Reopening of a union contract

[morgansmater]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? In New Jersey, can a sidebar be added to a union contract without reopening the contract itself? In question is the addition of a sidebar to allow furlough days to be enacted for union members whose contract will expire in 2012. If the members of the union agree to these furlough days, will it reopen the contract? There will be financial repercussions to the membership if the contract itself is reopened rather than letting it expire. Any input would be welcome as soon as possible. Thank you for your help in advance

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

Try it as a supplemental local agreement or addition to local work rules.

 

[justalayman]

You can agree to whatever you want but the contract is superior to any sidebar, or in my area, they are generally referred to as 'letters of understanding". Whatever it is is not enforceable over the terms of the contract. In fact, they are generally not enforceable at all if either side no longer agrees to the agreement. In other words, don't bother.

 

[steward]

You can agree to whatever you want but the contract is superior to any sidebar, or in my area, they are generally referred to as 'letters of understanding". Whatever it is is not enforceable over the terms of the contract. In fact, they are generally not enforceable at all if either side no longer agrees to the agreement. In other words, don't bother.

So a letter of understanding that is signed before a union contract expires is not enforceable? What can workers covered under the agreement do if one is signed before the term of the master agreement is up?