Pittsburgh City Workers Secure Strong Contract with AFSCME Local 2719

In a significant development for Pittsburgh's municipal workforce, AFSCME Local 2719 members have secured a robust new contract that promises to enhance their working conditions and benefits.

Contract Highlights

The newly ratified agreement introduces several key improvements:

• Increased wages, along with a new minimum wage and measures to address wage compression.
• Enhanced grievance procedures to protect workers' rights.
• A sick bank provision providing 20 days of paid leave for members in need.
• Introduction of longevity payments for the first time.
• Restoration of a fifth week of vacation for employees with 15 years of service.

Craig Sippel, president of AFSCME Local 2719, emphasized the role of member participation in achieving this outcome. "Our local members showed up, not only at the bargaining table through our bargaining team, but also at the ballot box to have their voices heard," he stated. "We as a team put in the work, and it paid off big for our members."

Increased Engagement and Membership

The contract negotiations also saw a significant rise in member engagement, with voter turnout more than doubling. The local union capitalized on this momentum by enrolling 27 new members, further strengthening their collective bargaining power.

No Concessions, New Positions

The three-year agreement was notable for not requiring substantial concessions from workers. Moreover, the union succeeded in adding new positions to the bargaining unit, expanding the number of workers covered by the contract.

This achievement underscores the impact of AFSCME members' mobilization efforts, which aim to secure strong contracts, build solid local unions, and deliver quality public services.