The long protracted process in securing an agreement in the Town of Islip resulted in a satisfactory resolution to the numerous disagreements between UPSEU and the Town. UPSEU’s 380 member unit approved the agreement by a 10 to 1 margin.

The new agreement that mirrors the previous union’s settlement, which was the subject of the parties’ dispute, brings closure to the process. UPSEU had maintained that despite its dissatisfaction with the previous union’s agreement, we were bound by its terms. The town differed, which led to several charges pending before the Public Employment Relations Board.

“While the Teamsters negotiated some horrific givebacks, the parties were legally tied to those terms,” stated UPSEU President Kevin E. Boyle.

Wage increases in four of the six years of the agreement and a bonus for the other two were included in the agreement. New hires will begin paying for health coverage but UPSEU was able to delay contributions for seventeen months, saving 35 employees up to $1,800 each, an improvement over the former union’s agreement. Implementation dates of other provisions which reduced benefits for new employees were delayed as well. Overall, we were working with little, but in the end we achieved the objective of having the town implement the terms of the former union’s agreement, something they were not willing to do.  Both parties worked together to find a satisfactory resolution to this dispute.

Members received their raises within days of the Town Board ratifying the agreement and will be receiving their retroactive pay every two weeks until they are made whole. Members have also seen a significant reduction in dues, as compared to their dues with the Teamsters.

As we approach the one year mark of UPSEU becoming the representative for The Town of Islip Blue Collar employees, members have noticed the difference we’ve made in the workplace. Grievances have been processed and heard, members have seen their representatives on a regular basis, the number of charges and suspensions have been significantly reduced, attendance at union meetings is significantly improved, and the members have been represented at hearings by experienced professionals.

UPSEU will continue to be a strong advocate for its Town of Islip members.