CHICAGO — Chicago reached a tentative five-year contract with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 31 on June 19.
"This tentative agreement is a balanced and responsible deal for all taxpayers, including AFSCME members," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement Thursday. "It allows us to provide fair compensation to our workforce in a way that is fiscally responsible."
AFSCME represents more than 3,400 employees who work in city libraries, police precincts and health clinics; they ensure clean drinking water, protect public health, serve the elderly and others in need, conduct restaurant food safety inspections and much more.
The deal was reached after more than two years of negotiations. Terms were not disclosed.
The news followed a release earlier in the week that Firefighters Union Local 2 had ratified a new five-year contract. The pact was reached after two years of negotiations. The City Council still must sign off on the contract.
"We've worked collaboratively with the Firefighters union to reach this agreement that is both fiscally responsible on behalf of taxpayers and respects the work and sacrifice of the men and women who put their own lives on the line to ensure public safety," Emanuel said in a statement.
The city has previously reached deals with unions representing the police sergeants, police lieutenants, and police captains.
The five-year collective bargaining agreement phases-in an 11% pay increase and maintains eligibility for retiree health care at age 55 but requires future retirees to contribute 2% of their retirement annuity toward their benefit.
