The Suffolk County Water Authority announced that it has reached a new collective bargaining agreement with Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, Local 393, covering employees in SCWA’s nationally recognized water quality laboratory.
The eight-year agreement was approved by the union membership and addresses salaries, fair wage progression and long-term stability, with a focus on retaining highly skilled laboratory professionals who play a critical role in protecting public health.
“This agreement recognizes the specialized expertise of our laboratory staff and the essential role they play in ensuring high quality drinking water for our customers,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “It balances fair compensation with long-term stability, and it reinforces our commitment to retaining a talented workforce in an increasingly competitive environment.”
The laboratory contract follows SCWA’s recent eight-year agreement with Local 393 field employees, providing continuity and labor stability across the organization. Together, the agreements support SCWA’s operational needs while giving employees certainty and a clear path forward.
Local 393 President Barbara Yatauro praised the collaborative tone of the negotiations and the outcome for laboratory employees. “I want to thank the SCWA Board, management and negotiating team for working in good faith to reach an agreement that addresses fair wages and long-term job security for our members,” Yatauro said. “Our laboratory employees perform highly technical work that directly protects the drinking water supply, and this contract recognizes their value.”
SCWA Director of Water Quality and Laboratory Services Tom Schneider emphasized the importance of the agreement for employee retention and continuity in laboratory operations.
“Our laboratory staff are on the front lines of water quality protection, conducting thousands of tests each year and responding to emerging contaminants and evolving regulations,” Schneider said. “This agreement helps us retain experienced professionals, attract new talent and maintain the high standards our customers expect.”
SCWA credited Yatauro and the Local 393 negotiating team for their professionalism and partnership throughout the process, noting that the agreement positions both the laboratory workforce and the organization to serve its customers.
About SCWA:
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.