Our Contract

1. Safe Working Environment

The Employer agrees to provide safe and healthful working conditions for all bargaining unit employees. The Employer agrees to comply with all federal, state and local health and safety laws and regulations. If a bargaining unit employee or the Union has a complaint on job safety, working conditions or any other conditions that he/she feels present an occupational hazard, and if the situation is not corrected as soon as possible, the bargaining unit employee or the Union may file a grievance (Article XI).

2. Health Maintenance

The Employer will staff a clinic and provide programs for medical problems such as blood pressure, stress, diet, smoking, exercise, and alcohol and substance abuse.

The Employer will receive input from the Union in the implementation of programs in health and safety, and agrees to supply the Union with statistics on the utilization of these programs.

3. Personal Computers/Video Display Terminals

The Employer will make every effort to provide a safe and comfortable environment for PC/VDT users. This will include proper heat, light, ventilation and furniture. When the Employer buys new PCs/VDTs he will seriously consider such equipment that meets the highest technological and safety standards available. Within the space limitation of each department every effort will be made to provide adequate spacing between workstations. The Employer shall keep records on file of the purchase dates of all PCs/VDTs for up to a period of seven (7) years, and those records shall be provided to the Union upon request.

1. Each bargaining unit employee required to use PCs/VDTs at least two hours per day averaged quarterly shall be eligible to participate in the PC/VDT Eye Exam Program which provides for biennial ophthalmic exams and corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses which use is directly related to the use of PCs/VDTs.

   The Employer shall pay for eye exams up to $75.00; for prescriptions and corrective lenses up to $100.00; for contact lenses up to $125.00; and for eyeglass frames up to $80.00.

   Exceptions to biannual eligibility will not be unreasonably denied if supported by documentation by the treating doctor, verifying that a change in prescription is as a result of PC/VDT use.

2. Eligibility for participation in the PC/VDT Eye Exam Program, pursuant to Section A above, will be authorized in writing by each bargaining unit employee’s department head.

3. Such eye examinations shall include tests as recommended by medical authorities at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

4. The Employer shall keep records on all bargaining unit employees for the duration of his/her employment and twenty-five (25) years thereafter. Such records shall include all pertinent eye examination information on all employees. Access to such records shall be available to the individual employee. These records shall also be available to the Union providing the employee signs an optional waiver provided by the Union.

5. Each PC/VDT in use shall be inspected for radiation, focus and clarity of image annually. Such inspections shall be made in addition to maintenance work performed on individual machines as requested by operators. In addition to annual inspections, each machine shall be
   checked each time it is moved, adjusted or repaired. Test result shall be forwarded to the Union office promptly.

6. Bargaining unit employees who are required to operate PCs/VDTs on a continuous basis shall be required to take a 15-minute break every two hours during the workday to be scheduled by agreement at the department or section level. Such rest breaks are to be taken away from the work area.

7. Any bargaining unit employees who exhibit symptoms of RSI as a result of activities at the Company workplace may have those symptoms and/or injuries examined and/or evaluated in the Medical Department on Company time. In-house rehabilitation of such injuries may also
   be scheduled with the Medical Department on Company time.

8. Joint PC/VDT/RSI Committee: A committee consisting of three (3) members appointed by the Employer and three (3) members appointed by the Union will be formed to study the prevention and treatment of repetitive strain-related injuries, including work station issues related to PC/VDT usage. The Committee shall commence meeting within two (2) months after the signing of this Agreement. The Committee shall meet at least quarterly during regular work hours and at Company expense. Either party may put items on the agenda. The Committee will make any agreed-upon recommendations to the President of the Globe.

4. Pregnancy and PCs/VDTs

The Employer will take the following precautions to protect pregnant PC/VDT users:

1. She shall not be required to sit closer than approximately three (3) feet to another employee’s PC/VDT.

2. The Employer will not unreasonably deny agreed-upon recommendations on this issue made by the Joint PC/VDT/RSI Committee.

5. Occupational Health and Safety Committee

The Union will provide two delegates plus one alternate to the Joint BNG-Employer Health and Safety Committee to address the special health, safety and environmental concerns of bargaining unit employees and seek ways to improve or eliminate such conditions that are detrimental to the health and safety of bargaining unit employees. The alternate member may attend committee meetings in the absence of one of the regular members.

Committee meetings should be held monthly during regular work hours and at Employer expense. BNG participation in this committee in no way diminishes the right to grieve.

6. Training of Employees and Newly Hired Employees

Where applicable, all current employees and new hires shall receive training in safe working procedures, the purpose, use and limitation of personal protective equipment required, and other controls or precautions associated with the job. The Union has the right to review and recommend changes in such training.

7. Labeling

The Employer agrees to provide clearly marked labels identifying the contents of barrels of detergents, acids, corrosives or waste materials.

8. Investigation

Accidents on the premises shall be investigated by the safety officer or his/her designee. Reports of all accidents on the premises shall be maintained in the medical and protective services departments and copies of accident reports involving BNG members will be sent to BNG office promptly.

January 17, 2001