AFSCME Council 13 New Master Agreement: What You Need to Know
The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 13 recently announced a new master agreement for its members. The agreement covers more than 33,000 employees across Pennsylvania, and it is expected to have a significant impact on their working conditions and benefits.
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What is the AFSCME Council 13?
AFSCME Council 13 is a union that represents state government and public school employees in Pennsylvania. The union has been in existence since 1932 and is affiliated with the larger AFSCME union, which has over 1.4 million members nationwide.
What is the new master agreement?
The new master agreement is a contract between AFSCME Council 13 and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, covering the period from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2023. The agreement includes provisions related to wages, benefits, and working conditions for AFSCME members.
Some of the key provisions of the contract include:
– Wage increases: Under the new agreement, AFSCME members will receive a 3% wage increase in the first year, followed by 2% increases in each of the three remaining years.
– Health insurance: The agreement includes changes to health insurance plans that are intended to reduce costs for both employees and the Commonwealth. For example, the agreement establishes a new high-deductible health plan option with lower premiums.
– Retirement benefits: The agreement includes changes to retirement benefits for new hires, including a shift from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan. Current employees will not be affected by these changes.
– Paid leave: The agreement increases the amount of paid leave available to AFSCME members, including increases in both sick leave and vacation time.
What does the new master agreement mean for AFSCME members?
Overall, the new master agreement is expected to have a positive impact on AFSCME members. The wage increases and improvements to benefits and paid time off will help to support their financial and personal well-being. Additionally, the contract includes provisions related to workplace safety and staffing levels, which will help to ensure that AFSCME members are able to do their jobs effectively and safely.
In conclusion, the AFSCME Council 13 new master agreement is an important development for union members in Pennsylvania. If you are an AFSCME member, be sure to familiarize yourself with the details of the agreement and how it will affect you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your union representative for more information.
