Council approves three‑year collective bargaining agreement with DPW union
July 20, 2026 | South Haven, Van Buren County, Michigan
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City staff presented a ratified three‑year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the city and the Governmental Employees Labor Council covering DPW employees. Kate and staff said the contract includes a sizable first‑year wage adjustment intended to reset pay scales, followed by 3.5% increases in years two and three.
“This addresses a wage compression issue and helps retain skilled workers such as linemen,” a council member said during discussion, noting the city benchmarked wages against regional surveys. The agreement was ratified by the union and approved by council by roll call.
Council thanked staff negotiators (Kate, Kim Wise, Dana Bird) for their work on the contract and said the raise is intended to preserve service continuity and recruitment in critical public‑works roles.
“This addresses a wage compression issue and helps retain skilled workers such as linemen,” a council member said during discussion, noting the city benchmarked wages against regional surveys. The agreement was ratified by the union and approved by council by roll call.
Council thanked staff negotiators (Kate, Kim Wise, Dana Bird) for their work on the contract and said the raise is intended to preserve service continuity and recruitment in critical public‑works roles.
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