WARREN Council approves contract for union

The union approved the contract by a more than 4-1 margin.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- City council approved a contract calling for an 11 percent increase over three years for members of the city's largest union.
The contract between the city and AFSCME Local 74 calls for a 4 percent increase in 2003 and a 3.5 percent increase in 2004 and 2005. The contract also calls for employees to make a 10 percent co-payment for hospitalization and prescription coverage for those participating. The city will pay the other 90 percent of the costs.
Council approved the contract 9-0 at a special meeting Monday morning. Councilman Brendan J. Keating, D-5th, and Council President Doug Franklin didn't attend.
Smooth negotiations
"This was one of the smoothest negotiations we had," said Fred Harris, city service-safety director.
Lee DeJacimo, AFSCME president, said the 209-member union approved the pact by a more than 4-1 margin.
"I'm very satisfied and want to commend and congratulate the members of AFSCME Local 74 for not only preserving our jobs but recognizing and helping the citizens of Warren during not only the difficult financial times that are upon us now but also ahead of us," he said.
DeJacimo said the membership recognized the financial crunch facing the city and stepped up to help out.
"Regardless of personal feelings about the administration and their spending practices, we were looking out for the best interests of the citizens of Warren and the services we offer them," he said.
Gary Cicero, city human resources director, said the new contract will mean a 2003 hourly wage of $24.48 for the food preparation coordinator, the highest paid member of the union, to $13.41 hourly for a laborer with minimum years of seniority, the lowest paid in the union.
Cicero said an ordinance given first reading by council Monday would call for the same co-payment from nonelected city employees and officials who aren't covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Neither Cicero nor David Griffing, city auditor, could offer an estimate on the savings because of the health-care change. Cicero said it would depend on the number of claims.
Also passed
Council also passed an ordinance implementing the contract between the city and the union representing firefighters. Council and the union earlier this month approved a report from a fact finder that recommended raises of 11.75 percent over three years.
Griffing said the firefighters contract is expected to cost an additional $188,000 from the general fund next year while the AFSCME contract is expected to cost the general fund $140,000 more in 2003.
Some council members also lauded AFSCME for the contract.
"I want to congratulate them for bargaining in good faith and recognizing the financial condition of the city," said Councilman Alford L. Novak, D-2nd.
"Thank goodness they realize the situation," Councilwoman Virginia Bufano, D-1st, said.