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United States Marine Repair – Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


NORSHIPCO and Local 684 arrive at Historic Agreement
Norfolk, Va. – February 10, 2001 – During a union-wide vote, Local 684 of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers ratified a new three-year labor contract with NORSHIPCO, South Hampton Roads largest non-nuclear, privately held shipyard. This is the first time an agreement has been reached between the new ownership of NORSHIPCO, now a member of the United States Marine Repair (USMR) family of shipyards, and the Union. The vote passed by a 92 percent margin, and the agreement was well received by Union members.

Under the new contract, Union employees will receive the largest gains in compensation in over ten years. The terms include as much as a 100 percent increase in retirement benefits through participation in the Boilermakers Pension Trust.

The contract puts NORSHIPCO in a very competitive position regarding wages and pension plans and enables the company to retain its existing Union labor force by offering an excellent benefits package and also attract new talent.

According to Johnny Thomas, Union president, "Everything in the contract was mutually agreed on, and negotiations between management and labor were beneficial to both parties. The new management did what they said they would do, and they put it on paper to prove it. This time we also have a better understanding of the contract language and what the agreement actually means. This makes it much easier to administer the contract."
 
NORSHIPCO President Al Krekich said, "When I came on board, I made sure that we had an open-door policy and talked honestly and freely with all of our employees. We have worked closely with the Union and will continue to do so." Krekich also added, "I am extremely pleased that we were able to come to terms with the Union President Johnny Thomas, the Negotiating Committee and Union members. The contract puts NORSHIPCO in a very competitive position in the market and in a favorable light with our workers. Coming to this agreement further demonstrates that the company’s People are Important philosophy is alive and well."

In addition to NORSHIPCO, the company's corporate headquarters, USMR has shipyards located in San Diego, San Pedro and San Francisco, Calif., and Ingleside, Texas. The Carlyle Group, a Washington, D.C.-based privately owned investment firm, owns USMR.


Contact:
Mike Adams: (757) 494-4257