In what was a record of only two days of negotiations, UE Local 642 and management at Harborcreek Youth Services (HYS) reached a tentative agreement on Wednesday, March 28. The three-year agreement was ratified overwhelmingly by the members on April 5 and approved by the HYS Board of Directors.
The agreement increases wages by 8 percent over the life of the agreement, including annual wage increases of 3%, 2.5% and 2.5%. Minimum starting wage rates for Child Care Councilors (CCC) and Child Care Workers (CCW) were also increased. The agreement also includes a new premium pay of $0.50 per hour for hours worked on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
Most importantly for UE members, the agreement did not include any increases in the premiums or deductibles for their health insurance during the life of the agreement; however, co-pays will increase from $20 to $25. HYS employees have one of the best health insurance plans in UE (Single: $10 per pay period; Parent & Child: $24 per pay period; Employee & Spouse: $27 per pay period; Family: $31 per pay period). Dental benefits will increase to $1,200 annual maximum per family member. HYS employees don't pay a premium for their dental benefits.
Neither side had any non-economic proposals.
HYS is a non-profit agency affiliated with Catholic Charities that provides a range of residential and in-home services to children and their families.
The negotiating committee consisted of President Brian DeSanto, Vice President/Recording Secretary Jodie Brandt, Chief Steward Dan Blackman, Financial Secretary Mike Hardner, and steward Dave Kather. They were assisted by International Representative John Thompson.