Council approves three-year AFSCME contract, adds Juneteenth as holiday

The New Ulm City Council voted to approve a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1204 covering Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027.

City staff summarized the contract terms: wage adjustments each year for the three-year contract, market adjustments for the first two years, a revised step 1 grievance procedure, a reduction in the compensatory time cap from 80 to 60 hours, a small annual increase in standby pay, addition of Juneteenth (June 19) as a paid holiday, updates to sick and vacation leave language including a new vacation schedule, renaming funeral leave to bereavement leave, an increase in the boot allowance from $375 to $450 phased over three years, and changes to the health care savings plan and insurance provisions.

The council approved the resolution after a motion to adopt the agreement. Director Jorgensen called the roll for the resolution. Councilor Christian, Councilor Schmitz, Councilor Mack and Council President Becker voted yes on the measure during roll call; the president announced "that motion carries." The agreement was ratified by AFSCME prior to council consideration, staff said.

Why it matters: the contract affects city employees covered by AFSCME Local 1204 and sets wages and benefits for the next three years. It also codifies changes to leave calculations and other personnel policies the city will administer.

Ending: Staff will implement the contract provisions beginning Jan. 1, 2025.