Thirty-five members of UFCW Local 919 who are employed as cafeteria workers for the Vernon Board of Education in Vernon, Conn., ratified a new contract on June 12 that raises wages and protects benefits.
The three-year contract includes guaranteed raises each year of the contract and protects affordable health care benefits, including no increases in health care premiums. The new contract also includes a more efficient grievance and arbitration procedure, as well as new language to address grievances that arise over breaks, and doubles the reimbursement for safety equipment and shoes. UFCW Local 919 negotiated the tentative agreement with the Superintendent and the Vernon Board of Education via Zoom, and the ratification was held outdoors at a park pavilion so that everyone involved could practice social distancing.
“We’re proud that we have continually represented these members over the last 30 years,” said UFCW Local 919 President Mark A. Espinosa. “We have consistently achieved pay raises in all categories for these workers, while maintaining an affordable rate on health care benefits.”