Representatives of the Cook County Employee Association (CCEA) expressed satisfaction with the outcome of contract negotiations with the county board in a latter dated June 9, 2009, even though they will not be receiving cost of living increases in the next two years.
“The CCEA Negotiating Team would like to take this opportunity to thank the County Negotiating Committee for negotiating this contract in good faith during this difficult economic climate. We recognize the uncertainty surrounding the state budget presented a stressful challenge and we are grateful for your willingness to overcome it and reach an agreement,” the letter says.
While the contract gives the union employees no cost of living raises, step increases recognizing years of experience will be given.
Employees other than social workers will now be able to be paid a minimum of two hours’ overtime wages when they are called out on business outside their normal working hours. The new policy will benefit Maintenance Department, computer support, and public health personnel who are occasionally called out for assistance with urgent needs at night, on weekends, or on holidays.
The county board negotiates contracts at different times with several different unions and some non-union employees such as department heads. Some employees, such as supervisors, are non-union and unrepresented.
The union contract with Sheriff ‘s Office employees will not need to be negotiated for a couple of years, but Highway Department negotiations will start up again in the fall, with the most recent contract having been settled in February 2008.
A mediator was used this year during negotiations with the Cook County Employee Association. Commissioner Bob Fenwick stated at a county board meeting June 9 that bringing in a mediator helped the discussions and was not meant to be adversarial.
Leave a Reply