"We have promised our members a fair contract and a raise, and we have delivered," says DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts

Delegates of District Council 37, the city's largest public employee union, last night voted overwhelmingly to recommend ratification by union members of DC 37's tentative wage pact with the city.

On April 20, the DC 37 Bargaining Committee voted to accept the agreement. The April 27th vote means that DC 37 members will now vote on the agreement by mail ballot. Ballots will be sent to members on May 10 and are due back by 9:00 AM on Tuesday, June 1. In accordance with the DC 37 Constitution, the American Arbitration Association, an independent, third-party organization, will conduct the vote. Ratification of the contract requires the approval of a majority of the members who vote.

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts urged DC 37 members to ratify the pact. "We fought hard for two years for a fair raise for our members, and we have delivered," Ms. Roberts said. "This contract gives our members money in their pocket now. It is retroactive and allows us to work toward the future." "The city has promised to move forward on the raises as soon as our members have voted and the contract ratification process is completed."

Contract Summary

The tentative contract agreement with the city on a new wage package covers July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2005. Members will receive a $1,000 lump sum payment upon ratification of the contract. Part-time employees will receive a pro-rated share of the $1,000. There will be a 3 percent wage increase retroactive to July 1, 2003. Members will also receive a 2 percent compounded pay increase effective July 1 of this year. An additional 1 percent increase in the third year will be available subject to identification of funding through a Joint Labor Management Committee on Productivity Initiatives. In addition, certain modifications to the citywide contract were made that will effect only new employees hired on or after July 1, 2004.