Politics & Government
Council Approves New Contract, Benefit Package for Town Employees
Council members gave their stamp of approval to a contract including wage increase changes and employee pension contribution requirements among other items.
During their Nov. 18 meeting, members of the Coventry Town Council approved a 3-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the Town of Coventry and its employee union, AFSCME Council 94, Local 3484, effective through June 30, 2016.
The contract was originally approved by the Town Council on Sept. 23, however several minor corrections and the following changes were made before the union ratified its contract on Nov. 12:
- Wage increases of 0% the first year of the agreement, 1% the second year and 2% the third year.
- Increases in employee pension contributions over the three years from the existing 7% of base pay, to 8% the first year beginning Oct. 1, 2013, 9% the second year beginning July 1, 2014 and 10% the third year, beginning July 1, 2015.
- All newly hired employees will be provided a defined contribution program in lieu of the current Municipal Defined Benefit Pension System, whereby the Town will match the employees' contribution to such a plan up to 10% of their base wage.
- Family sick days have been reduced from five days per year to three days per year.
- Employee's co-share of their health insurance premiums will remain at 15% through June 30, 2016.
The Council also approved a resolution implementing the same wage and benefit package provided to Local 3484 members to all full-time, permanent Town of Coventry employees, not otherwise covered by a CBA and exempting school department personnel.
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According to the resolution, beginning Oct. 1, 2013, employees shall begin contributing 8% of their gross wages towards the cost of the municipal employees pension plan, 9% beginning July 1, 2014 and 10% beginning July 1, 2015. They shall also receive a 1% increase to their base wage on July 1, 2014 and a 2% increase on July 1, 2015.
In addition, all newly hired employees will be provided a defined contribution program whereby the Town of Coventry will match employee contributions up to 10% of their base wage. Family sick days were also reduced from five to three days per year.
Find out what's happening in Coventrywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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