SEIU Local 1984 Union, State Of NH Reach Tentative Agreement

CONCORD, NH — One of the state's largest unions has reached a tentative agreement with the state of New Hampshire on a new contract after haggling and negotiating for many months over pay, benefits, and other issues.

The new contract was announced on Friday and covers two years. If approved by members, it will begin in July and last through June 2023.

The SEA/SEIU Local 1984 master bargaining team called it "a very long road" and "a great deal of work" to get a number of changes for employees including cost of living increases, added health care coverage for children with autism, increases in direct care and hazard pay for long-term care employees, an increase in longevity pay, and more.

In a statement, the union said Gov. Chris Sununu, after months of negotiations, made some changes to the state bargaining team’s composition. Rudy Ogden, the deputy commissioner of the Department of Labor, was put in as the negotiator for the state's team. The parties declared an impasse in February but met again this week in an attempt to reach an agreement. Those steps proved to be successful and the parties settled before entering into mediation, officials said.

Rich Gulla, the president of the union, called it "a relief" to finally reach an agreement with the administration.

"During these difficult times, state employees have worked diligently behind the scenes to see that the citizens of NH continue to receive critically needed assistance and services," he said. "This new agreement will help see that over 8,000 NH State employees are recognized for their hard work and dedication. The SEA is grateful for the efforts of the bargaining teams who came together to create this new agreement."

In early April, the bargaining members will meet with union officials to create a voting process for the contract, due to coronavirus issues and restrictions, with a vote expected to take place by mid-April.

Union officials are still negotiating sub-bargaining units — including for New Hampshire Department of Transportation and Veterans Home employees.

Neither Charlie Arlinghaus, the head of administrative services, nor Gov. Chris Sununu's press office, chose to comment on the agreement before post time.

SEA/SEIU Local 1984 represents more than 10,000 employees in New Hampshire.

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