THANK YOUNon-sense. The vacations that are first bid under the contract rules are to be done in 5 days at a time. This way all workers get at least 1 choice week. No one should be allowed to take 5 single days as his first vacation selection. how would that be fair to the other guys. You could block out july 3,5 then take dec 23 and 26 and then take dec 31. that would not be fair to other employees. everyone needs to be given a choice week. Once the bids are done then any left over vacation days would be a first come first serve at management approval. If after you bid an a 5 day period that includes a holiday you could drop one day with management approval. Once again the medical cost will be different everywhere. One thing is it will not increase until 2013. The dues are $12.77 a week at $22.15 an hour, and about $6.63 for part timers. I am sure you do not speak for the entire west coast. I for one can only speak for my terminal and we will be joining as soon as the card check goes into effect. All contracts will not be the same, every state is different. All workers needs are different.