City of Chicago employees ratify new contract

City of Chicago employees represented by six AFSCME locals have ratified a new five-year contract by an overwhelming margin.

The contract will increase wages by 10 percent over five years, retroactive to July 1, 2012.

"AFSCME-represented city employees provide important public services in every Chicago neighborhood. Like all working people, they deserve decent pay, affordable health care and fair treatment on the job," Council 31 Executive Director Henry Bayer said. "We're pleased to reach an agreement that meets those goals."

Critically, the contract also takes steps to limit privatization of city jobs and services. It establishes a Joint Labor-Management Cooperation Committee to review current or future outsourcings and determine how the city and union can work together to develop alternatives to contracting out.

The contract also extends paid parental leave to city employees, who will be eligible for up to six weeks of paid leave upon giving birth to a child and two weeks of leave if their spouse or domestic partner gives birth, or if they adopt.

The AFSCME Bargaining Committee and the Emanuel administration came to tentative agreement on the terms of the contract June 18 after two years of negotiations.

AFSCME members work in city libraries, health clinics and police precincts; they ensure clean drinking water, protect public health, serve the elderly and others in need, conduct restaurant safety inspections and much more.