Exactly one year to the day after they requested voluntary recognition of their union, the workers at the Vermont Historical Society ratified their first union contract on October 31st. The Vermont Historical Society joins Burlington, Essex, Kellog Hibbard, Middlebury, Rutland, and Springfield as the number of libraries in Vermont represented by Council 93 continues to grow.

While raises for the Vermont Historical Society are set by state law to mirror those received by other state employees, there were still a number of issues to be bargained over in achieving a first contract. Top among them health care affordability and implementing a fair pay grade reclassification system. The members achieved these goals and more in their first contract!

Health care premium splits went down from 60/40 to 80/20 putting hundreds of dollars back in members pockets. Requests for pay grade reclassification review can be made by a member, or the union, once every two years and any denials are subject to arbitration. Their contract also includes Just Cause, Progressive Discipline, and Grievance Procedures; creation of a Joint Labor Management Committee, a seat for the union on Hiring Committees, as well as new employee orientation rights to review and explain the contract with all new hires. In a show of solidarity, Vermont Historical Society union members cannot be disciplined for refusing to cross another union’s picket line.

Congratulations to all of the members of Local 1369 at the Vermont Historical Society as well as the bargaining team and Council 93 staff in achieving a first union contract.