Des Plaines close to agreement with public works union

Des Plaines city officials and public works union members have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract that will replace their collective bargaining agreement that expired more than a year ago.

The city's 54 public works employees in the Municipal Employees City Coordinating Association ratified the agreement Jan. 20.

The new deal - if aldermen approve it during a city council meeting Monday - eliminates a medical insurance plan with the lowest deductible of $100 and includes pay increases each year until 2019. The agreement also includes a lump sum $900 payment instead of a retroactive raise for 2016.

The city in January approved a similar agreement with employees in the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Collecting bargaining agreements with the city's fire union and two police unions expired Dec. 31.