Council approves four-year contract with IBEW Local 1597, adopts higher one-time pay adjustment and revises retirement terms

The Ainsworth City Council unanimously approved an agreement with City Local Union 1597, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (AFL-CIO), authorizing a multi-year contract that takes effect Oct. 1, 2024 and runs through Sept. 30, 2028.

During discussion, a committee member advocating for consistent cost-of-living adjustments said, “I think the CPI is the best way to do that,” and described a plan to propose a larger one-time increase this year to help employees catch up with pay in neighboring jurisdictions. Council members acknowledged the union had asked for roughly CPI-based raises and that the council’s recommendation went slightly above that to be more competitive.

Council and staff also discussed changing retirement contributions. Staff described the proposed structure as a 6% employer match provided from hire, with full vesting delayed until the third year of service — a reversal of the previous policy that vested employees more quickly. City staff said the proposal is intended to align administrative processes with common municipal practices.

A motion to approve the contract was moved and seconded; the council called the roll and the motion carried unanimously. The approval was procedural and did not alter other budgeted line items beyond those negotiated in the agreement.

Next steps: the contract will be executed by staff and incorporated into the city payroll and benefits administration processes for the coming fiscal year.