Saginaw Mental Health Members Ratify New Contract

April 4, 2008

After Sixteen long bargaining sessions over the past five months, the Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority bargaining team members reached an agreement with their employer for a two year contract.  Ratification of the new contract took place on April 1st with a vote of 95 Yes to 33 No.  Some of the provisions of this new agreement include  two different pay increases the first year of the contract; one for most members, and a smaller amount for members who were threatened with outsourcing last summer. The second year, a pay increase will also be given.

The bargaining committee also secured a vision plan in this agreement, and added 1/2 day paid holiday for Good Friday, and because of the savings the employer experienced with the members existing health care plan, the employer agreed to a "moratorium" on the members' monthly contribution to their health care plans for one year. Congratulations to bargaining team members: Beccy Bank, Chuck Howley, Jan Chaltraw, Laura Morris, Christine Gutierrez and Lorraine Green.