Update: UMass Trustees Okay Wage Increases For Union Employees

Negotiated raises will be paid to members of four employee unions at UMass Dartmouth, ending a stalemate that had lasted for months.

The UMass Board of Trustees authorized the payments Wednesday at a meeting in Worcester. The funding was recently approved in a supplemental budget approved by the Legislature.

University spokesman John Hoey says the pay increases will be included in paychecks startng May 3rd.  But he tells WBSM News, state lawmakers have yet to approve funding for retroactive pay that's due employees.

Hoey says university officials are as frustrated as anybody about the delay in full-funding, but says the university will continue working with the Legislature to get that money.

Earlier in the day, union members had announced plans for an informational picket Saturday morning at the University, the same day parents and students are invited to visit the campus. Hoey said it would be disappointing if the picketing went forward, given the trustee's vote.