Council approves five-year labor contract with Operating Engineers Local 399

The Jacksonville City Council voted to approve a labor agreement between the city and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399 covering city hall employees for the term Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2030. The resolution was presented by the city attorney and moved by Terry, with Brett seconding; roll-call tallies recorded all yes votes and the motion carried.

One council member summarized the negotiations as difficult but constructive, stating, “This was a very tough negotiation. It was very good both ways,” and the council approved the contract on a roll-call vote. The city attorney described the agreement as intended to improve city operations and working conditions for employees; the resolution carried with recorded yes votes from present aldermen.