| AIRPORT BOARD APPROVES LABOR CONTRACT |
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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release March 18, 2010 Contact: Barry J. Centini, (570) 602-2000 Avoca, PA - The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport Bi-County Board of Commissioners approved today a new five-year contract with the Laborers International Union of North America Local 1310, that grants modest raises to thirty (30) unionized Airport employees and increases the amount that employees will contribute to their health insurance.
“We believe that we negotiated a fair deal for our workers that recognizes these
tough economic times, particularly the provision of increasing the employee
share of health care costs, while at the same time, acknowledging the demanding
nature of their jobs,” stated Barry J. Centini, Airport Director.
Under the terms of the contract, which runs from January 19, 2010 through
January 19, 2015, the union employees will receive increases in their hourly
wages in years 2011, 2012 and 2015 totaling six and a half percent (6.5%). The
employees will receive a lump sum payment of $500 with no percentage increase
for year 2010, and a lump sum payment of $1,000 with no percentage increase for
year 2014.
Health care contributions, currently at two percent (2%) of gross wages, will
gradually increase over the life of the contract to four percent (4%) for
individual coverage, four and a half percent (4.5%) for a couple and five and a
quarter percent (5.25%) for family coverage.
Other features of the new contract include:
An extended probationary period for new hires
Lower pay for new hires – seventy five percent (75%) of the base rate – with
gradual increases over three (3) years to achieve the full rate
Requirements to complete fire protection and medical training in order to serve
on the Airport’s rescue and emergency services teams
The opportunity to earn long-term sick days each year, in case of an extended
illness
About Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport
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