Latrobe Council OKs public works union contract, raises

A dozen Latrobe City workers who are members of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 629 will receive annual pay hikes of 4.25% under a new three-year contract approved unanimously by city council.

Beginning July 1, the agreement covers seven public works employees and additional clerical staff.

City Manager Michael Gray told council this week he estimated a pay increase of 3% when developing this year’s budget. But, he said, “The budget can endure that for a six-month period. It’s not a serious impact.”

Depending on their years of service, affected workers will see hourly increases ranging from 77 cents to about $1.20, Gray said.

He said the agreement includes increases in some benefits that are meant to help retain workers.

A boot allowance is going up from $110 to $150. Workers will receive between 12 and 18 days of annual sick leave, depending on their years of service; previously, all sick leave was capped at 12 days.

“It’s something to provide an incentive for someone staying,” Gray said. “We don’t want to lose those seasoned employees.”

Bridget DiVittis, a member of council’s public works committee, said she supports hiring in that department.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Gray later said. “They are busy, and they can use the help.”

But, he added, “We have to make sure the city can adequately budget that. You never want to put an employee in a situation where we can’t afford him long-term.”

Gray noted a public works employee who resigned during the pandemic has not been replaced. “We decided cautiously, with covid, we would just postpone the hiring. It was spoken about at the beginning of this year, but we didn’t have it in the budget.”

Revitalization head joins planning panel

Council appointed Jarod Trunzo, executive director of the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program, to fill a vacancy on the city planning commission. His term will expire on Jan. 31, 2026.