State, Unions Reach Tentative Labor Deal

Seven unions that represent state workers have reached tentative deals for new contracts.

Reports indicate that the agreements call for three percent salary increases in each of the next two years, with no increases in employee health insurance contributions.

A state spokesman said specifics won’t be released until after the pacts are ratified.

The contracts will cover nearly 70 percent of state government’s 49,000 employees.

Under the existing union contract for the current fiscal year that just began, employees receive a two percent increase, plus a two percent lump sum bonus.