SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Negotiators for Oregon’s largest state workers union have struck a contract deal, ending months of uncertainty and speculation about a possible strike.
The Salem Statesman Journal reports the deal struck Saturday by the Service Employees International Union means union workers will begin paying 5 percent of their health insurance premiums by 2012. The deal also includes a $40-per-month premium subsidy to lower-paid workers.
The deal still needs to be ratified by the union’s rank-and-file membership.
A similar deal was reached last week with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Workers in both unions will receive two cost-of-living pay increases in the next 18 months.
SEIU workers will take between 10 and 14 unpaid furlough days under the deal, depending on their level of pay.
