Plainville town unions concede to avoid layoffs
http://newbritainherald.com/articles/2009/07/23/news/doc4a690e32c5b13852565941.txt
Thursday, July 23, 2009 9:41 PM EDT
By DIANE CHURCH
STAFF WRITER
PLAINVILLE — Two town-employee unions have agreed to contract concessions in order to avoid layoffs.
Local R1-269 of the National Association of Government Employees and the Local 1303-56, Council 4 of AFSCME, AFL-CIO each agreed to a one-year agreement that took over when their regular contracts expired June 30. Normally their contracts last for three years. The Town Council approved the agreements at Monday’s meeting.
The unions agreed to a wage freeze and no-step pay increases for the fiscal year, along with a new health insurance plan. In return, there will be no layoffs or reductions in hours.
“Both sides worked long and hard to reach an agreement,” said Sharon Passig, president of the local NAGE Union and circulation supervisor at Plainville Public Library. “It’s difficult for the people in the unions, but it’s difficult for everyone right now. Hopefully next year things will turn around.”
NAGE covers about 26 town employees, Passig said, including those in the library, the dispatchers and one parks and recreation department employee. The other union agreeing to the terms covers public works employees.
Town Manager Robert E. Lee said that under the agreement employees will pay more for health insurance, unless they have a health savings account. He also praised the unions for agreeing to the terms to avoid layoffs.
“Due to economic conditions we decided to do this,” he said. “They see the wisdom of waiting.”
Lee added that the teachers union did not make concessions and, as a result, there will be fewer certified staff in the town’s school system when classes resume in the fall.
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