SEIU membership ratifies new 3-year contract

rofessional staff last week gave overwhelming approval to a proposed three-year contract that includes across-the-board and merit-based salary increases totaling nearly 15 percent.

     Members of the Service Employees International Union Local 509 voted 463-10 in favor of the collective bargaining agreement, which is retroactive to July 1.

     Along with salary increases, the package contains provisions to boost pay for eligible employees who salaries below certain benchmarks in the Salary Administration Program.

     The agreement also provides professional development funds, increased University contributions to the union's health and welfare fund, two additional sick days per year, one additional personal day annually and 10 days of paid parental leave and reimbursement for costs related to professional licensing, certification or associated continuing education.

     Like previously ratified contracts covering faculty and librarians and clerical and technical staff, the SEIU agreement must still be funded by the Legislature.