Elgin workers to get 2 percent pay hike

Elgin's 230-plus public works employees, secretaries, support staff and janitors will receive a 2-percent pay increase under a new two-year contract expected to be approved by the city council Wednesday night.

But for 2010, members of the Service Employees International Union Local 73 may reopen the wages part of the contract and renegotiate for more or less per hour, depending on the economy and how the city's finances look.

The city prefers three- or four-year deals with its employees, and the two-year pact was a concession.

"It's obviously a reflection of the economic times," said Gail Cohen, the city's human resources director.

The new contract will cost Elgin about $266,200 more this year in salaries and overtime compared to 2008, Cohen said.

With the city slashing costs left and right, some might question why the city is offering employees a raise.

"Things are tough for everybody," City Manager Femi Folarin said. "If you fail to at least recognize the fact that you appreciate their effort and are trying to do what little you can to show your appreciation, those are people you start losing."

The SEIU Local 73 had been working without a contract since December.

Its members, 237 full-timers and 22 part-timers, will receive a lump-sum payment with their next check retroactive to December.

William Potts, the union's political and legislative director, did not return phone messages.

Folarin said the union has already voted in favor of the contract. It is on the city council's consent agenda, which contains noncontroversial items usually approved with no discussion.

City spokeswoman Sue Olafson also noted that employees have paid more for their health care and there was "give and take on both sides" during negotiations.

"Two percent in this economy and in our own environment and structure is fair," she said.