After causing a stir in the fall, the City of Bloomington has reached an agreement with the union representing employees in the utilities, parks, and public works departments.
AFSCME Local 2487 members expressed concern about contract negotiations during the 2023 budget cycle because city administration had not finalized the agreement. Union members questioned how the city could write a budget if it didn’t know the cost of employee wages and benefits.
READ MORE: Bloomington council adopts $129M budget for 2023
However, the city announced Thursday it reached an agreement to raise wages for AFSCME employees about 17 percent over four years, starting with a 5 percent raise Jan. 1.
Union members on Nov. 30 voted 62-14 to ratify the contract.
“There are many facets to this contract that are an essential must in retaining and attracting skilled employees,” said AFSCME Local 2487 President Bradley Rushton. “The two negotiating teams went through a great deal of effort and compromise to reach an agreement that both parties could accept with majority approval.”
The new contract also increases hourly premiums for evening and swing shifts, increases on-call pay, and adds a longevity step for employees with 35 years of service.
City council must now approve the contract, which would last through 2026.
