Jeannette officials approve new public works contract with Teamsters

A new five-year contract with Jeannette’s sanitation and streets department was approved by council Thursday.

The collective bargaining agreement, if also approved by Teamsters Local Union No. 30, will run through the end of 2027. It will be retroactive to January 2023 after the previous pact expired in December 2022, said city manager Ethan Keedy.

Unionized employees will pay more toward their health care under the agreement — 20% compared to 10% previously.

Employees will receive a $2.25 per hour pay raise this year and hourly wage increases of 80 and 85 cents through each year of the contract. Keedy said that brings them closer to salaries of other public works employees in the region.

The contract will allow the city to hire three seasonal employees between April and October at an hourly rate set by council, he said. They will be responsible for grass cutting, washing vehicles, preparing parks for rentals and other tasks.

A union representative did not return a message.