For Immediate Release
January 10, 2018

Hartford, CT, Jan. 10, 2018 – The members of AFSCME Local 1716 voted last night to ratify a tentative contract agreement with the City of Hartford.

Local 1716 members approved the five-year agreement by a margin of better than 92%.

“We are pleased with the results of the contract vote,” said AFSCME Local 1716 President Robert Swain, who works as a Maintainer in the Public Works Department. “Our bargaining team worked hard to find common ground with the city. And our members stepped up and made big sacrifices to help Hartford move forward.”

The six-year agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2015 and expires June 30, 2021. It includes 2% general wage increases in Fiscal Years 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Local 1716 members will also move into a high deductible health plan on July 1, 2018, with an option to “buy up” to retain the current Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan.

Council 4 Staff Representative Anthony Bento served as the Local Union’s spokesman throughout negotiations.

“We understand the magnitude of the crisis facing our city,” said Local 1716 Secretary Terrae’ Williams, Assistant Registrar in Vital Records. “I’m proud of our union members for continuing to do their part to protect the quality of public services in Hartford.”

AFSCME Local 1716 represents approximately 400 City of Hartford employees. The local union also represents employees at the Hartford Public Library and the XL Center.

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