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October 23, 1997

Pitt, Local 29 officials agree on contract language

Negotiators for Pitt and the union that represents 540 University custodians, grounds-keepers and food service workers agreed Tuesday on the final wording of a new contract.

A spokesperson for Local 29 of the Service Employees International Union said SEIU officials hope to present the proposed contract to workers for a ratification vote next week.

Pitt Local 29 workers have been working on a series of contract extensions since their last contract with the University expired Dec. 31, 1995. The latest contract extension expires Oct. 30.

Earlier this month, Pitt and union negotiators tentatively agreed on a new contract that would run through Dec. 31, 1999. Under it, workers would get no wage increase for 1996; a 3 percent increase for 1997, retroactive to Jan. 1; and 2 percent raises for 1998 and 1999.

Local 29 leaders had hoped to present the contract to workers for a ratification vote at an Oct. 15 meeting at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall. But the contract language wasn't finished in time, said Local 29 business agent Nelson Bryant.

Eight student organizations have scheduled a rally to show support for Pitt Local 29 workers today, Oct. 23, at noon on the Bigelow Boulevard side of the Cathedral of Learning. The groups include the Black Action Society, the Campaign to Organize Graduate Students, the Campus Women's Organization, the Graduate Student Progressive Action Network, the International Socialist Organization, the Rainbow Alliance, the Student Environmental Action Coalition and University Democrats.

— Bruce Steele

Filed under: Feature,Volume 30 Issue 5

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