Kala Collett, second-shift steward for UE Local 728 in Kentucky, pointed out that the union made no concessions during the negotiations and said the wage increases in the contract benefit the region as a whole.
"We've already seen that happen since we first bargained our initial contract in 2020," Collett said. "It actually caused the wages in the area to have to get more competitive."
The unions said the agreements grant workers more freedom in determining work hours and weekly schedules, and make other improvements to working conditions.
The unions represent more than 850 workers who process visa petitions and provide petitioner support at the Department of State’s National Visa Center in Portsmouth, N.H., and at the Kentucky Consular Center in Williamsburg, Ky.
Jane Shepherd O’Connor, president of UE Local 228 in New Hampshire, said the agreements also put an end to months of what has been described as aggressive union-busting efforts. She added that the two unions continue to maintain a strong relationship.
"I look forward to our long and healthy relationship between our two locals," she said. "It's a strong relationship, and it's not going to end."
This year, the Trump administration has issued several executive orders weakening federal workers' unions, indirectly impacting workers employed by federal contractors.
