Alliant Negotiations Update #36


December 29, 2003


Dear Sister or Brother: 

Today, the Union's Negotiating Committee met to proceed with Alliant negotiations. Last Tuesday, December 23rd, 2003, the Company and the Union met and discussed the new proposed medical plans. Specifically, the medical plans' new co-pays, prescription deductibles and premiums and which direction should be taken January 1, 2004 were debated. Due to the fact that the second package did not pass, the Company and the Union were in disagreement as to whether the Company could implement the new medical coverage without the rest of the package put in place.

That same evening, after negotiations had not reached a positive end, the Company wrote a letter telling the Negotiating Committee that they intend to put the new medical plan in place, with the new co-pays, prescription deductibles and premiums effective January 1, 2004. As a result, the focus of the Union's efforts today (December 29) have been researching the legalities of such a move. Due to this fact, we were not able to meet with the Company or the mediator today as planned. However, Business Manager Reents contacted the National Labor Relations Board today to discuss filing another Unfair Labor Practice charge against Alliant Energy. We plan on filing charges this Friday, January 2, 2004 if the Company refuses to change their position.

Business Manager Reents has kept the line of communication open with the Federal Mediator and is keeping her aware of this situation. We are scheduled to next meet with the Company's Committee and Federal Mediator on Tuesday, December 30th at the Alliant Headquarters. We will update you on any developments from Tuesday's session.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Union Office or one of the members on the Committee.

In Solidarity,


Your Negotiating Committee

Shawn Reents
Mike Pyne
Gary McGrath
Holly Kaiser
Bob Jung