Vernon Department Heads Get New Contract

VERNON, CT — Municipal officials and the union representing Vernon department directors have reached an agreement on a new, three-year contract.

Under the terms of the contract, which was approved unanimously by the Town Council Tuesday, the town and union agreed to:

• A 2.25 percent general wage increase in each year of the contract.
• A 1 percent increase in cost-sharing for medical benefits in the second and third years of the contract.
• A $500 signing bonus for each member in "recognition of the fact that lawyers were not needed to reach an agreement, saving the town from having to pay significant legal fees."

• An additional 2% contribution match by the Town to the retirement plan for union members who contribute
• at least 7.5% of their pay to the plan.
• New pay scales and wages based on a market analysis to promote recruitment and retention of high quality talent.
• A flexible work schedule.

"This contract is fair for taxpayers and for the department heads we rely on to manage local government operations," Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "Thanks to the amicable nature of the negotiations between the town administration and Union President (and parks and recreation director) Marty Sitler and his team, the process was completed quickly, efficiently and without the use of attorneys, saving the town and union considerable time and money."

Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said, that "through negotiations, the sides were able to successfully address wages and benefits as well as "enhance work-life balance" for the staff.

"This contact meets our fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers while recognizing the valuable contributions made by our employees," he said.

Sitler said each side came to the table with realistic and reasonable expectations.

"It was a tremendous collaborative effort to provide employees, the town administration and the taxpayers with a fair contract," Sitler said. "Employees feel valued while at the same time recognizing the financial realities town leadership must deal with."