New UE Members In Keokuk
Schools Approve Contract
KEOKUK, Iowa
School employees in this Mississippi River community
overwhelmingly voted to adopt their first UE contract. The Keokuk Educational
Office Personnel union voted on Sept. 29, 1998 to affiliate with UE; union
members belong to amalgamated Local 893.
Keokuk employees gain pay increases equal to 2 percent or new
money available to the school district, whichever is higher, as well as step
increases.
The contract provides extra money for teacher associates,
bringing their pay scales into line with others and recognizing the many
special skills needed in their work. The agreement directs more money to
family health insurance (or makes available a $25 monthly annuity paid by the
school district).
FIRST PAID HOLIDAYS FOR MOST
Prior to this agreement, only a handful of school district
employees had paid vacations. Thanks to the first UE contract, all employees
working less than 12 months a year will be entitled to four paid holidays. The
contract increases the number of paid personal days that may be carried over
to the next school year and improves the definition of family as it applies to
funeral and critical illness.
The age of eligibility for early retirement is reduced from 60
to 55 for early retirement; the school districts contribution to retiree
insurance goes from 50 to 70 percent.
The negotiating committee was chaired by Betty Whippie;
committee members were Jane Legan, Kathy Vermillion, Diane Wade and Sharon
Lorentzen. The committee was assisted by UE Field Org. Sylvia Kelley.
UE News - 06/99
