SEIU Local 200U

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Poughkeepsie Journal
Thursday, May 13, 2004

Business briefs

Local service union approves contract

PLEASANT VALLEY -- After a year of negotiations, a union representing about 260 employees of ARC,DC reports a first contract has been voted in.

Service Employees International Union Local 200United Vice President Michael Lonigro said approval was by a 5-1 margin.

''We certainly made gains and enhancements in many areas,'' he said Wednesday. The three-year deal includes wage raises of 4 to 6 percent. There's an increase in paid time off from five to seven days. A ''fair and objective grievance procedure'' will be put in place, Lonigro said.

The union was certified in April 2003 to represent direct-care and support staff workers at ARC,DC, one of Dutchess County's large nonprofit service agencies. Executive Director Crys McCuin declined to comment on the agreement.

Lonigro said the union will help lobby for better state funding for ARC.