New Contracts Negotiated for Workers At Two Vermont Social Service Agencies

October 22, 2014
 Newport

 

At Northeast Kingdom Community Action, Local 221 members unanimously ratified a new three-year agreement reached through contract negotiations which took 12 months.  With the support of the members, the negotiating committee bargained the agreement which includes a 1.3 percent wage increase retroactive to retroactive to December 1, 2013. The agency depends on federal funding and has been adversely affected by the so-called sequester, the automatic cuts in funds to federal agencies set in motion by Congress in 2012. Eleven employees will receive upward adjustments of up four steps on the wage scale, and teachers and home visitors will be placed at the same level on the wage scale. 

There were no changes to the health and dental plans. Each employee gains one additional paid holiday, the worker’s own birthday.

The union bargaining committee consisted of Alison Valley, Lisa Cathcart, LeeAnn Lee and Deb Brousseau, assisted by UE Field Organizer Chad McGinniss.

Rutland

 

Local 225 members at the Vermont Achievement Center ratified a new one year agreement. After rejecting management’s final offer, the local proceeded to mediation and was able to bargain a one year agreement with a 1.5 percent wage increase across the board as well as a new benefit in which the employer will pay for the cost of renewals for workers who carry a professional license. Workers that seek a new license will receive half of the cost of getting their license.

Representing UE Local 225 in bargaining were Patrick Genovesi, Ray Attig and Stephanie Abatiell, assisted by UE Field Organizer Chad McGinniss.

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