Local 3 North members ratify a new 3-year contract.
On April 26th, 2017, Local 3 Westchester/Fairfield Division members ratified their newly negotiated contract. The negotiating committee was comprised of four randomly selected members of the advisory committee who volunteered their service. Stephen DePaola was selected as chairman, Alberto Ruotolo as recording secretary and the group was rounded out with Pete Maccio Jr. and Eric Jones. Business Manager Christopher Erikson, President John E. Marchell and å_Assistant Business Manager Elliot Hecht also represented the members on our negotiating team. The contractors were represented by seven signatory contractors. The committee met for a total of 13 sessions, a 14th for the necessary signatures.
Highlights of the contract includes an increase of 2% to the Pension Hospitalization Benefit Plan in each year of the new 3-year contract. This allows us to protect our pension credits as well as keep up with the rising cost of medical expenses. An increase to the annuity of $.50 in the second year ‰ÛÓ this money would get put aside for the purpose of paying death benefits should there not be sufficient interest money generated from which to pay death benefits. If the money is not needed at the end of the fiscal year, the money would be directed to each individual members annuity account. A 3% increase to the Deferred Salary Plan in the second year of the contract.
Additionally, contractors will provide $0.25 an hour for daytime hands-on training for the apprentices, specifically funding the cost of instructors and use of the new training center. Going forward, official written warnings are required prior to “termination for cause.” Notifications must also be sent to the Union and JIB for all lost time accidents as well as serious incidents. Adjustments were made to the Employment Plan. Foreperson’s pay increased from 4% to 6% and General Forepersons from 8% to 10% above “A” rate. The CT zone work has increases in all 3 years of the contract; $36.00 for the first year of the contract, $38.00 for the second year and $40.00 for the third year of the contract. Westchester “A” journeypersons receive a raise in the first year up to $51.75 and an additional dollar raise in the third year to $52.75. All apprentices, “M” journeypersons and helpers shall receive a $.50 per hour increase in the first year of the contract.
Members working at the Connecticut rate will have their furlough prorated as a percentage of time worked at that CT zone rate. They will also have the right to report back to the employment department after working at the zone rate for six consecutive months to become available for work and be reassigned provided there is a replacement worker available.
The contract was hard fought with additional contributions into our benefit package as well as our wages for a total package increase of just over 9% in Westchester and nearly an 18% increase to the Connecticut zone package.
