Geneva electrical workers poised for new contract

The Geneva City Council is expected to approve a new five-year contract Tuesday with its unionized electrical department workers.

Pay raises in the new contract will be retroactive to May 1, the expiration date of the previous contract.

The contract affects about 12 employees. They are represented by Local 196 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The workers ratified the contract Dec. 21. The city council committee of the whole voiced approval Monday.

Under the plan, line foremen and field servicemen would get a pay increase of 5 percent for fiscal year 2007-08, then 4.5 percent, 4 percent and 3.5 percent in each of the final two years. Journeyman linemen, purchasing and inventory coordinators and general maintenance workers would get raises of 4.5 percent, two years at 4 percent and two years at 3.5 percent.

Hourly rates the first year range from $24.78 for a general maintenance worker up to $40.28 for a line foreman. The city surveyed other city-owned electrical utilities in the region -- including St. Charles, Batavia, Naperville and Rochelle -- to negotiate rates.

One change relates to work uniforms. In the past, the city supplied specialized work jackets as well as uniform work shirts, T-shirts and coveralls or bib overalls; employees were allowed to wear jeans, and could apply for up to $370 in reimbursement costs.

In 2005, the IRS told the city that that $370 had to be declared as income and that it had to withhold income tax on that amount. Workers asked the city council to increase the allowance to compensate for the loss of actual dollars (about $100), but the council refused.

Now, starting May 1, the city will provide work pants. Then, beginning May 1, 2009, employees will receive up to $400 reimbursement to replace worn-out items.

Negotiations began in February 2007.