Sisters and Brothers,

Meetings between the three remaining unions who did not have a Tentative Agreement in place and the NCCC concluded early this morning. The BRS was able to secure a potential Tentative Agreement, which was presented to the General Chairman at 7:00 a.m. this morning, pursuant to Article I, Section 65, of the BRS Constitution. The General Chairmen under the National Agreement voted by majority to send the proposed Tentative Agreement to the membership for a ratification vote. This decision extends the cooling-off period to allow the ratification process to run its course.

The Tentative Agreement provides for 24% compounded General Wage Increases, five $1,000 Service Recognition Bonuses, improvements to Health & Welfare benefits with a 15% cost share not to exceed $398.97. No additional increases will be applied to the monthly employee contribution while the BRS is engaged in bargaining over the next National Agreement.

Grand Lodge intends to have the Tentative Agreement and ratification ballot in the mail next week. Ballots will be collected for 30 days and counted at Grand Lodge; the involved General Chairman have been invited to be a part of the ballot counting process. The General Chairmen and the members are commended for their engagement and participation in this process thus far; we encourage you to remain engaged in the coming ratification vote.