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Home My WebLink AboutRES2025-072 Collective Bargaining Agreement with IBEWi i Sponsored by: Sorensen CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2025-072 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, APPROVING THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SEWARD AND THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS (IBEW) LOCAL 1547 WHEREAS, the City of Seward and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1547 have negotiated in good faith to reach a new agreement governing the wages and working conditions for electrical linemen, plant operators, and the field engineer employed by the City's Electric Department; and WHEREAS, both parties have agreed to the terms and conditions set forth in the attached Collective Bargaining Agreement; and WHEREAS, the new agreement ensures fair compensation, safe working conditions, and labor stability for the Electric Department through June 30, 2029; and WHEREAS, the agreement reflects a mutual commitment to maintaining reliable electric service to the community while ensuring fiscal responsibility and workforce support. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that: Section 1. The City Council hereby approves the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Seward and IBEW Local 1547, which is effective upon adoption and shall expire June 30, 2029. Section 2. The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute the agreement and take all necessary steps to implement its terms. Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 28th day of July 2025. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA attknjcist Sue McClure, Mayor CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2025-072 Page 2 of 2 AYES: Barnwell, Finch, Crites, Osenga, McClure NOES: None ABSENT: Wells, Warner ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) .�***OF SEW.*** ? V : G Edo • - • F. ® SEAL• **„'17' OF'P` Q. 0 C City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: July 28, 2025 To: City Council Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager From: Taylor Crocker, Electric Operations Supervisor Subject: Resolution 2025-072: Approving the Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the City of Seward and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1547 Background and justification: The City of Seward and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1547 have engaged in good faith negotiations to renew the Collective Bargaining Agreement that governs the wages, benefits, and working conditions for electrical linemen, plant operators, and the field engineer employed in the City's Electric Department. The negotiations resulted in a Tentative Agreement (TA) that modernizes critical employment provisions, maintains operational stability, and supports the City's ability to recruit and retain a skilled workforce. The new agreement will remain in effect through June 30, 2029. Key changes in the new contract include: • Section 1.1— Term of Agreement: Extends the contract through June 30, 2029, providing long-term labor stability and predictability for City operations. • Section 5.10 — Standby Pay: Increases standby pay for linemen to $2.00/hour and operators to $3.00/hour. Enhanced overtime premiums for weekends and holidays were also agreed upon to better compensate employees for after-hours availability. • Section 10.3 — Tools and Clothing Allowance: Raises the annual FR upkeep allowance from $850 to $1,200, aligning with industry standards and rising gear costs. • Section 12.2 — Wage Adjustments and Clarification: Implements competitive wage adjustments to the Journeyman Lineman base rate of pay. o Effective July 1st, 2025, an increase to $60.01, o Effective July lst, 2026, an increase to $64.21, o Effective July 1st, 2027, an increase to $68.70, o Effective July lst, 2028, all Journeymen shall receive an increase of the current base rate of pay or the current base rate equal to 100% of the U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers for Anchorage measured from January 1st, 2027 through December 31st, 2027, with a minimum 2.5% and a maximum of 5%. • Section 12.1 — Pension Contributions: Increases the City's contribution to the Alaska Electrical Pension Fund (AEPF) and Alaska Electrical Workers Retirement Savings Plan (AEWRSP) as follows: o Effective July 1, 2025: $11.57 per hour to AEPF o Effective July 1, 2026: $13.07 per hour to AEPF o Effective July 1, 2027: $14.07 per hour to AEPF o Effective July 1, 2028: $14.57 per hour to AEPF o AEWRSP monthly contribution increased to $265.00 per eligible employee These enhancements demonstrate a shared commitment to safety, reliability, workforce investment, and financial stewardship. The agreement supports the Electric Department's ability to deliver high -quality, uninterrupted service to Seward residents while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Approval of this resolution authorizes the City Manager to execute the Collective Bargaining Agreement with IBEW Local 1547 and implement the negotiated terms effective immediately. Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan: Strategic Plan: Other: Certification of Funds Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $ This legislation (✓): Creates revenue in the amount of: $ Creates expenditure in amount of: $ Creates a savings in the amount of: $ Has no fiscal impact Funds are (✓): Budgeted Line item(s): Not budgeted Not applicable Affected Fund (✓): General Boat Harbor Motor Pool Available Fund Balance SMIC Parking Other x Electric Water Wastewater Healthcare Note: amounts are unaudited Finance Director Signature: �G Yes Attorney Signature: Not applicable Comments: Attorney Review Administration Recommendation Adopt Resolution Other: