Summary of 2025 “MES” Negotiations
New 5-year agreement (2026-2030)
MES Agreement:
MES Journeyman rates
| Year | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
| package increase | $1.60 | $1.90 | $1.90 | $2.30 | $2.30 | |
| Package | $71.44 | $73.04 | $74.94 | $76.84 | $79.14 | $81.44 |
2026 Journeyman increase of $1.60 (wage: $1.00, $0.30 welfare, and $0.30 into 401k)
2026 helpers years 2-5 increase of $0.80 (wage: $0.50, welfare: $0.15, and $0.15 into 401k)
**Reminder: Helpers, years 2-5, receive half of all Journeyman increases
Increase 1st year helper wage to $17 as required by NYS minimum wage
– More flexible start and end times (6am-9am. 8 hours from start time)
– Forward-facing cameras in vehicles
– Employees responsibility for parking, speeding and redlight camera tickets
– Clarification on Vehicle policies and procedures
– Definition of shift work and shift work compensation increased to 20% premium on
wages only
– Change on DEP plant work to all for replacement of piping 6 inches or less in
diameter but does not include welded piping
2
– Change to threshold for any public project over$ 250k with plans or specifications
shall not be considered MES work
– Deadline to remit 401k contributions changed from 2 days to 7 days
– Addition of a new “No Work stoppage, strike or lockout” provision
– SST training requirement at employee’s expense
– Veteran’s day is MES holiday
– Restrictions on communication with Employees during non-business hours
– Guarantee of 2 days return to work for Peer Support under FMLA
– On-call minimum changed from 2 to 3 hours when called out
– Change to Bonding requirements (effective Jan. 1, 2027)
– Authorized the Union to create a “Union Industry Advancement Fund”
2) changes to UA National Service Agreement (all other provisions remain):
A) increased fixture count from 40 to 60 for commercial alterations (1 MES to 2 Helper ratio) REMINDER: employers must submit noticeable form to Union 3 business days prior to starting work
B) ability to use a workforce of 1 MES to 4 Helpers for repair/ direct replacement projects with a value of $1.25mil and below
C) expiration coincides with MES agreement in 2030
3) Memorandum of Understanding on temporary downgrades of Building Trades Journeymen to MES journeymen