NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A union representing about 570 Vanderbilt
University employees has voted overwhelmingly to accept a new two-year
contract with the university.
Members of Local 386 of the Laborers‘ International Union of North
America voted 62-18 Monday night to accept Vanderbilt‘s offer that
includes increases of 16 to 18 percent for the three lowest pay grades.
The only open contract issue in the negotiations that concluded March
14 was wages, especially in the three lowest pay grades. The new
contract takes effect March 28.
“This agreement is a fair and responsible one,” said Kevin Myatt,
associate vice chancellor and chief human resource officer. “It
reflects Vanderbilt‘s commitment to offering all our employees, at
every level, not only a competitive salary but also a comprehensive
benefits package that includes low-cost health insurance, life
insurance and educational benefits. Those benefits easily add up to
tens of thousands of dollars a year.”
An earlier wage agreement was rejected by the union membership in late November. Negotiations resumed in December.
Although the union represents about 570 employees — or about 3
percent of Vanderbilt‘s approximately 18,500 employees — only about 160
are dues-paying members of the union. They were the only employees
eligible to participate in this week‘s vote.
Among the groups the union represents are groundskeepers, dining
services workers, custodians and skilled craft workers including
carpenters, electricians and mechanics.
Media contact: Elizabeth Latt, (615) 322-NEWS
Elizabeth.p.latt@vanderbilt.edu