Mokena, Engineers Union Come to One-Year Deal: The Gist

What happened?

Local 150 Operating Engineers signed a new one-year contract with the village. They're the folks who operate heavy equipment and construction equipment.

Um, so? What's weird about signing a new contract?

Usually, the village and Local 150 come to four-year contracts. But because of the economy, the village didn't want to lock into a contract that could mean they're stuck giving raises for four years even if the financial situation gets worse. This is the second one-year contract the union and village have signed.

So there are raises?

The contract has a 2.5 percent increase retroactive to July 1. Village Administrator John Downs said this is on par with the cost-of-living raises the village gave non-union employees.

What's this cost?

The increase for the Local 150 raises will total $36,200.

Anything else going on?

The village is still negotiating their contract with the Teamsters.