Local 335 members secured their largest ever raise package in a new five-year contract with Missouri American Water. The agreement came after just 10 days of bargaining in September, significantly faster than previous negotiations which often lasted months.
The contract provides annual raises starting at 3.75%, followed by 3.5% in year two and 3% for years three through five. Allan Bathon, the local’s president, reports that with early implementation, members will average a 3.86% increase in the first year.
The agreement also includes expanded leave benefits (third floating holiday, vacation carryover option, faster accrual for new hires), a new merit-based promotion system, increased boot allowance of $235, extended bereavement leave, and additional pay for large pipe replacement work.
“Members are pleased both with the gains and that we settled in record time,” said Bathon.
Photo caption: The Local 335 negotiating committee, from left: Tom Schneider, Dennis Lindsey, Allan Bathon, Scott Malone, Bill McDonald, and David Scott.