Hoffman Estates approves six-year public works contract

With the president of Hoffman Estates' public works employee union about to retire, the union and village have reached a new six-year labor deal - double the typical contract length for the workers.

"We've had a really good relationship with our public works union," said Deputy Village Manager Dan O'Malley, who handled much of the negotiation for the village.

Under the contract, salaries will increase 2.25% in 2020, 2.5% in 2021, 2.25% in 2022 and 2.5% in 2023. Both sides agreed to defer negotiation of wages and health insurance for the final two years of the contract. But O'Malley said the bulk of the work on those contract years is already done.

Village board members also shared their enthusiasm for the contract before this week's unanimous vote.

"I think this is a great agreement," Mayor Bill McLeod said.