Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo (left) and Local 393 President Barbara Yatauro (right) sign the agreement for a new employee contract.
The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) has reached an agreement with the Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, Local 393 on a new eight-year contract. The agreement includes increased compensation and improved operational flexibility, enhancing SCWA’s ability to continue delivering high quality drinking water to its 1.2 million customers. SCWA noted that negotiations began six months early, enabling both parties to reach an agreement before the current contract expires on July 1, 2025.
“This is an enormous achievement for our organization, for the hundreds of employees represented by the union and for the customers who rely on SCWA for high quality drinking water,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “Our employees are the best in the business, and this contract reflects the outstanding work they do to ensure that our customers receive the highest quality water possible. With robust compensation, greater flexibility and the security of an eight-year agreement, this is a win for everyone.”
The new contract provides for a 4% annual salary increase for the first two years, followed by 3% raises each year for the remainder of the term. It also includes provisions to increase work rules changes to provide better service for SCWA customers, flexibility and enhanced shift scheduling capabilities for management. The contract holds the line on costs by reducing clothing allowances and meal unit allowances earned by employees working overtime while responding to an emergency. Health care costs were addressed by requiring new employees to make larger contributions to their health care premiums than existing employees.
Approximately 350 of SCWA’s 580 employees are represented by Local 393, which includes construction workers, plant operators and call center staff. Employees in SCWA’s water quality laboratory are represented by a separate union with a different contract.
“This contract is in the best interest of our customers. It gives management operational flexibility while also providing significant wage increases and an improved work life balance sought by our valued employees. This long-term deal also gives security and certainty to our employees,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo. “Fortunately, we have a willing partner in the leadership of Local 393, who advocate fiercely for their members while always keeping SCWA’s mission front of mind—providing exceptional service to our customers. With this agreement in place, we can continue focusing on that mission.”
Local 393 President Barbara Yatauro led negotiations on behalf of the union and its executive board. She added, “I want to thank the SCWA Board, executive team and negotiating team for reaching a fair agreement that recognizes the invaluable work our members do every day. We take pride in serving SCWA customers, and this contract is a meaningful reflection of that dedication.”
Board Member Tim Bishop praised employees and the agreement, adding “I am so proud of the world-class service that SCWA is providing to our customers. That level of excellence is thanks, in no small part, to our hard-working, dedicated union employees who work tirelessly to deliver the best drinking water possible. This deal provides them with fair wages and the security of knowing that this organization has their backs.”
Board Member John Rose noted the fiscal responsibility of the new contract, saying “At a time when other utilities and public entities are saddling themselves with expensive contracts, this agreement balances strong fiscal management with the needs of our workforce. It provides assurance for our employees while protecting our customers well into the future.”
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.