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Head Start-union pact awaits vote By JONEL ALECCIA Only ratification remains to finalize a first-ever, two-year contract between Head Start of Southern Oregon management and newly unionized workers. Details of an agreement reached Monday after negotiations with a federal mediator were not made public, but sources close to the talks said union workers would receive the 5 percent wage increase they sought. The 216 new members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union still must vote on whether to accept the agreement that includes 60 articles covering economic and other work issues. The contract, which includes teachers, assistants, cooks, bus drivers and administrative staff, would run from June 20, 2001, through April 30, 2003. Ratification is set for May 21, said AFSCME representative Ken Spray. At least one union worker involved in the negotiations was happy with the outcome. "It was a lot of collective bargaining, but those of us who are on the bargaining team were pleased with it," said Kathleen Brown, who performs health screenings at the Central Point Head Start office. Workers voted to approve the union in March 2000; negotiations began the following May. A federal mediator was called in last month to lead talks that lasted for many hours over three days. Up to 20 people participated in the process, Spray said. "It was very exhausting; everybody was tired on both sides," he said. Spray and Head Start Director Alan Berlin characterized the talks as productive and amicable, especially for first-time discussions. At issue were employment terms and conditions for 216 workers at 27 work sites in two counties, Spray noted. "When we got to the mediation level, there was more to resolve than both parties would have liked," he said, adding that he and Berlin cooperated well. "I couldn't find a more responsible man with credibility and integrity." Workers sought union representation early last year, saying they were frustrated with wages, benefits, job security and the way managers made decisions. Head Start of Southern Oregon, which has an annual budget of $8 million, provides preschool education and other services to more than 900 youngsters in Jackson and Josephine counties. AFSCME represents 1.3 million workers nationwide, including nearly 7,000 Head Start employees. Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.