UPSEU Columbia County members approved a new multi- year agreement that will increase wages ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­in accordance with the CPI or CPW, whichever is greater. A minimum and maximum was established to ensure that both sides were protected in the event of a significant spike or reduction in the Consumer Price Index.  A full time and part time employee bonus was included as well.

A new health plan which will increase coverage opportunities while containing costs was included in the agreement. The percentage paid by UPSEU members, the lowest in the county will remain unchanged throughout the agreement.

UPSEU President Kevin E. Boyle who headed up the talks for the union stated, “The process was professional and each side put a strong effort forward toward reaching a fair agreement. Mediation has been the norm for these county negotiations in each of the previous agreements, so reaching a fair agreement without mediation was a tribute to the negotiating teams of both sides.”

UPSEU thanks the committee of Cindy Tipple, Barbara Stedge, Patricia Moskaluk, Phyliss Higgins, Betty Bednar, Jane DeGennaro, Chip Ball, Edsom Folmsbee, Dot March and Ann Delaney for their outstanding efforts.