Blue-collar public workers will receive 4% annual raises following today’s signing of a contract between the state and the United Public Workers union.
The four-year pact for UPW’s Bargaining Unit 1 calls for the state to pay 60% of health insurance premiums, according to a statement issued this afternoon by Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
The contract also included provisions regarding consecutive hours worked, stand-by pay and military leave.
Bargaining Unit 1 is composed of public employees in the Department of Education, University of Hawaii, Judiciary and the Hawaii Health Care System, as well as blue-collar county workers.
“This agreement demonstrates the positive result of negotiating in the spirit of partnership between the state, counties and the UPW,” Abercrombie said. “This four-year contract is a good deal for BU1 members, and it’s a win for taxpayers because of its affordability, allowing for compensation over the duration of a longer-termed contract.”
Abercrombie acknowledged the efforts of Joyce Najita, director of the University of Hawaii Industrial Relations Center Director, for her mediation services during contract negotiations which concluded on April 18.
The contract was ratified last week by UPW members.
This comments section is a public community forum for the purpose of free expression. Although Big Island Now encourages respectful communication only, some content may be considered offensive. Please view at your own discretion. View Comments
