Council ratifies three-year contract with Ashby Local 15-92 including wage increases and CDL training support

The Streator City Council voted to authorize a three-year collective-bargaining agreement with Ashby Local 15-92 covering Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2028. Staff summarized contract terms including annual wage increases, adjustments to employee health insurance cost-sharing, and provisions for CDL training and tuition reimbursement for new hires.

Staff said the agreement provides roughly 4.5% increases each year and would raise employee health contributions from 15% to 17% after similar language is adopted in other city contracts. The contract also adjusts the probationary period so that employees who must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) will not begin the six-month probation until after obtaining the CDL; tuition reimbursement for required CDL training is included.

Council discussion touched on discipline, CDL-loss scenarios and alignment with other municipal contracts. The council approved the resolution on a roll-call vote.

Staff indicated the public works bargaining unit has ratified the agreement and the city will move forward with contract execution and implementation steps.