This story has been updated with a statement from Smithville.
Smithville Communications workers represented by the CWA Local 4818 reached a new contract with their employer last night after three weeks of negotiations and picketing.
Union president Ric Spires said they made gains in wages and vacation time and managed to minimize increases in health care costs. He attributed their success in part to the informational picket earlier this month and show of solidarity among the workers.
“It's great from a bargaining standpoint to see that we have commitment from the members to stand behind us so that when we are sitting across from the Smithville company, they see that we're one voice, that we're one team," Spires said.
Contract negotiations with Smithville happen every three years. According to Spires, the new contract locks in a three percent raise for the next two years and a two percent raise the year after that.
"They're a great bunch of people to work with, it just takes a little bit to get where everybody wants to be," he said of Smithville. "But once we do, it's nice."
A Smithville spokesperson issued a statement to WFIU News: “The company is pleased it was able to reach a new labor agreement with the CWA that continues to provide Smithville employees with competitive wages and top of market benefits.”
