Pacific committee forwards proposed union pay matrix to full Board after debate over timing and budget impact

The Pacific Administrative Committee voted to forward a proposed pay matrix for employees covered by the National Union of Operating Engineers Local 141 AFL‑CIO to the full Board of Aldermen on March 24, 2025, after members debated the timing of changes, who would benefit and the potential fiscal impact.

Committee members spent more than an hour discussing a matrix drafted by Public Works Commissioner Robert Bergman that would classify positions and spell out step increases over roughly a three- to five‑year span. Bergman said the matrix is intended to help recruit and retain employees by showing starting pay and steps tied to certifications and experience. "At least this way when we bring somebody in, we can show them, okay, here's your matrix. Once you meet these qualifications, this is where you're gonna be at in year 1, year 2, year 3," Bergman said.

Alderman Kelly pushed back on the timing and the form of the document, saying the committee should not change an agreement soon after it was approved. "I just don't believe that you can reach an agreement and then 3 months later try to change it," Kelly said. Kelly and other members objected to inserting a comprehensive new agreement at this moment and urged either using an appendix or folding any larger change into the annual budget process.

The matrix would raise pay for a small number of lower‑paid positions in water, sewer and streets, Bergman said, and he said two open street positions made prompt action desirable. He told the committee the water and sewer portion of the change would cost about $6,300 a year in salary. Members discussed specifics, including a proposed $30‑per‑hour minimum for a position labeled "park superintendent," and some said that minimum should be lower so a current employee would not be pegged at the minimum.

Committee members confirmed the existing union contract already includes a yearly wage opener. Bergman read the contract language the committee referenced: "Employees in the city shall receive compensation for their services as established by ordinance each year. Wages shall be open to negotiation between the parties on an annual basis beginning in September of each year, or otherwise be mutually agreed upon by the city and union." The committee debated whether the matrix is properly an amendment, an appendix or a stand‑alone agreement.

After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to send the matrix and the committee's findings to the full Board of Aldermen so all six board members could review the financial impact and other details. The committee voted in favor and the measure will be placed on the Board's agenda for further consideration.

The committee did not adopt the matrix itself; rather, it advanced the discussion and asked staff to produce clear budget impact figures for the Board. Members said they want the full Board to consider whether increases should take effect when the 2026 budget is adopted and to see exact costs (including retirement and benefits) before any raises are implemented.

The committee also discussed internal questions raised during the meeting, including whether certain employees covered by the union were included in the matrix (Bergman said the mechanic and the department head would likely be treated separately), how CDL or water/sewer license pay bumps would interact with matrix steps, and whether promotions or mayoral hires had been handled correctly under existing ordinances. Attorney Jones and city staff were asked to verify any applicable ordinances and contract clauses before the Board acts.

The committee concluded by asking Bergman and staff to calculate the total budgetary effect and to forward the packet to all Board members ahead of the next Board meeting so the full Board can make a decision.