Without a contract for over 2.5 years and feeling the level of representatin they were receiving was inadequate, Locust Valley employees decided a change was needed. The unit voted to join UPSEU in July 2016. After being certified by PERB, UPSEU went right to work, putting in place its representation model and prepared to commence bargaining.
With little having occurred during the 2.5 year period of negotiations under their previous representative, UPSEU took over the process, re-working the unit proposals with the membership. UPSEU President Kevin E. Boyle, Jr., along with Labor Relations Representative Pat Defelice and the team met numerous times with representatives of the district in negotiations.
After a number of years of step freezes and bonuses instead of wage increases and not wanting to duplicate the same, UPSEU and its team secured a retroactive agreement with annual wage increases, on time steps each year, a first time long term disability plan and other gains. There was not a single concession.
"The district and its team were extremely professional throughout the process," stated UPSEU President Boyle. "Our team was committed to delivering a great contract and they succeeded," Boyle went on to say.
Special thanks to Unit President Mike Svitlik, who along with team members Thomas Morra, Timothy McCarthy, Edwin Villa, John Glavan, Sean O'Neill and David Pittman, did an outstanding job which was recognized by the unanimous approval of the unit.
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