Kitchen staff working in public schools in Vernon, Conn., unanimously ratified their latest three-year agreement in early June. Represented by UFCW Local 919 for the past 30 years, the workers are employees of the Vernon Board of Education, and serve meals to students at schools throughout the area.
The strong contract includes a freeze in health insurance costs for the term of the deal —without any increases over last year’s rates. The 30 workers covered by the agreement will also receive a 12 percent pay increase and more money for uniform reimbursement.
“We told our employer that this contract is all about the money. We won’t be left behind. We achieved that goal,” said bargaining committee member Annette Grant.
UFCW Local 919 President Mark Espinosa shared Grant’s enthusiasm and added, “We are incredibly proud to have represented these dedicated employees for so long. They work hard serving the children of the town and they deserve a contract that recognizes their dedication.”