Congratulations to the more than 700 seasonal employees at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst on the ratification of their first collective bargaining agreement with the university.

The new contract, ratified overwhelmingly yesterday, is the culmination of a multi-year effort by AFSCME to organize these workers and provide them with the recognition they deserve through collective bargaining. The majority of these 700 employees work in university food services, which is consistently recognized by the Princeton Review for being among the top college food providers in the nation.

"It's heartening to know that the hard work of these public employees is finally being properly acknowledged," said AFSCME Council 93 Executive Director Frank Moroney. "For far too long, these men and women have worked without important union protections and without the compensation and benefits they deserve. AFSCME Council 93 will continue working hard to bring the benefits of union membership to more individuals and households in Northern New England."

The three-year contract provides these workers with a number of benefits previously denied by the university including steady increases in hourly wages, paid leave time and options for health insurance coverage. Of course, their contract also includes a strong "just cause" provision, which protects the workers from wrongful and unwarranted disciplinary action. The workers are part of AFSCME Local 1776, which now stands at more than 1760 members strong.