A union of Aurora metropolis workers picketed exterior City Hall on Tuesday night, simply earlier than a gathering of the Aurora City Council, to demand a “fair contract.”
Union members marched in a circle simply beside the constructing’s essential entrance, holding indicators saying “Fair Contract Now” and chanting issues like “Union power” and “Aurora is a union town.” Just earlier than the City Council assembly started, they got here inside to take a seat within the viewers and show their indicators.
Local 3298 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees — made up of roughly 180 Aurora metropolis workers throughout varied departments — had its contract expire on the finish of 2024 and has been been in contract negotiations with town since January 2025. The native isn’t asking for something not already included in different unions’ contracts, in accordance with Union President and Fire Inspector Jim French.
“We feel we are just as important to you as any other entity is,” he advised the City Council through the assembly’s public remark interval. “We do not want to be treated as less. We’ve been offered less, and my members are not going to stand for that.”
In an announcement, metropolis officers stated they’ve engaged in good-faith negotiations with the native and stay dedicated to reaching a mutually-beneficial contract. Last 12 months’s budget shortfalls made the negotiation course of difficult, officers stated.
“Regardless of the outcome, 3298 will continue to receive a highly competitive compensation package,” town’s assertion stated.
Specifically, the union is asking for a 4% pay enhance every year for 4 years, French advised The Beacon-News through the picket. Plus, they need to clear up a number of the language within the contract to attenuate labor disputes, he stated.
In a information launch, native Vice President Jennifer Olman stated it’s “disturbing” that her unit, which is made up of 75% ladies, has to battle for a similar pay town already gave different teams of workers made up of largely males, Olmen stated. And as frontline workers, Local 3298 represents the face of Aurora metropolis authorities, she stated.
During his speech to City Council, French stated that Local 3298 has members with all kinds of roles, together with telecommunications on the 911 name heart, data on the police division, finance, customer support, constructing inspections, animal management and extra.
“They are all critical services to you,” he advised the City Council. “We don’t want to see any of that change. We are looking to make everybody’s life better.”
Negotiations are proper on the end line, however at a standstill, in accordance with French. He stated the union simply isn’t getting the response it might like from metropolis workers.
Last 12 months, Aurora added a new position to its regulation division to deal particularly with labor and employment issues, efforts that town beforehand contracted out to a 3rd get together.
rsmith@chicagotribune.com
