Cornell University announced the membership of the United Auto Workers Local 2300, which represents more than 1,100 Cornell service and maintenance employees on the university’s main campus in Ithaca, has ratified a new, five-year agreement with the university. The new contract runs from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2021.

“We are pleased with the results of our negotiations and look forward to working with the union in the coming years to achieve our mutual goals,” said Alan Mittman, the university’s lead negotiator. “We are happy that we were able to reach a contract before opening day so that the attention of the entire campus can be focused on welcoming our new and returning students.”

Mary Opperman, vice president and chief human resources officer, also expressed her appreciation for the dedicated efforts of negotiating teams and congratulated them on reaching a fair and equitable contract for the employees whose work directly benefits students, faculty and staff.

She added, “Thanks also go to Alan for leading the workforce policy and labor relations office for the past six years.” Mittman has recently taken a position as senior adviser to the student and campus life vice president.

The new contract provides for wage increases for each year of the contract, including increases to clothing and work shoe allowance with no changes to other benefits. In addition, the new contract ensures employee rights in disciplinary matters and as well as increased access to the grievance procedure in certain matters.