BAINBRIDGE – It might be a surprise to you that the four members of Bainbridge’s Highway Department have joined the Teamsters Union, but it was not a surprise to the town supervisor.
“It was only a matter of time,” said Supervisor Rick Chase. “Most area highway employees around us are now union. At the moment they offer a very comprehensive medical insurance package which attracts the workers.”
According to the Teamsters Local 693, of which the Bainbridge crew is now a member, the union has over 40 contracts specifically with highway departments in their local coverage area.
It was not a major dispute that prompted the four members of the Highway Department staff to contact the union, according to Teamsters Local 693 President Roberta Dunker, but rather concern about the future and access to the Teamster’s exceptional health insurance coverage.
“In today’s climate, without having a union, you really stand alone,” said Dunker. She and Chase worked together to draft the contract between the town and the highway employees. Both said they were pleased with the results of the 6 month negotiation.
“I think it is a fair contract for both sides,” said Dunker.
“There was much give and take during the negotiations,” said Chase. “I felt (they) went well and I don'’t foresee any problems.”
Neither Chase nor Town Highway Superintendent Gary Richman are concerned about changes to the employees existing contract. “I really don’t think there will much if any adjustments to the work being done because of the contract,” said Chase. 
Richman said he does not feel that the contract will have a negative impact on his department’s budget. “It may even save us some money on insurance,” added Richman.
The contract was approved by the Bainbridge town board at their August meeting. According to Chase, the three-year agreement was retroactive to January 2008 and will expire December 2010.