Charleroi OKs contract for public works department
CHARLEROI – Charleroi council approved a new four-year contract with the borough’s public works department.
The collective bargaining agreement for the four-member department was approved Wednesday by a 6-0 vote. Council President Frank Paterra was not in attendance.
The new deal takes effect Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2027.
The contract calls for a raise of $3 an hour in the first year of the contract and $1 hourly increases in 2025 and 2026 and a $2 hourly increase in 2027.
For the street department foreman, the increase will bring the hourly rate to $24.37 in 2024; crew leader, $21; $18.53, laborer; and $21.23, fire truck driver.
The fire truck driver does not perform the work of the street department and reports to the fire chief during fire calls and to the borough administrator or borough manager during normal business hours.
The starting rate for new employees hired after the effective date of the agreement is $15 an hour. After a probationary period, the new hire will receive all other benefits and rights per the contract.
In other business Wednesday, council tabled motions to hire a street foreman, two public works laborers and a school crossing guard until background checks are completed.