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| Pamela McLoughlin, Register Staff | June 05, 2002 |
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| GUILFORD — After two years of working without a contract, emergency services dispatchers have reached an agreement with the town that provides raises, a clause for pension reopening and other changes in working conditions through 2005. |
| The group of three police dispatchers and about five who work through the Fire Department have worked without a contract since 2000, when changes in union representation made them a separate entity from firefighters. Under the new contract, the dispatchers represented by the National Association of Government Employees will receive retroactive pay raises. Town Attorney Judith Ravel, who negotiated the contract for the town, said the group "got caught in the crossfire" of another union battle and a well-deserved contract was stalled. "They do a very good job for us," Ravel said. Under the agreement, the workers will get 3 percent raises retroactively for 2000 and 2001. In July, they will receive a 3.5 percent increase and in each of the following two years they will get 4.5 percent raises. Town dispatchers start on probation at $11.78 per hour and by the highest step make $15.52 per hour. Police Chief Thomas Terribile said the contract is fair and overdue. First Selectman Carl Balestracci said the Board of Selectmen unanimously accepted the contract because the pay increases are "not exorbitant" and are well-deserved. In addition to pay raises, the dispatchers will receive a uniform allowance, pension reopening rights and a second insurance option. Pamela McLoughlin can be reached at pmcloughlin@nhregister.com, or (860) 664-4118. |
| İNew Haven Register 2002 |