After months of bargaining and an imminent strike in late June, Local 5 members have ratified a new three-year contract by a margin of more than 80%.

The settlement preserves member healthcare benefits, provides adequate pension funding and includes meaningful pay raises that reflect the rising cost of living, said Local 5 President John Nunes.

“Our members made it clear to the company that they would accept nothing less than the fair and equitable wages, benefits and working conditions that this new contract represents. Their willingness to take collective action translated to a victory at the bargaining table,” Nunes said.

Highlights of the new package include:

• Hourly pay increases of $2.25 an hour over the life of the agreement for employees at the experienced rate of pay including $1 per hour retroactive to 1/1/23. All employees, regardless of wage step will receive retroactive pay increases.

• Reduced time to reach the experienced rate of pay in all classifications.

• Expanded funeral leave.

• Night premium pay increased to fifty cents per hour.

• Additional pension funding.

• Additional paid vacation for employees with 20 or more years of service.

• Maintenance of existing health benefits and no increase to employee premium sharing.