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Wausau committee endorses tentative two‑year ATU transit contract with modest pay increases
Summary
The Human Resources committee reviewed a tentative two‑year collective bargaining agreement with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1168, approving language cleanups, removal of the Perfect Attendance Leave program (subject to council action) and a phased 2% then 1.5%/1.5% pay schedule, with an estimated $60,021 lifetime cost already earmarked in finance.
The Wausau Human Resources & Public Safety Committee on July 7 reviewed and approved a tentative collective bargaining agreement with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1168 covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. HR Director Lisa Nowak told the committee the parties reached the tentative deal after three bargaining sessions and that the changes are largely language cleanups and clarifications of existing practice.
Nowak said the agreement removes the city’s Perfect Attendance Leave (PAL) program — a change that also requires separate council action for comparable non‑represented employees — adjusts a safety‑shoe provision and sets six‑month compensation increases: a 2% increase followed by two 1.5% increases through June 30, 2028. She said those increases and other changes result in a projected financial impact of $60,021 over the life of the contract and that the finance department had already earmarked the amount in budget construction.
Committee members asked whether there were major sticking points in bargaining. Nowak described the process as respectful and efficient, saying the city’s bargaining goals focused on maintaining competitive compensation and aligning contract language with current practice. No formal amendments to the tentative agreement were proposed at the committee meeting.
The chair called for and recorded a motion to approve the agreement; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. Committee materials note that final adoption will require a council vote and any further council actions needed to remove PAL for non‑represented employees.
The committee meeting packet contains the redlined revisions and the full proposed contract language; Nowak said she would be available to answer follow‑up questions as council staff and legal counsel vet the documents.
