It has always been a point of pride for members of UE Local 255, which represents workers at Hunger Mountain Co-op, that they have never paid anything towards their insurance premiums. However, a 26 percent increase in the cost of their health care plan and the limited number of insurance providers in Vermont put them in a difficult position during their most recent negotiations, which took place from April through August of this year.
After many bargaining sessions, special meetings of the local, multiple one-on-one conversations and internal organizing and a lengthy 16-hour bargaining session, the local agreed to bargain and pay a portion of the insurance premium for the first time in their history. Union pressure on management prompted them to work with their insurance broker to find a new plan that provides much of the same coverage, with the same provider, with only a 16.9 percent increase in total costs. The local was also able to hold the employee contributions to 12 percent in the first year of the two-year contract and 15 percent in the second year. The contract also provides for a provision to re-open the contract on both medical coverage and wages should the overall insurance costs increase by more than 11 percent.
Having been forced to take this hit on health care costs, the local engaged in an aggressive campaign to win higher wages. They took their fight for fair wages to the public with a community campaign, including outreach at local farmers markets to garner community support. They won a $1.05 wage increase in the first year and 80 cents in the second year. They were also able to move some positions, including Cheese, Wine & Beer Assistant and Deli Packager, to higher pay grades.
Local 255 also won several language changes. Of particular importance, the bereavement leave language was changed to remove references to any specific family members and allows members to take the time they need to mourn anyone with a “close affinity to an employee.” This move towards a broad article that is inclusive of ever-changing family structures was important to Local 255 members, as many have chosen family that they are now able to have time to acknowledge and mourn.
The Local 255 negotiating committee consisted of President Toby Madrone, Vice President Charlotte Domino, Chief Steward Justin Stender, John Allin, Sonia Carrasco, and Joe Pekol. They were assisted by International Representative Abbie Curtis.