U., physical plant workers finally reach agreement

Operating Engineers agreed to a new three-year contract with a three percent wage increase. After lengthy negotiations, the University and the operating engineers of Local 835 reached an agreement on a revised labor contract two weeks ago. The new agreement -- which will remain in effect until May 31, 2000 -- provides the 220 workers who are members of the International Union of Operating Engineers with a three year contract and a three percent increase in wages. The contract also includes the lay-off policy -- which allows for lay-offs but requires the University to compensate workers for the duration of their contract -- and certain other medical benefits that the engineers originally refused to work without. Many workers had said that they felt a strike would be unavoidable as they strove to improve their working conditions. "If [the contract] is not what we want, we will walk," one engineer had said early in negotiations. The negotiations between the University and the union were scheduled to end on June 1, but the agreement deadline was extended due to the U2 concert that took place on June 8. U2 band members reportedly said they would not cross picket lines if the workers chose to go on strike. With the aid of a state mediator -- who was called in to speed the negotiation progress -- both sides came to an agreement on June 13. The contract initially proposed by the University removed the layoff policy and put a freeze on medical benefits. The University pays for the majority of the engineers' medical expenses, with the engineers picking up the remaining costs. Workers -- who are classified as "skilled tradesmen, groundskeepers, mail carriers, parking attendants and telephone operators" -- demonstrated their unity by gathering on College Green on June 5 to eat lunch together. "We just want what is fair," one worker had said. But negotiations continued on for another week as both sides held steadfast to their initial proposals. "We are glad the situation is resolved," Physical Plant Executive Director Jim Wargo said. "We didn't want a strike, and we are glad everything worked out the way it did." The operating engineers are responsible for the repair and maintenance of most on-campus buildings and some that are located off campus. And they work with steam line systems, laboratories, offices and small construction projects throughout the University.