Last week we asked members for input on how raises in our next contract should be structured. With skyrocketing costs for basic necessities, improvements in compensation is a must and members are clear on this as a top priority for bargaining (see https://ura-aft.org/are-you-sure-a-sneak-peak-contract-survey-responses/). A vast majority of members reporting being underpaid for our experience and varied job responsibilities.
The resulting responses from the prompt in the March 23 member newsletter showed:
- 56.8% A continued preference for Across the Board Percentage Increases as the majority of raises as the predominant allocation of increases,
- 25.4% of raises for Longevity or Equity pay,
- 14.8% to return to a Merit component of pay,
- 14.5% towards a Flat Dollar Across the Board increase.
Our last raise of July 1, 2025 consisted of a Flat Dollar increase of $2,537, which equated to 3.5% of the total bargaining unit salary, but the three prior raises in the contract were all Across the Board Percentage salary increases.
The Contract Development Committee, chaired by Cook Lead Steward Jeannette Mullins, is continuing to analyze contract survey responses from https://ura-aft.org/ura-aft-contract-survey/. More than 450 members have completed the survey, which remains open if you have not already completed it.
Look for upcoming short, quick-response follow up questions to the broader survey responses like this one in upcoming weeks. The other top priority items include Flexible Working Arrangements and SHBP health insurance costs. Your input guides proposals for bargaining and provides insightful narrative for the bargaining team to advance with management.
