City introduces three‑year United Steelworkers contract with 11% pay increases, $121,303 appropriation requested

City staff presented ordinance 25‑18 on first reading, a three‑year collective bargaining agreement with the local United Steelworkers bargaining unit that covers roughly 33 employees in maintenance and custodial classifications.

City staff described the wage and benefit changes: a total three‑year wage increase of 11% (a 5% increase and a $500 lump sum in year one, then 3% in years two and three), an increase to tuition reimbursement from $1,500 to $4,000, changes to holiday and personal leave (Good Friday will no longer be a recognized holiday beginning in 2026, and Thanksgiving and Christmas were added to the list of holidays), and a change to bereavement leave that bases days granted on relationship to the deceased rather than the prior in‑state/out‑of‑state metric. Staff said the ordinance also seeks appropriation of $121,303.16 to cover the 2025 personnel costs related to the agreement.

Why it matters: The contract affects city operating costs and the pay and leave rights of a group of front‑line municipal employees (maintenance technicians and custodial staff). Staff said the terms aim to help recruitment and retention and to align this unit with other city contracts.

Questions and context: Council asked which positions are covered; staff said about 33 members across maintenance techs (public service and parks & recreation) and two full‑time custodians. Staff said the changed hiring language will allow starting candidates with prior relevant experience and a Class A CDL to begin at a higher step to help attract experienced workers.

Next steps: The ordinance was advanced on first reading; a second reading and public hearing is scheduled for July 14, 2025.