Commissioners Approve Public Works Contract

Members of Lower Macungie Township's Public Works union agreed Thursday to terms for a new four-year contract offered by township officials.

In turn, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the contract at its regular meeting on Nov. 1.

Included in the terms of the new contract:

* A 2.9 percent pay increase over four years.

* Increase in employee contribution to health care benefits.

* Reduction of bankable sick time hours per year to 640 from 1,040.

* Reduction of pension contribution to 10 percent of salary for new hires. Current employees get 20 percent.

Commissioner Ryan Conrad, who was part of the township's negotiating team was not expecting the union members to accept the terms of the contract so quickly, he said.

He commended the workers on their sacrifice saying the value of their work far exceeds the positive fiscal effect their cooperation has and will have on the township.