Peoria AFSCME Local reaches T.A. with PHA, Library

Peoria's Local 3464 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees had a good month in May

First, the union reached a Tentative Agreement with the Peoria Housing Authority, where AFSCME represents 18 workers, four of whom were on the bargaining team along with a staff representative from Council 31 and Local President Anthony Walraven.

“It’s a substantial contract,” Walraven said, “– the best wage increase in decades plus a signing bonus and more days off – without concessions.”

A ratification vote is expected this month.

Elsewhere, 3464 is close to settling a grievance with the Peoria Public Library about a long-standing past practice permitting workers to make up as much as two hours per week as long as their total hours remain unchanged.

When workers were prohibited from using the opportunity because of “new policy” management announced, the union filed a grievance and said they were willing to negotiate.

“It was not in the contract but largely understood by management and the union,” Walraven said. “But our position was it was something the library couldn’t unilaterally change.”

A Tentative Agreement for a Memo of Understanding or side letter was reached, and union approval is pending while language is being finalized.

“It’s important to show the value of a contract beyond percentages of wage increases,” Walraven said.