On May 17, 40 cafeteria workers in Vernon, Conn., who are members of UFCW Local 919 ratified a new contract by an overwhelming margin. The members work in eight public school cafeterias in Vernon.
The three-year contract raises wages, and improves benefits, including paid time off. The contract includes a new dental benefit with no cost increase for health insurance. In addition, the cafeteria workers continue to receive overtime after 35 hours of work instead of the proposed 40 hours.
“We have represented these workers for 25 years and have built a solid relationship,” said UFCW Local 919 President Mark A. Espinosa. “We are proud that each contract has always been a gain, and health insurance cost increases to our members have largely been avoided.”