After many years of Teamsters representation, the Town of Islip Lifeguards decided to join with their Town of Islip co-workers who also left the Teamsters to join UPSEU. The Lifeguards unit, which consists of over 185 lifeguards, overwhelmingly approved the new contract with 95% of those participating voting in favor of the contract.
Without a contract for six plus years, and after rejecting two Teamster negotiated contracts which included a five-year freeze, the unit joined UPSEU and now has an agreement that, unlike the Teamsters agreement, includes increases in each of those five years and additional increases for six added years. Additional increases to the top of the schedule were as well included in the agreement. Other gains including reimbursement for CPR and Stillwater certification training costs were included.
A concern raised by the Lifeguards related to uniform wear was addressed with the formation of a Uniform Committee to provide additional options for lifeguard uniforms in time for the 2019 season.
Town of Islip Lifeguards protect residents utilizing all Town of Islip town beaches, pool facilities and Fire Island beaches within town limits.
Special thanks to the negotiating team of Russell Youmans and Michell Wyeth for their outstanding work, and the assistance of UPSEU Labor Relations Representative Jim Gangale and Town of Islip Liaison Ellen Pleasant for their work throughout the process.
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