A Contract! Finally!

by Cindy Goldstein -

The Board of Trustees (BOT) voted unanimously during its Legislative Session to ratify a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting forth the terms of a new contract with the Civil Service Employees Association through a collective bargaining process.  See HERE.

The last MOU expired on May 31, 2025, and employees have worked without a contract since then.  The contract covers all Village employees except for professional staff and members of the police department. 

Village Attorney Steven Pambianchi outlined that a significant difference from the prior contract is the reinstatement of “steps” that the previous administration removed during prior negotiations.  In a union contract, a “step” establishes a pay level within a job classification that increases a worker’s salary as they gain experience and/or seniority.  Mayor Sharon Torres said that including “steps” in the contract would make it easier for the Village to hire and retain good employees.

The MOU also includes a salary increase schedule, which for fiscal year 2025-2026 would be retroactive at 2% along with other annual increases specified through 2030.  Salary schedules by job description were also posted.  See HERE.

CSEA members voted 46 – 3 to approve the agreement.