Aurora reaches deal with labor union

Aurora aldermen Tuesday unanimously approved a three-year contract agreement with a second labor union, third bargaining unit, that provides members with an average 1.67 percent annual raises through 2011.

Fourth Ward Alderman Rick Lawrence, who was the lone voice of opposition last month to the new AFSCME 1514 contract, was absent.

The contract, retroactive to Oct. 1, 2008, provides raises for the 210 employees in Local 3298 in the first and third years of the agreement but freezes salaries for the 2009-2010 year.

Employees covered under the contract include full- and part-time clerical workers, inspectors, building maintenance staff, telecommunications operators, court detention technicians, customer service representatives, accountants and engineering technicians.

The pact calls for 3 percent raises retroactive to Oct. 1, 2008, and a 2 percent increase effective Oct. 1, 2010.

Local 3298 President Krista Heinke recently called the contract a bit of good news after the union saw 22 members laid off and 30 demoted.

Health insurance for the life of the contract includes a separate employee contribution schedule for HMO and PPO effective Jan. 1, 2010. Employees were paying 2.75 percent of their gross pay regardless of their choice of insurance.

Under the new contract, employee contributions would range from 2.5 percent of gross pay for single HMO coverage to 3.25 percent of gross pay for family coverage. PPO coverage will range from 3 percent of gross pay for single coverage up to 3.75 percent of gross pay for family coverage.

PPO prescription co-pays also were increased, as well as PPO deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums both in and out of network.

Retiree health insurance also was negotiated. Newly hired employees who retire with 20 or more years of city service will pay 40 percent of the prevailing premium, as adjusted from time to time.

Deputy Chief of Staff Carie Anne Ergo said, with the contract complete, both sides continue to negotiate additional concessions in the form of furlough days to be taken in the coming year.

Last month aldermen approved a new four-year contract with AFSCME Local 1514 that provides members an average annual 1.93 percent raise through 2012. AFSCME Local 1514 includes public works, water production and water and sewer maintenance employees.