Tentative Agreement Secures Increased Wages and Benefits for St. Louis County Public Works Employees
(For immediate release 01.20.2020)
Duluth, Minn.-
On Monday, January 20, the Teamsters Local 320 ratified the tentative agreement (TA) with St. Louis County administration 133-0.
The agreement will provide the following:
Wages 2020 – 2.00% plus a $0.55 general wage increase;
Wages 2021 – 2.25% general wage increase;
Wages 2022 – 2.25% general wage increase;
The county agrees to allow the group to join the Teamsters Joint Council 32 Health and Welfare Plan including dental and vision coverage for bargaining unit employees. Family coverage will save employees as much as $500 per month.
Step increases within range were compressed providing greater value to each step and a shorter period for employees to reach the top of range.
The county agreed to an employer-financed Health Savings Account (HRA) and two more personal days for the bargaining unit employees.
“The agreement that was ratified tonight is groundbreaking for St. Louis County employees,” says Brian Aldes, Teamsters Local 320 Secretary Treasurer and Principal Officer. “The vacation accrual has been standardized for all bargaining unit employees and sick leave accruals have been increased.”
Chief negotiator for St. Louis County employees, Erik Skoog, is proud of his negotiating committee and their wherewithal to keep going after 15 and a half hours of mediation with the county.
“The team deserves all the credit for negotiating an excellent contract,” says Skoog. “I’m also proud that not one Teamster crossed the picket line.”
“We want to thank all the elected leaders, candidates, and St. Louis County Board members who stood with us during these difficult days,” says Sami Gabriel, President of Teamsters Local 320 and Teamsters Joint Council 32 DRIVE (Democratic, Republican, Independent, Voter Education). “We also must thank the countless labor unions, churches, neighbors, community groups, and regular citizens who supported striking Teamsters with donations and encouragement. The response from the community has been outstanding.” Teamsters Local 320
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Contact Brian Aldes
Phone: 612/280/2609
Baldes@teamsterslocal320.org
https://www.teamsterslocal320.org/…/news-and-e…/news/20366/2
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