From left: Negotiating Committee members Phil Rayment and Greg Marwick
On Dec. 9, 2015, the IBEW 1245 members at the City of Berkeley unanimously ratified the Tentative Agreement for a new contract reached between the union and the City of Berkeley. The two-year agreement contains a 2% COLA for each year. There is an additional 1% wage increase in the second year in exchange for a 1.25% contribution to CalPERS on the employer side.
Other enhancements to the existing contract include an additional 3% wage increase for longevity pay after 25 years of service, and increased life insurance from $50,000 to $100,000 (exchanged for reduction in annual dental cleanings from 4 to 3). The City and the union also agreed to provide retiree medical coverage in non-City sponsored plans, equal to the monetary value of the coverage provided in City plans. Previously, employees were only allowed to vest into City sponsored medical plans. The Negotiating Committee also achieved improved promotional language for promotions within the unit, and an increased tool allowance from $300 to $500 annually.
The Negotiating Committee for IBEW 1245 consisted of Business Representative and Chief Negotiator Al Fortier, and bargaining unit members Greg Marwick, Phil Rayment and Chris Kaldunski.
–Al Fortier, IBEW 1245 Business Rep