Ingalls workers to vote on new labor package

PASCAGOULA — Union workers will vote tomorrow on a company offer that affects 6,000 employees at Ingalls shipyard, the state’s largest private employer.

The Sun Herald reports Ingalls is offering three raises and a one-time $1,000 bonus next month if workers will vote to extend their current work contract for three years.

On the down side, healthcare premiums will go up by increments each year and the bonus, which will be subject to taxes and deductions, will replace a cost-of-living adjustment due next year.

Union leaders say the contract extension is simply an offer by the company and not something to be negotiated.

If the workers turn it down, Jim Couch with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers says, the unions would go into a full contract negotiation in March.