FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 25, 2002
Contact Pamela Young
734.487.4400
Pamela.young@emich.edu

AFSCME Local 1666 at Eastern Michigan Approves Tentative Contract

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s Local 1666, affiliated with Council 25 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the AFL-CIO, ratified a new three-year contract, Oct. 24, 2002. The contract is effective July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2005. The union-ratified contract now goes before the EMU Board of Regents for approval at its next meeting, Nov. 19.

A record turnout of the union membership voted 4-to-1 to approve the agreement. Local 1666 represents 220 skilled tradespersons, groundskeepers, dining service employees and custodians at EMU.

“I am very pleased the union leadership worked hard to educate its members on the key components of the agreement,” said E. Jill Pollock, executive director of human resources for EMU. “This is a good contract for both parties.”

The new contract includes a compensation-wage adjustment package of a 3.5 percent across-the-board increase in the first year and wage-only contract re-openers in the second and third years, with a minimum 2 percent across-the-board increase for each of the two remaining years.

Also included are enhancements to health care, related benefits for domestic partners, and immediate vesting in the employees’ retirement plan. The University and union agreed to form a task force to study and recommend proposals for training and educational opportunities within the bargaining unit.

“We’re happy it’s finally over and that both sides feel comfortable with the agreement,” said Rick Clifford, president of AFSCME Local 1666.

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