New tentative three-year contract extension signed by McKee, state labor unions

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The McKee administration, Rhode Island Council 94, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Coalition finalized and signed three-year tentative agreements.

The new contract includes wage increases to help ease inflation impacts and millions in potential savings in health care.

The new agreement includes:

Wage increases:

• 5% effective the pay period including July 1, 2024
• 4% effective the pay period including July 1, 2025
• 3% effective the pay period including July 1, 2026

Adjustments to the State health care plans:

• Implementation of a prescription drug cost management program for certain specialty drugs, which could save the State up to an estimated $3.3 million while also saving money on out-of-pocket costs for members.
• A new virtual musculoskeletal program that offers personalized care for members experiencing joint and muscle pain, saving the State up to an estimated $1.2 million.

The agreement also offers more vacation time upfront for employees with less than 20 years of state service, as well as more vacation for employees with less than 10 years of state service.

“Amid a labor shortage in key areas and inflation, we must remain competitive with both the public and private sector as we continue to find new and better ways to deliver services to Rhode Islanders,” said Governor McKee. “These agreements strike a fair balance to help support our critical workforce, to address rising prescription and medical costs, and to standardize our operations.”

“We are extremely pleased we were able to reach a fair agreement with the State and to do so efficiently,” said Carly Iafrate, a Coalition negotiator. “We look forward to the ratification process with our members.”