Tough times make bargaining even harder for local unions. Efforts that incorporate consistent inter-member communication strengthen the ability of local unions to meet their goals at the bargaining table.

A small local of School-Related Professionals in Dutchess County provides a textbook example.

The 23 members of the Spackenkill Custodians chapter, led by Tony Elting, working closely with the leaders of the Spackenkill Support Staff local, led by Jean Nemes, unanimously approved their new deal.

The three-year contract adds $1,500 to base salaries, increases longevity payments and creates a new retirement incentive.

There was no increase in health care costs, the insurance "buyout" amount improved and an annual uniform allowance increased by $150.

In addition, changes were made to a long-time issue so senior employees could have weekends off.

"My biggest thing to tell people during negotiations is communicate," Nemes said.

The local surveyed members before bargaining, and went back to them between sessions. "It was a team effort, and communication was the key," Elting said.

Teachers advance

In Niagara County, the more than 300 members of the North Tonawanda Union of Teachers, led by Linda Roach, recently ratified a four-year agreement after long negotiations.

Replacing a contract that expired in June 2007, the new agreement will increase salaries a total of 16.75 percent through June 2011.

The local also bargained a retirement incentive of up to $20,000 for this school year and the next.

They agreed to consolidate into a single health insurance plan, with no premium increase. The new agreement increases the school day by 11 minutes for schedule flexibility.

Salaries, health costs up

Members of the Gates-Chili Teachers Association in Monroe County have approved a contract that brings both salary gains and increased health insurance costs for the teachers and occupational and physical therapists in the local.

The local, led by William Ahearn, will see salaries increase by 14.65 percent over four years.

Members received increases in their medical reimbursement accounts, which are employer-paid and roll over each year.

Health insurance contributions start at zero in 2008-09, then increase to 5 percent in 2009-10, 7 percent in 2010-11 and 10 percent in 2011-12.

Sag Harbor solidarity

The 123 members of the Teachers Association of Sag Harbor are standing strong and drawing support from their local community and Suffolk County union colleagues.

The local, led by Eileen Kochanasz, has been working without a new contract since June 2008.

To help educate the public about their needs and concerns in the slow-moving contract negotiations, members held an "informational picket walk" and candlelight vigil outside a school board meeting.

They were joined by NYSUT members from more than 20 area districts.

TASH members spoke to local store owners before the march to explain their position.

They also held an open forum for parents so educators and board members could explain their bargaining stances.

Salaries are a key issue in this, one of the highest cost-of-living areas in New York. The district has refused to go to binding arbitration, and the local plans an ongoing public campaign to reach a good contract settlement.