West Haven councilors on July 28 approved a tentative collective bargaining agreement between the City of West Haven and Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 1103 representing city supervisors, covering July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028.

The administration and union described the agreement as the product of collaborative negotiations. Diane Dieteman read a letter on behalf of the union business agent in public comment saying the agreement “represents the fair treatment of our dedicated employees” and asking the council to ratify the tentative agreement.

Key points: Finance Director Michael Gormani summarized the fiscal provisions: general wage increases across the term (2.75% retroactive for 2024–25 with step adjustments, 2.75% for 2025–26, 3% for 2026–27 and 2.75% for 2027–28), an additional personal day (increasing personal days from two to three effective this fiscal year), and competitive employee cost‑sharing on health insurance. Gormani estimated retroactive pay liability at about $275,000 and said contingency in the fiscal 2024‑25 budget was sufficient to cover the retro pay.

Why it matters: Council members and the mayor said the contract brings supervisory wages closer to regional averages and helps with recruitment and retention. Mayor Dorinda Borer described supervisors as a key internal group that “lead the charge” across departments.

Action: The council approved a resolution authorizing the city to enter into the agreement and empowered the mayor to sign the documents. The council carried the motion.