MAWC, union reach new labor deal
The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County and a union representing more than 260 workers have agreed to a new five-year labor contract.
Authority board members last week approved the collective bargaining agreement with the Utility Workers of America Local 164 that includes pay raises totaling 14% over the life of the deal.
Workers will receive a one-time $2,000 bonus.
“This is a contract that is fair for both sides and provides us stability for the next five years,” authority board member Carmen Pedicone said.
Union members will receive 3% raises in each of the first three years of the deal and 2.5% raises in years four and five.
The union represents nearly three quarters of the authority’s 350-person workforce. Union members include line workers and office staff.
Union President Jerry Sachs said rank-and-file members ratified the contract in October.
“We fought back and forth and now I think it was a fair contract for both sides,” Sachs said.
Rich Cholodofsky is a TribLive reporter covering Westmoreland County government, politics and courts. He can be reached at rcholodofsky@triblive.com.
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