The State of Vermont Collective Bargaining Agreement: An Overview
Collective bargaining is the process by which employers and employees negotiate the terms and conditions of employment. In the State of Vermont, collective bargaining is governed by the Vermont Labor Relations Board (VLRB), which oversees negotiations between public employers and employee unions. The State of Vermont Collective Bargaining Agreement is the document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for state employees who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
The current collective bargaining agreement between the State of Vermont and the Vermont State Employees’ Association (VSEA) covers about 5,000 employees in 20 executive branch departments. The agreement covers wages, health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and many other aspects of employment.
One of the key provisions of the agreement is a wage increase for state employees. For the fiscal year 2022, the agreement includes a 2.5% wage increase for all covered employees. This is in addition to step increases that are based on an employee’s years of service and job classification.
The agreement also includes provisions related to health insurance. The state offers a variety of health insurance plans for employees, and the agreement outlines the premiums that employees will pay for their coverage. The state also offers dental and vision insurance, as well as other benefits such as life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
Paid leave is another important component of the agreement. The agreement outlines the number of vacation days, sick days, and personal days that employees are entitled to. Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for family and medical leave, as well as bereavement leave.
Retirement benefits are also covered by the agreement. The state offers a pension plan for eligible employees, and the agreement outlines the contributions that both employees and the state will make to the plan. The agreement also provides information about eligibility for retirement benefits and the calculation of pension payments.
The State of Vermont Collective Bargaining Agreement is an important tool for ensuring fair and equitable treatment of state employees. The agreement provides a framework for negotiations between the state and employee unions, and helps to ensure that employees receive competitive wages, benefits, and working conditions. As the state and employee unions continue to negotiate, the agreement will likely be updated to reflect changes in the workforce and the economy.