SEIU Local 200United Ratifies New Contract at CDS

For Immediate Release:  May 12, 2009

SEIU Local 200United Ratifies New Contract at CDS

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 200United members working at Continuing Developmental Services (CDS) in Webster have accepted a new three-year contract with a 95% favorable vote.  The union represents over 300 workers in the agency's Community Residence, Day Treatment, Intermediate Care, and Sheltered Workshop Programs, as well as Transportation and Administration employees.

“This contract was overwhelmingly ratified,” said state-wide Local 200United President Jerry Dennis, “and with good reason; we won an attractive package and our members at CDS are definitely leading the way with competitive wages and good benefits in the Human Services industry.”

Highlights include wage increases of 3% in year one and 2.5% in year two of the agreement.  A wage reopener is slated for year three.  Health insurance premiums for families continue to be covered 100% by the employer for full-time employees for the first two years of the contract.  A provision for a health insurance reopener was added for the third year.  “Our Bargaining Committee felt it was prudent to include a third year reopener for health insurance and wages,” said Local 200United Union Representative and lead negotiator Corinne Zajac.  “We’re confident that national healthcare reform is on the horizon and we want to be in a position to fit that into our wage and benefits package in a way that works to our members’ best advantage.”

Other highlights include:

• A longevity premium for senior employees
• An increased contribution to the Service Employees Pension Fund defined benefit pension fund
• Provisions for converting sick time to vacation time
• A “no sub-contracting” clause for transportation services

Bargaining, which began in March, followed weeks of mobilization and the circulation of a comprehensive survey of what the membership hoped to gain in negotiations.  Local 200United’s officers and stewards directed a team of almost 40 rank and file leaders that coordinated activities, lead member mobilization, and circulated information.

“Solid preparations and member mobilization made the difference,” said Senitra Ferron, SEIU’s Chairperson at CDS.  “We won a really great contract and we’re all proud of it, particularly in these tough economic times.”

Contact:          Union Representative Corinne Zajac at 716-474-4899 (cell)

SEIU Local 200United represents more private human service agency workers than any other union in Upstate New York. In total, the Local represents over 12,000 workers in human services, the public sector, education, and building services in 52 Upstate counties.