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L to R: Natalie Bradley, Steve Pozzato, Christina Poston and Rick Hann. Missing from the picture: Molly Vigeant |
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The Region 8 negotiating committee (consisting of Co-Presidents Natalie Bradley, Steve Pozzato, Christina Poston, Molly Vigeant and Rick Hann) began their work on a successor contract long before sitting down at the table with the Board of Education. Their extensive legwork included gathering many comparable contracts to support the Union’s position that bargaining unit members in each classification were significantly underpaid compared to others in their classification. In the first meeting with the Board, the Union made it clear that in order to reach an agreement at the table, the wage disparity for Region 8 employees had to be addressed. Improvements also had to be made to the paid leave benefits for 10-month employees. Through great determination, UPSEU reached a 3 year agreement that provided wage adjustments, general wage increases and step movement to bridge the gap in wages with other cities and towns. The medical and dental coverage will see no increases in co-pays or premium shares over the 3-year contract term. Improvements were also made to the sick and holiday paid leave benefits for 10-month employees, and provided for a reclassification of Administrative Assistants that had taken on significant duties and responsibilities.
Co-President Natalie Bradley stated, “Thanks to our hardworking negotiating team and the expertise of our UPSEU Representative, Colleen Ezzo, the RHAM Non-Certified Bargaining Unit has been awarded a three-year contract which I have not seen the likes of in my twenty years of union activism!”
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