Governor Chris Sununu, Teamsters Local 633 Announce Tentative Contract Agreement

Statement

Today, Governor Chris Sununu announced that the State of New Hampshire has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Teamsters Local 633, which represents State corrections officers. The agreement will provide a 4% wage increase to employees in 2020, with an additional 4% increase scheduled for 2021, and provides employees with expanded overtime, longevity, health care, and other benefits.

"I am pleased that we were able to come together and reach an agreement that both recognizes the tremendous work of our State employees and protects the interests of the States' taxpayers," said Governor Chris Sununu. "Both sides negotiated in good faith, and achieved a fair compromise that delivers a true win-win for the State and its hard working employees. This is truly the New Hampshire way, and I extend my sincere thanks to the Teamsters and the state employees they represent for their hard work in getting us to this point."

"The Teamsters Local 633 negotiating committee unanimously endorsed this tentative agreement, because it achieves the key demands of the membership," said Jeff Padellaro, Principal Officer Teamsters Local 633. "While this was a lengthy negotiation, I am pleased with the results. Our members will be voting on this contract in the very near future. I want to thank Governor Sununu for getting personally involved in these negotiations and for his support in reaching a compromise agreement."

The agreement reached between the State and Teamsters Local 633 permits double time for overtime hours in excess of 16 hours per week; increases longevity pay by $50 to $350 per time frame; changes to step therapy; expands insurance coverage to include developmental disorders for children; and expands employee discounts at State recreational areas to allow for one guest between Sunday and Thursday.

"New Hampshire's corrections officers provide an invaluable service to the State of New Hampshire," said Department of Corrections Commissioner Helen Hanks. "Corrections officers in surrounding states and in federal facilities have historically earned higher wages comparatively, the result of which has been chronic shortages and vacancies. The benefits and wage increases included in this contract agreement will undoubtedly assist our recruiting and retention efforts."

The contract will cost an estimated $2.5 million in general funds in FY20 and FY21. The agreement must still be ratified by the union.

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