Local 237's cement workers voted almost unanimously to accept a contract offer from the city. The new contract covers three years, from Oct. 1, 2001 to Sept. 30, 2004. "It was a long time coming, but we prevailed," said Ralph Florio, a cement worker with Parks and Recreation, who helped count the ballots.

Donald Arnold, director of the Skilled Trades Department, along with three cement workers, counted the votes at union headquarters on May 8. Of the 49 ballots mailed April 18, 33 were returned and counted, with 32 accepting the contract and only one vote rejecting it.


From left, Cement Masons Steve Barretta, Ralph Florio and Thomas Kijewski help count the ratification ballots at Local 237 headquarters.

"I'm very happy it passed," said Steve Barretta, a cement worker with Health and Hospitals Corporation who was on hand to count ballots. "We've been working for five years without a contract. This is a step forward."

Members who were employed by the City and Housing Authority for the entire length of the contract will receive retroactive wages of approximately $22,234, assuming seven hours work per day. Overtime worked during this period will be calculated on an individual basis and added to these amounts.

In addition, annual leave increases by two days per year, and employer contributions to individual annuities increase by 62 cents per hour up to a maximum of $24.15 per day during the contract period.

The contract also includes a 1 percent productivity savings for the city. Payment of retroactive wages is expected to take place by the first pay period in July.

"Money's better in my pocket than the city's," remarked Cement Mason Thomas Kijewski, who works for the Department of Homeless Services and also helped count the ballots.

"We're pleased with the advancements and eager to begin negotiating the next contract as soon as possible," said Local 237 President Carl Haynes.