Negotiations under way at Rockwell Collins

Negotiations began Monday on a contract that covers nearly 2,000 union workers at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids and Coralville.

Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) covered by the contract make avionics products for national defense systems and commercial industries.

The current five-year contract expires May 3.

“We anticipate a productive round of talks as we look to preserve fair, middle-class wages and benefits for this highly-skilled work force,” IBEW lead negotiator Randy Middleton said in a statement.

According to a news release from the IBEW, key bargaining issues include protecting retirement benefits and ensuring pension and 401(k) options for future IBEW members at the company.

“Iowa communities appreciate these good jobs and know how vital they are to the local economy,” said Middleton, the director of manufacturing at the IBEW International Office in Washington, D.C. “Our members' talent at work helps keep our military strong and our airlines in flight, and all we're asking for is a fair shake from the company that we help make successful.”

Rockwell Collins spokesman Dave Gosch said the company is hopeful an agreement will be reached, but declined further comment about the negotiations.