Pay boost for Carol Stream public works crews

Carol Stream public works employees will get a boost in pay under terms of a four-year agreement approved this week.

A 2 percent across-the-board salary increase for street, mechanic, and water and sewer employees takes effect retroactive to May 1. An additional 1 percent wage increase is scheduled for Nov 1.

Officials said economic conditions made negotiations more difficult. Public works employees had been working without a contract since May 1, 2010, and mediation began in August.

The agreement will reopen for negotiations on wages and health insurance in May 2012 and 2013.

Assistant Village Manager Bob Mellor said the village agreed to salary increases this year, but was hesitant to commit to further increases because of doubts about revenue streams, such as shared state income tax funds.

Also under the new contract, all public works employees will be required to help with snow removal. Previously, only street division workers were required to plow snow, though many others volunteered, Mellor said.

The deal also stipulates the village and union agree to meet and discuss a resolution to a pending grievance regarding break areas. Currently, employees take their breaks at various spots throughout the public works facility, though the village has requested they be at one centralized break room.

Mellor said the village agreed to put additional microwaves and refrigerators in the break room to accommodate more employees.

The contract, negotiated between the village and Service Employees International Union Local 73, affects 20 employees.

The deal is retroactive to May 1, 2010, and runs through April 30, 2014.