Local 150 reaches deal with Minooka on contract

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Updated: March 1, 2012 8:13AM

MINOOKA — The village of Minooka and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150, have come to an agreement on a three-year contract.

After about five months of deliberation, the collective bargaining agreement for public employees was approved by the Minooka village board Tuesday night.

Two things slowed down negotiations, said Village Administrator Dan Duffy. The first was the transition time between former administrator Jim Grabowski leaving and Duffy getting up to speed on village issues.

The second was coming to an agreement on wages.

“In the end, it came down to wages,” Duffy said. “Wages is what took us two months.”

The starting wage for new employees was raised from $15 to $17 per hour. The overall dollar amount approved for wages was maintained, but a shift in money to different employees allows for an equity adjustment in the first year, mainly for midrange employees, according to the contract.

A few other changes included an increase in boot vouchers to $200 annually, comp time language established and an option for uniforms was added to the traditional laundry service, saving money on the village’s end.

In the end, a good contract was hammered out by both sides, Duffy said.

“It’s beneficial to both parties,” Duffy said “I appreciate all their work and help.”

In other action, the village was able to save an additional $156,000 in interest payments by refinancing $2.75 million in bonds from 2005 at a lower rate.

The village saved $250,000 about three months ago by refinancing a bond series from 2003, Village Finance Director John Harrington said.

“That’s not bad,” Harrington said.

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