House cafeteria workers signed a union contract with Restaurant Associates last week, ensuring a 10 percent pay raise over the next three years.

Union officials said the negotiations went smoothly, taking only a couple of weeks to hammer out. They hailed it as a success, pointing to increased disability benefits, pensions and training pay for higher-skilled jobs.

[IMGCAP(1)]“It shows we have a good, healthy relationship starting out,” said Christopher Roell, a local union representative for UNITE HERE who was involved in the negotiations. “That’s very important when a new vendor sends a good message to everyone.”

The contract covers 165 employees who are paid an average of $11 to $15 an hour, plus benefits.

— Emily Yehle