City Of New Bedford, AFSCME Local 851 Agree On Labor Deal

The City of New Bedford and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 851 have reached agreement on a new labor contract.

Members of the city workers union, which covers clerks, custodians, mechanics and others, have been working under terms of a contract which expired nearly three years ago.

Negotiators reached agreement on a one year deal and a three year contract that covers workers through June 30th of 2016.

The contracts calls for no raises over the first two years, then 1.5% starting on July 1, 2014, another 1.5% on July 1st of this year, and 1.25% on June 30, 2016. AFSCME members will also receive a $1,000 signing bonus.

Mayor Jon Mitchell called the agreement fair and equitable, and said he was grateful for the union's good faith efforts throughout the process.