Trustees approve new three-year contract with AFSCME

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Acting during a special conference-call meeting Aug. 14, Western Michigan University's Board of Trustees approved a new three-year contract with Local 1668 and Council 25 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees—AFSCME.

The union's 420 members include hourly employees who work in building maintenance and custodial capacities, dining services, landscaping, parking enforcement and a number of other roles.

Under the new contract, wages may increase or one-time payments made for union members ranging from 1.75 to 2.25 percent during the first year, from 2 to 2.25 percent in the second year; and an additional 2.25 to 3 percent by the end of the third year. Wage increases also vary each year dependent upon skill set and employee group and also as one-time, lump-sum payments not made to base pay.

Additional items in the new contract call for increases to employee share of health care premiums; changes to retiree health benefits for those with an initial hire date that is on or after Jan. 1, 2017; an increase in swing shift premiums; and the creation of two new position categories as well as an upgrade for another category.

Negotiations on the AFSCME contract began in the spring and continued until a tentative agreement was reached earlier this month. Membership of the local ratified the contract during a vote Aug. 11.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.

Other news from the August 2015 Board of Trustees meeting
Building purchase OK'd for expansion of WMU's autism center | Aug. 17, 2015
Consumers Energy granted easement for 'solar garden' | Aug. 14, 2015
Trustees agree to 18-month extension on Cole-Gilmore property | Aug. 14, 2015