Lower Burrell council recently approved a new five-year labor agreement with its 10 public works department employees who are represented by the United Steelworkers.
Both sides said they were happy with the contract that provides 1.5% in the first year, then 2.5 %, 2.5% and 3% in successive years and up to 3% in the fifth year, Lower Burrell Mayor John Andrejcik said.
The contract is not significantly different from the previous 5-year contract, he said.
The contract is retroactive to Jan. 1 of this year and expires Dec. 31, 2025.
The contract negotiations extended into 2021 because of complications from covid-19 restrictions, said David Galo, United Steelworkers staff representative.
“It was a fairly straightforward contract,” he said. “The members were happy about it, and we ended up with a fair contract.”
Andrejcik thanked the city staff, its labor attorney and council.
“We at the city value all of our employees, including this department. We believe the increase in wages is in line with our current economic picture,” he said. The contract terms will not become a burden to our residents in the future, he added.
Public works wages are $30.66 at the top of the pay scale, said Amy Rockwell, city administrator. New employees start at $21.95 for the first 180 days and then increase to $23.55 per hour after the first 180 days, she said.
The public works department scope of work includes repair and restoration, road construction, sign maintenance, snow removal, storm sewer installation and repairs and street preventive maintenance.
The department also provides maintenance and repairs to the city’s sanitary system, which includes eight pump stations, more than 2,000 manholes and over 70 miles of sanitary sewer pipe.
