The City of Bloomington and the Local 2487 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) reached a new agreement on member salaries and benefits for Bloomington union members, according to a press release from the City.
The new contract was voted upon and accepted on Nov. 30. Its rules will take effect on Jan. 1, 2023, and remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2026.
“Our goal is to respect union and non-union members so that all of the people that work for the city are treated well. I am glad that we have reached this contract agreement and grateful to AFSCME members,” Mayor Hamilton said in a release from the City of Bloomington.
Related: [Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton announces he will not run for reelection in 2023]
The new rules include a wage increase of 17.2% over the four-year contract. Annual wages will also rise 5% for union members for the first two years of the agreement and 3.1% during the remaining two years.
“There are many facets to this contract that are an essential must in retaining and attracting skilled employees,” Bradley Rushton, local AFSCME president, said.
Members of the AFSCME who will be affected by the new agreement include employees in the City's Public Works, Parks and Utilities departments.
Related: [Deputy mayor Don Griffin to run for mayor of Bloomington in 2023]
The agreement also gives the utilities department several pay grade classifications and creates a new mechanism for establishing an apprenticeship program, according to the press release.
“We want all of the City's residents to know that we appreciate your support in our continued endeavors,” Rushton said.
Like contracts in past years, the new contract also decides terms and procedures for license and certification payments, discipline and grievances, seniority and benefits like paid time off and leaves of absence, according to the press release.
