After standing united against a proposed reduction in disability benefits, 58 UWUA members across northeast Ohio secured a four-year contract with Aqua Ohio that delivers a 13% wage increase and enhanced benefits. The agreement, ratified in late March just prior to the April 1 deadline, covers workers across Locals 425, 427, and 428.
Key contract wins
The new agreement brings substantial improvements to workers’ pay and quality of life:
- 13% wage increase over four years: 3.5%, 3.25%, 3.25%, and 3.0%;
- 401(k) match increase from 4% to 6% starting July 1;
- Preservation of the critical 12-month disability reset period;
- Enhanced vacation flexibility and access; and
- Expanded parental and funeral leave benefits.
“The wage increases are among the best we’ve seen,” noted Cliff Deem, president of Local 425, reflecting on the significance of the financial package for members.
Standing firm on disability benefits
Negotiations, which began in February and stretched over eight sessions, nearly reached an impasse over the company’s attempt to extend the short-term disability reset period from 12 to 18 months — a change that would have reduced protection for workers recovering from illness or injury.
Jacques Berie, Local 428’s president, explained why this issue was non-negotiable: “Wage increases and keeping the disability reset at 12 months were key priorities for our members. The company initially proposed extending it to 3 years, thinking we’d settle for the 18 months that workers at the company’s other locations have accepted.”
After members rejected the first proposed agreement and authorized a strike with near-unanimous support, Aqua Ohio reversed course and agreed to maintain the 12-month reset period — preserving this vital safety net for workers. A week later, members approved the contract.
Improved work-life balance
The new agreement also significantly enhances quality of life for members and their families. Workers gained five days of paid parental leave per child or foster child — an increase from the previous five-day total allocation regardless of number of children. New language also improves access to a sick leave bank that allows accrual of up to 80 hours.
For many members, new provisions on vacation policy represent a meaningful change in daily life. The new contract front-loads vacation time for those with fewer than 15 years of service and allows vacation to be taken in smaller increments, providing greater flexibility for personal and family needs.
United bargaining approach
Steven Starkey, president of Local 427 and lead spokesperson during negotiations, emphasized the collaborative spirit that led to success: “It’s always a challenge to balance the needs of three different locals, but this time it felt like we were more prepared and more unified than ever.”
The bargaining committee included the presidents and vice presidents of all three locals, along with National Representative Frank Meznarich. All but one member had participated in prior negotiations, bringing valuable experience and cohesion to the process.
With healthcare and pension benefits remaining unchanged, the locals’ members have not only maintained their core protections but advanced on multiple fronts — setting a high standard for future negotiations with the company.
Photo caption: The Aqua Ohio bargaining committee included presidents and vice presidents from Locals 425, 427 and 428. Standing (left to right): Scott Tissot, Steven Starkey, Jacques Berie and Tommy Carchedi. Seated: Joseph Bruno (left) and Cliff Deem.