Brandeis Librarians Cheer Contract

Brandeis librarians have won new five year contracts with significant across-the-board raises that brings them up to prevailing wages at other universities for similar titles. The contract applies to both exempt and non-exempt staff members. The chapter also gained three and a half new members because a new job title was bargained in to the unit.  Jim Rosenbloom (exempt) and Thomas Valicenti (non-exempt) were elected stewards.   Judith Tinnolis also served on the bargaining team.

BPS Department Engineers New Deal

Members of the Boston Public Schools Planning and Engineering Department have ratified a new six year contract, which runs through August 2015.  Retroactive raises were 0% in the first year, 1% in year two, 2% in year three and 3% in each year going forward for years four through six. Also in the deal: Bunker Hill and Evacuation Day were made floating holidays and members now have four hours for cancer screening enshrined in their contract.  According to Local 888 Rep. Bill Storella, members particularly liked eliminating the oppressive “swipe in and swipe out” time clock. The 40 member unit just got stronger thanks to new “union business” leave that allows two stewards to handle grievances.

Everett Parking Personnel

Meter maids and parking enforcement members in Everett have ratified a new one year contract that runs from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.  Raises were 1.5% on July 1 and 2% on last day of the contract.  Members also won a $50 increase in their yearly uniform allowance to a total of $650.  Their health insurance stipends (for members opting out of city provided insurance) increased from $1,500 to $2,000.  Longevity stipends were also increased substantially.  If other non-school municipal unions get better wage increases, members are protected with a wage reopener.