Vermont state workers ratify new contract with pay cuts

Vt. state workers ratify contract with pay cuts

MONTPELIER, Vt. — The union representing most Vermont state workers says its members have ratified a new two-year labor contract that calls for temporary, 3 percent pay cuts.

Vermont State Employees Association Director Jes Kraus says the contract, which takes effect July 1, temporarily cuts wages by 3 percent and leaves them frozen until June 30, 2012, then restores the 3 percent cuts.

Kraus says union members agreed to the pay cut in light of Vermont’s economic downturn and the damage it has done to state revenues.