Contract talks reach tentative deal for 40,000 workers

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The two largest unions for Pennsylvania state government employees are taking tentative contract agreements with Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf to their members for a vote.

Pennlive.com reported Thursday (http://bit.ly/2aF0Wof ) that the two sides have reached a handshake deal, and union ratification will take several weeks.

Pennlive.com said it obtained a document that indicates pay would increase by 2.75 percent in October, followed over the next 2½ years by raises of 2 percent, 2.25 percent, 2.5 percent and 2.25 percent.

Leaders of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 13 and the Service Employees International Union Local 668 said the tentative deal has been positively received so far. Together the two unions represent about 40,000 state workers. Their contracts expired in June.

"We are pleased with the agreement, and we'll be recommending it to the membership," SEIU Local 668 President Tom Herman said.

The average AFSCME worker's salary is $42,839, according to the state Office of Administration. SEIU workers have an average salary of $49,460.

The state's Independent Fiscal Office would still need to conduct a cost-analysis on the contract, looking at the yearly cost of changes in salaries, benefits, paid leave and working conditions.

Source: Philly.com