UE members in the Simsbury Department of Public Works have reached a new three-year agreement, with general wage increases of 3.5 percent, 3.5 percent and 3.25 percent.

The union faced tough bargaining, especially on the health insurance issue. The union ended up agreeing to pay increases in employee contributions 11.5 percent the first year,

13.25 percent, and 15 percent in the third year, as well as an increase in co-pays. Tentative agreements were twice rejected by the members and following rejection,

the committee was able to negotiate some improvements. The town agreed to

implement the health insurance increases on January 1, 2007 rather than retroactively to July 1, 2006, thereby delaying the increase in employee costs.

The union is Sub-local 20 of UE Local 222/CILU. The bargaining committee consisted of Don Rust, Kevin Salters and Travis Cromack. They were assisted by Field Organizer Paul Ryan.