40-Hour Work Week Returns for Unionized Hinsdale Public Works Employees

Village of Hinsdale public works employees will return to a 40-hour work week under a new five-year contract between the village and Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers that was ratified by the union and approved by the village's board of trustees last week.

The change comes after more than three years of reduced hours.

"Starting in Februrary 2009, at the height of the economic downturn, we reduced the work week for these employees 37.5 hours per week," Village President Tom Cauley said during the board's Sept. 13 special meeting.

Other key provisions in the new contract, which covers the period from May 1, 2012, to April 30, 2017, include a 2.5 percent cost-of-living pay increase this year, and a 2 percent increase in 2013. 

Step increases will go into effect beginning in May 2014. 

"In 2014 the step increases will start, which will be 2.7 percent per year based on satisfactory performance of employees," Cauley said.

Under the new contract, the village maintains its rights to reduce staff and contract out certain work, among others. It also does not allow for union members to instigate any strikes, or the village to perform any lockouts. 

Cauley said, "I think this is a very fair agreement and I’d like to extend my appreciation to the union for a cordial bargaining process."

There are 16 public works employees at this time, according to contract documents.