AUBURN — Maine Turnpike union workers are protesting contract proposals asking them to give up triple pay for holidays and other benefits they’ve had for years.

About a dozen workers picketed outside a Maine Turnpike Authority board meeting Thursday night in Auburn.

The turnpike authority and two unions are negotiating contracts that cover nearly 300 of the agency’s 462 workers. The current contracts expire Dec. 31.

Union members told WMTW-TV the agency’s contract offer would result in some employees’ health insurance costs going up by 40 percent. The agency also wants to end longevity bonuses for longtime employees and the ability to “cash out” unused vacation and sick pay.

Turnpike Authority Executive Director Peter Mills has said anticipated toll increase in 2013 could be reduced if the unions accept the concessions.

 


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