IAM Local 1363 members employed by the Catholic Diocese in Youngstown, Ohio have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement after a 16-month negotiation process. The new contract covers about 30 workers who are responsible for the four cemeteries operated by the diocese.
The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown serves more than 117,000 Catholics across 67 parishes and one mission in northeast Ohio, and educates over 17,000 students in its 30 schools.
Robert Towslee, IAM Local 1363 Business Representative, stated, “This agreement represents not only improved terms, but also the beginning of a renewed commitment to job responsibilities, accountability, and employment security.”
IAM Local 1363 Directing Business Representative Timothy Verlinden commented on the negotiation process: “While the process included moments of disagreement and outside anti-union efforts, we remained steadfast and focused on our shared goals. Together, we achieved fair resolutions on wages, benefits, time-off accruals, and holidays.”
The contract provides wage increases ranging from 35% to 3%, depending on specialty and current wage rate. It includes provisions for 13 fully paid holidays each year. A joint company/worker health and safety committee has been created as part of the agreement. All existing employment benefits—such as personal days, sick leave, vacation accruals, and retirement benefits—have been maintained.
David Sullivan, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President said: “Standing up for your rights as workers for the first time is always challenging. I am so proud of these members of Local 1363 and what they have achieved with solidarity. We look forward to more justice on the job for themselves and their families, and more job growth through unionism in the future.”
