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Council advances AFSCME tentative agreement after months of negotiation
Summary
City negotiators told the finance committee the AFSCME tentative agreement includes a three-year wage package (roughly 3%/3.5%/3%), targeted equity adjustments for several trade positions, changes to insurance/HSA contributions and a new on-call snowplow rotation; the finance committee approved Ordinance 26-37 on second read with emergency passage.
An attorney for the administration summarized a negotiated tentative agreement with the AFSCME bargaining unit to the finance committee on June 8, describing wage increases, job-specific adjustments and benefit changes. The administration characterized the agreement as generally balanced: modest multi-year wage increases, targeted pay adjustments for under‑paid mechanics and clerical positions, and new licensure or certification premiums for about 20 job titles where the city believed the extra pay would support recruitment and retention.
"The wage package that we negotiated with the union was a 3% in the 1st year, a 3.5% increase in the 2nd year, and a 3% increase in the 3rd year," the city attorney said, outlining the multi-year structure. He also described concessions the city negotiated: capped HSA contributions, a modest increase in employee premium sharing for dental and vision (for one year), and clarified disciplinary, layoff and overtime provisions.
Councilors asked questions about specific changes — including a reduced probationary period (12 to 9 months), the new snow‑removal on-call rotation to ensure staffing during storms, and the city's right to manage uniform allowances and shift differentials. The attorney said the parties also streamlined and modernized several contract articles to align with city ordinances and operational needs.
The finance committee moved Ordinance 26-37 to second reading with emergency passage; the motion carried unanimously in committee. Councilors requested any follow-up details about cost projections and implementation mechanics be provided as the ordinance proceeds to full council.
