A tentative agreement has been reached between Midlothian and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, with the Village Board set to vote on it Wednesday night, Local 150 announced Friday.
The agreement follows a strike by public works employees that began Feb. 23, after federal mediation sessions failed to secure a new contract.
“The tentative agreement has been reviewed and ratified by Local 150 members,” the union wrote in a statement to the Daily Southtown. “The members went on strike to protest the unfair labor practice, to achieve a fair contract and for respect. They achieved all of their objectives.”
Kristine Kavanagh, communications director for Local 150, confirmed the village’s dozen public works employees returned to work Friday.
The labor union did not share the details of the agreement.
Local 150 filed an unfair labor practice charge with the Illinois Labor Relations Board Feb. 12 and later informed the village of its intent to strike. The union said the strike was not only in response to the alleged unfair labor practice, but also to push for a fair and equitable contract. Key demands include improved wages and insurance benefits, the union said.
The union also sought insurance coverage for bargaining unit retirees, which it argued is provided to other village employees.
The agreement comes after the fourth mediation session with the village and the labor union, which had sessions on Jan. 23, Feb. 21, March 3 and March 7, according to Local 150.
Twice, the labor union said it was prepared to “sit at the bargaining table as long as necessary to negotiate a fair contract” but negotiations were forced to end because the village did not have an authorized decision-maker present who could approve an agreement, the labor union said.
“Local 150 believes that this agreement will not only resolve current disputes, but also pave the way to reestablish the relationship with the Village in the future,” the union wrote in a news release. “By promoting an environment of trust and cooperation, we can ensure that any challenges are addressed promptly and effectively, preventing disruptions and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.”
The village could not be immediately reached Monday.
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