that Grinnell was not wedded to the Tyco plan. However, Grinnell wanted an agreement that would nonetheless cut its costs of providing health, welfare, and pension benefits. Preuett asked Grinnell for a thirty-day extension of the existing agreement. Grinnell refused, indicating that it wanted to finish bargaining as soon as possible.