"The ratification of this contract gives members money in their pocket, a fair wage increase and an agreement we can build on in future negotiations," said Ms. Roberts. "We fought hard for this contract agreement and for the ratification of the contract. I'm pleased that so many members validated the hard work of the Negotiating Committee. I want to thank all the members who supported the contract and voted by mailing in their ballots."

The votes cast totaled 54,451 with 53,583 declared eligible ballots. A total of 94,344 ballots were mailed out and 57.7% were returned. The outcome was 47,752 for and 5,753 against, a margin of 89% percent in favor of ratification.

The tentative contract agreement was reached on April 20. The ratification vote was conducted in accordance with the DC 37 Constitution, which mandates that all union-wide contract votes be conducted by an independent third party. The American Arbitration Association (AAA) mailed ballots out to the members on May 10, 2004. Ballots had to be received at the AAA by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 1.

Under terms of the new contract, the 94,300 members covered by the agreement will receive a $1,000 lump sum payment upon ratification. 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.

Proposed DC 37 Economic Agreement
(July 1, 2002, to June 30, 2005)*

2002-2005 DC 37 Economic Contract Ratification Process

1. The American Arbitration Association will be mailing out ballot packages to eligible union members on May 10, 2004.

2. The ballots must be received by the AAA no later than 9 A.M. on Tuesday, June 1, 2004.

3. If a person who believes he or she is entitled to vote has not received a ballot by May 14, the person should call the AAA at 1-800-529-5218 to request a ballot.

4. The vote count will be conducted at AAA offices on June 1, 2004, after 9 A.M.

5. The following employees are NOT eligible to vote and will NOT be receiving ballots:

a. All agency fee payers
b. Employees in prevailing rate titles
c. Employees who work at

1. CUNY
2. OCA
3. DHCR
4. TBTA
5. SCA
6. NY Law School
7. Institute of Ecosystem Studies

d. EMS title employees