HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Council on Aging has reached a new two-year agreement for rank-and-file employees. The full City Council is scheduled to consider the agreement at its meeting Tuesday evening after the City Council Finance Committee reviewed the deal at its meeting last week and transferred funds to cover future costs.
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1459 represented the Council on Aging staffers in negotiations with the city’s Law Department. Jeffrey Jones, the local’s president, appeared Jan. 12 before the Finance Committee.
Councilor at-large Joseph M. McGiverin chaired the session last week and led the discussions. McGiverin stated the City Council could not negotiate or alter union contracts, only make necessary cash transfers and grant final approval.
The committee recommended a $16,966 transfer from the Chief Procurement Officer Account to support positions and wage increases. The $16,966 was spread over several Council on Aging accounts, including kitchen supervisor, kitchen assistant, social worker/coordinator, driver and wellness instructor.
Assistant city solicitor Michael Bissonnette said not filling the chief procurement position freed up money to boost wages. He recommended the committee approve the one-page memorandum of understanding.
The wage increases are retroactive from July 1, 2022. Instead of raises based on a percentage, staff will receive $1 an hour more annually, according to McGiverin. Jones said the agreement was “straightforward”...
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