Boston — City labor and budget officials told the Boston City Council Committee on Ways and Means on Jan. 13 that a supplemental FY25 appropriation of $421,318 is requested to fund a collective bargaining agreement between the city and SEIU Local 888 employees in the Mayor's Office of Housing.

Renee Bushee, Director of Labor Relations, said the unit comprises roughly 44–45 employees and that the package mirrors terms the administration has negotiated with other city bargaining units: a 2% wage increase along with flat dollar adjustments (described in the agreement as lump sums applied in January of each contract year) intended to provide relatively larger increases for lower‑paid employees. Bushee also said the agreement included modest adjustments to vacation accrual for recruitment purposes, clarified grievance language, added bereavement and sick pay accrual during probation, and on‑call pay for some positions.

“It's just a lump sum given to the employees,” Bushee said about the clothing allowance in the MOH agreement, noting the allowance was carried over from prior SEIU arrangements and can be used to defray required professional attire in that office. She summarized that both sides were satisfied with the contract and that the department would like to see it funded.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about the size of the unit, timing of the flat payments, bereavement and sick pay accrual, and whether military‑related leave or veteran hiring preferences were addressed; Bushee said the MOA did not include specific veteran language but noted the Office of Human Resources is reviewing military leave policy at the city level. The committee also asked for a dollar estimate of the total cost represented by the MOA; Bushee and Budget Director Jim Williamson confirmed the supplemental appropriation before the committee is $421,318 for FY25.

The hearing did not include a recorded committee vote. Committee members expressed support for raising compensation for lower‑paid city employees and requested continued engagement between the administration and council staff on outstanding contract language and reporting where applicable.

Details

• Unit size: roughly 44–45 employees (as stated by administration).
• Supplement amount: $421,318 requested for FY25 to cover contract costs, as read into the docket and summarized by staff.
• Key provisions: 2% wage increases plus flat lump‑sum amounts in January of each contract year; clothing allowance; changes to vacation accrual; clarified grievance procedures; accrual of bereavement and sick pay during probation for some employees; on‑call pay increases for certain positions.

The committee adjourned the hearing after questions and without a formal committee vote on the supplemental appropriation.