PRESS RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JASON SILVA, CHIEF OF STAFF
AUGUST 12, 2010 (978) 744-9595 ext. 5603
Salem Public Schools’ Union agrees to contract
SALEM, MA – Yesterday afternoon, the membership of Local 294, Council 93, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), voted 35-16 to ratify a new one-year agreement with the Salem School Committee.
About 50% of the union’s membership voted on the new contract, which includes a change in HMO coverage for members. The modified health plan will take effect September 1 and will save the City of Salem the 12% cost increase that was expected for this year’s health plan. The new plan will also reduce employee monthly premiums in exchange for a tiered coverage plan that affects co-pays for various medical services.
“Thanks to the members of Local 294, Salem will garner significant savings while continuing to provide the important education and support for our students,” said Mayor Kimberley Driscoll. “I thank union members for agreeing to this contract.”
Other features of the AFSCME agreement include: a reimbursement fund for AFSCME employees to offset the effects of increased co-pays in 2010-11; a 1.5% increase in compensation for 2010-11, which makes the AFSCME settlement comparable to what other bargaining units have received.
The School Committee will vote on ratifying this new one-year agreement at its next scheduled meeting, which will take place on August 25, 2010.
Only the City’s public safety unions have not ratified new contracts.
“I hope that after this vote by school employees, our public safety unions will follow suit,” said Mayor Driscoll.
| 
