IAM Local 1363 members employed by the Catholic Diocese in Youngstown, Ohio have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement after 16 months of negotiations. The contract covers approximately 30 workers who are responsible for operations at the diocese’s four cemeteries.
According to IAM Local 1363 Business Representative Robert Towslee, “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 noted the challenges during the process. “While the process included moments of disagreement and outside anti-union efforts, we remained steadfast and focused on our shared goals,” Verlinden said. “Together, we achieved fair resolutions on wages, benefits, time-off accruals, and holidays.”
The new contract provides wage increases ranging from 3% to 35%, depending on specialty and current wage rate. Workers will receive 13 fully paid holidays each year. The agreement maintains all existing employment benefits such as personal days, sick leave, vacation accruals, and retirement plans. Additionally, a joint company/worker health and safety committee has been established.
The Catholic Diocese in Youngstown serves more than 117,000 Catholics across northeast Ohio through its network of parishes and schools.
IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan commented on the significance of this achievement: “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,” Sullivan said. “We look forward to more justice on the job for themselves and their families, and more job growth through unionism in the future.”
