In November 2008, UE Local 222 Sub-local 58, the Department of Public Works employees’ union, finally reached a tentative agreement for a new contract replacing the one that had expired in June 2007. But in an attempt to bully the committee, the town’s attorney inserted new language into the final draft that had never been negotiated or discussed at the bargaining table. The UE committee strongly rejected the added language, the town filed a request for binding arbitration, and the union filed a municipal prohibited practice (equivalent to an unfair labor practice charge) against the town for reneging on the tentative agreement.
Anger and frustration among union members came to a head when, after not receiving a wage increase in almost three years, the first selectman (similar to a mayor) asked the union for concessions due to the economic downturn. Workers saw this as “the straw that broke the DPW’s back.” The entire union membership rallied at a public meeting of the town’s finance board, all wearing bright red sweatshirts, and cheering when the union’s president, Ken Rupley, expressed the workers’ frustration. “Everyone stood together, and it made a huge difference!” said member Don Bogart.
Soon after this meeting the town resumed talks, and agreed to a final settlement with the union. Under the new four-year agreement, members will receive retroactive wage increases of 3.5 percent for the first two years and a total of 2.75 percent in the third year. The town will conduct a wage classification study to determine the wage increase in the fourth year, but workers will get at least 2.5 percent.
Public works employees will begin to contribute 6 percent toward their health coverage in July 2009, but under new language any worker who waives coverage will receive $3,500 each year. There is a graduated phase out of employee contribution to the pension, with all worker contributions ended in four years. A retiree cost-of-living increase begins at age 62, and retirees will receive a $20,000 life insurance policy. The committee also secured a $300 clothing allowance and improved some other contract language. New hires will have a defined contribution pension plan to which the town will contribute 10 percent of workers’ wages.
Robert Bicknell, sanitation department steward, said, “Our department in very happy with the work of the committee and the union, and the results we received in this contract.” UE member Wayne Tyrell added, “We stuck together, and it was a long hard road with a happy ending.”
The negotiating committee consisted of Sub-local 58 President Ken Rupley, Mark Humphrey, Bob Perotti, and Mike Maturo. They were assisted by UE Field Organizers John Lambiase and Colleen Ezzo.