On August 29, UE Local 625, whose members build high-quality circuit breakers and high-voltage equipment, ratified a new one-year contract. The agreement includes a six percent general wage increase and a freeze on healthcare costs. It also eliminates one step of the contract’s wage progression, meaning that newer hires will now make it to the top rate one year sooner. Members also received a $500 bonus.

The agreement will retain the members’ existing health insurance plans, with no increases in plan design costs (deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pockets) for the duration of the contract. 

Employee medical, dental, and vision premiums will remain unchanged, and the new settlement continues the existing employer contributions to employee health reimbursement accounts and health savings accounts.

“Glad we got this agreement that builds off previous contracts in advancing the living standards of our members,” said President Mark Shaffer. “If needed, the members were ready to put up the fight to secure a fair contract… that helped us get a good agreement.”

The Local 625 bargaining committee consisted of President Shaffer, Vice President Chris Pratt, Chief Steward John Shifflett, Recording Secretary Leia Hernley, and Financial Secretary Bob Good. They were assisted by International Representative Karen Hardin and Field Organizer Ben Wilson.