LaGrange Park board approves successor contract with public works union covering 2025–2028

The Village of LaGrange Park Board of Trustees unanimously approved a three‑year collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, which represents public works employees.

Village staff presented background that the previous contract expired April 30, 2025, and described negotiated terms for a successor agreement covering May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2028. Among the changes staff highlighted was a revision to certification incentive pay: language was updated to provide a $1,000 lump‑sum bonus for certain arborist and water‑license certifications (referred to as a tree risk assessment qualification or TRAC) where the contract previously specified smaller amounts.

Trustees spoke in favor of the contract. Trustee counsel said the agreement represented a “forward move” for employees and expressed full support; Trustee Sheehan and Trustee Wagner voiced similar backing. Trustee Wagner asked whether employees who already hold the listed certifications would receive the new pay; staff clarified that employees who hold eligible licenses or certificates are eligible for the certification pay under the agreement.

Following discussion, a trustee made a motion to approve a resolution authorizing execution of the collective bargaining agreement; the board seconded the motion and approved it by unanimous roll call. Staff noted the agreement includes annual wage and benefit provisions and health and dental coverage descriptions; the full contract text and wage schedules were available to the board but not read into the record.

The contract terms and the certification pay changes will be implemented by village administration and the public works department as provided in the agreement.