Villa Park board ratifies three-year AFSCME contract, approves side letter on benefits

The Village of Villa Park approved a resolution Jan. 12 ratifying a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 covering multiple departments for a three-year period ending Dec. 31, 2028.

Manager Rivas explained the side letter included a change to the benefit-year timing (from May 1 to Jan. 1) that created an overlap between the current and proposed agreements; the side letter provides a framework for carryover of vacation time, longevity and retroactive pay that would otherwise create double coverage. It also outlines timing for additional classifications in public works and a village-wide bilingual pay policy agreed to during negotiations.

The tentative agreement had been sent to trustees on Jan. 2 and, Rivas reported, the union membership ratified the agreement. Trustee O'Fano moved and Trustee Constatos seconded the resolution; the board approved it on a roll-call vote.

Manager Rivas thanked negotiating team members, including assistant village manager and union leaders, and said the village looks forward to implementing the changes with the union.