Council reviews multi-year pay and benefits updates and labor contract; attorney rate raised

Civil service staff presented a package of compensation and classification changes covering several employee groups and a negotiated agreement with AFSCME Local 192.

Janine Bridal (civil service) said the proposals include a cost-of-living increase over three years, a 2% wage adjustment, an extra personal business day, modifications to vacation accruals and an increase to the retiree health savings plan. She said the AFSCME Local 192 agreement includes Earned Sick Time Act compliance, Juneteenth added as a holiday and improved retiree benefits; she thanked union representative Lindsay Swakowski for partnership in negotiations.

Staff also requested consolidating several outdated clerical classifications into an Administrative Assistant 1-4 series and enumerated about 10 employees affected. In addition, staff requested an hourly rate increase for Schultz & Young (labor counsel) from $140 to $160 per hour. Councilmembers offered approval on consent for the personnel and contract items; items were scheduled for the March 23 consent agenda.

Quote: "After extended and careful negotiation, we have come to an agreement with our AFSCME Local 192 bargaining unit," Janine Bridal said.

Next step: items will appear on the March 23 consent agenda for formal council approval.