A new agreement with annual wage increases and numerous improvements highlighted UPSEU’s first contract on behalf of the unit which joined UPSEU last year.

After three mediation sessions with a PERC Mediator several issues still were left unresolved, leaving fact-finding as the next process.  While awaiting the fact-finding process negotiations continued with an agreement finally being forged.

Longevity, a sticking point in negotiations, as the unit gave up their longevity a number of years ago, was resolved with a new ten year longevity step.

Another deal breaker, a request by the Borough to have employees in the traditional plan begin paying a portion of their coverage was resolved as well with those employees continuing to receive 100% Borough paid traditional insurance. These benefits were given up by the Teamsters in another Borough negotiation, but were retained for UPSEU members.

Crossing guards will receive an additional increase in the second year of the agreement and as well will receive two snow days annually, a first time eligibility for vision coverage and increased uniform allowance.

Other economic and non-economic improvements were secured as well.

UPSEU President Kevin E. Boyle Jr. thanked the negotiating team of Michael Hirschman, Peggy Conway, Katherine Quinn and Florence Sullivan for their unwavering commitment to delivering an excellent contract for their co-workers during the long difficult bargaining process.