After six months of negotiation, Independent Township employees have a new contract, approved by unanimous vote of the Township Board June 5 in closed session.
‘I’m relieved and happy to finally have one,? said Jeff Cooper, president of American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 2720.
‘It’s nice to have it off our backs so we can continue on and not have to worry about it hanging over our heads.?
The AFSCME union represents all township employees with the exception of the fire department, which has its own union.
The contract includes a 3-percent pay increase for employees. A 4-percent raise stalled negotiations in December.
‘It’s well deserved,? said Trustee Larry Rosso. ‘I think both sides are pretty happy, as happy as they can be after a tough negotiation.?