Members of UE Local 893/Iowa United Professionals have approved new two-year agreements for both of its bargaining units – social services and scientists. Besides pay increases, the significant change is the state’s agreement to pay a bigger percentage of family health insurance premiums.
Workers in both bargaining units will receive a one percent raise on July 1, 2007 and those who are eligible for progression step increases will receive an additional 4.5 percent on their eligibility date. Those who have already “topped out” will receive 1.45 percent on their eligibility date in addition to the one percent raise July 1. In the second year, all workers will receive a three percent general increase, and those eligible for step increases will receive an additional 4.5 percent on their eligibility date.
Of the approximately 2,500 workers in the social services unit, all but four are eligible for step increases. In the 500-member science unit, about half get step increases and half have topped out. So for most workers, the new contract brings 13 percent in raises over just two years. The local also increased shift differentials in the social services contract by 25 cents an hour.
The insurance plan was changed from IUP Select to Iowa Select. The amount the state contributes towards family health insurance increases from 72% of 80% of the Iowa Select rate, and will increase again on January 1, 2008 to 85%. Individual health insurance coverage will continue to be 100% employer-paid. The union also negotiated an open enrollment for dental insurance.
The local increased the maximum monthly deferred compensation contribution from $50 to $75. Up to that limit, the state’s match is one dollar for each two dollars contributed by the employee. This savings plan is in addition to the IPERS defined benefit pension plan that covers Local 893 bargaining unit members.
Improved sick leave language will allow employees to use sick leave for medical or dental appointments which could not be scheduled at times other than normal working hours. The new agreement for social service workers frees up the use of all 40 hours of paid personal leave for reasons of personal importance.
Additionally, the union got the state to agree a compensation study for the Social Worker 2 classification. This study will determine if the SW2 classification is assigned the proper pay grade level. The union is seeking an upgrade in the pay scale for this classification, which includes some 670 workers.
The local strengthened transfer language in both contracts to require the employer to include the specific job duties on the posting for a job vacancy. They also strengthened language concerning involuntary transfers by requiring the employer to seek volunteers before involuntarily transferring an employee. Additionally, the local negotiated “fair share” language requiring non-members to pay a representation fee to the union, which will go into effect if the legislature passes “fair share” legislation.
Local 893 negotiates two contracts with the state, with two bargaining committees, but at one bargaining table. Local 893 President Becky Dawes chaired the UE committee, which also included, for the social services unit, Karl Schilling, Mary McElroy, Beth Austin, Rosann Raymond, Eric Evans, Nancy McCard, Helen Travis, Barb Adams and alternates Mary Dobrochowski and Mike Schierbrock. For the science unit, the other bargaining committee members were Don Peddy, Lannie Miller, Chris Clouse and Matthew Rhodes. They were assisted by International Representative Greg Cross.
Becky Dawes commented, “The negotiation committee and were pleased to recommend these new contracts, which address many of our concerns and gives us equity in the contribution the state makes towards family insurance.”