University Times

Custodians approve contract

Pittsburgh campus custodians have reached agreement with the University on a three-year contract, retroactive to Jan. 1. The deal calls for annual 3 percent salary increases effective in January of each of the three years, 2000-2002.

The Pittsburgh campus custodians, which includes cleaners, maintenance workers, grounds-keepers and pool operators, are members of Division 29 of Local 585 of the Service Employees International Union, AFL-CIO.

In a vote last month, union workers ratified the agreement. The employees had been working under monthly extensions since Dec. 31, when their contract expired.

University spokesperson Ken Service confirmed the contract details. "Members of local 585 are valued employees of the University and we are pleased that we reached what we feel is a fair and equitable agreement with them," Service said.

As part of the agreement, the workers can choose from among health benefits options offered by the UPMC Health Plan. Last February, Pitt announced an exclusive three-year deal with UPMC Health Plan, which went into effect July 1.

"The University will do whatever is administratively necessary to accommodate the employees in signing up for the health plan," Service said.

Union officials could not be reached this week for comment on the contract agreement.

–Peter Hart