Portland, ME- Council 93 Local 481-07 members in Portland, Maine recently ratified a new three-year contract that recognizes their hard work and dedication. Through the advocacy and negotiating skills of Council 93 staff and the local leadership team, members will see wage increases, increased union protection language, more time off, and most importantly no give backs to city management over the life of the contract.

The three-year contract provides raises of 2% in Year 1, then 2.5% in year 2, and 3% in year 3. In addition to the COLAs, additional steps were added for 16+ and 20+ year employees in recognition of their commitment to the City of Portland.

Vacation and Comp time accruals were increased as well as codifying Juneteenth into the contract, allowing members to have more flexibility when taking time off to spend with their families and loved ones. Also, stand-by pay and shift differentials increased, which will put more money directly in the pockets of Local 481-07 members.

The new contract also adds union positions to the city’s workforce; clarification on unit work language; payroll deductions for PEOPLE donations, AFSCME’s voluntary member led PAC program; increased tool allowances; and union protection language.

“We are proud of the contract we were able to negotiate for our hard-working members,” said Local 481 President Jim Vance. “Council 93 was there with us every step of the way to make sure our members were treated fairly. The city recognizes the work we do to make Portland a great community and that is reflected in the gains we were able to make at the table.”

In addition to the significant gains made at the negotiating table, members also received $1,000 COVID bonuses for working throughout the pandemic and $500 vaccination incentive for all members who were fully vaccinated by February 9th.