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Committee approves Red Wing safety shoe contract after discussion on stipend and union coverage
Summary
DuPage County’s Public Works Committee approved a joint-purchasing contract for safety footwear with Red Wing, drawing questions from members about stipends, vendor choice and union-covered uniform provisions.
The DuPage County Public Works Committee approved a joint-purchasing contract to Red Wing (Red Wing Brand of America) for safety shoes and work boots for the period Feb. 23, 2025, through Feb. 22, 2026, for a contract amount not to exceed $46,000.
Staff presented the joint purchasing recommendation and the committee discussed alternatives, including offering a stipend that employees could use to buy footwear at different vendors. "Wouldn't it be easier to give the employees a stipend where they can go get their own shoes and give an amount?" one member asked. Staff responded that employees can use a voucher at Red Wing or purchase elsewhere, but the Red Wing arrangement offers a 50% discount and sales-tax relief, which many employees prefer.
A committee member raised that boots are covered under collective bargaining agreements represented by unions referred to in the transcript as "150 and 399," and that uniforms and boots are part of those agreements. "We have this component. It's part of collective bargaining agreements," the member said. Committee members also questioned frequency of replacement and were told employees are provided boots once a year, or sooner if boots are destroyed.
The chair called the motion; it was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. No roll-call vote with individual member votes was recorded in the transcript.
Ending: The committee approved the purchase under the joint purchasing recommendation and then moved on to the facilities management project update.
