Joliet AFSCME Local 440 Finally Gets New Contract, City Employees Can Live 50 Miles Away From Joliet

The Joliet City Council will vote on the contract at Tuesday night's meeting.

By John Ferak, Patch Staff

May 19, 2026 8:36 am CDT

It is recommended that the Mayor and the City Council approve the attached Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of the Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the City of Joliet and AFSCME, Local 440." (File image via John Ferak/Patch )

JOLIET, IL — Joliet Mayor Terry D'Arcy and City Manager Beth Beatty have struggled over the past couple of years in trying to negotiate a new contract with the city of Joliet employees who represent collective bargaining unit AFSCME Local 440. Now, there's finally a multi-year retroactive ready for a Joliet City Council vote.

The vote goes to the Council on Tuesday night.

According to a memo from Joliet's new director of human resources, Elizabeth Coronado Abrego, "After extensive negotiations, the City and AFSCME, Local 440 have reached an agreement as to the Collective Bargaining Agreement being brought before the Council for consideration which includes the following significant terms:

A four-year term from January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2028, with wage increases of 3.25 percent in 2025, 3.25 percent in 2026, 3.25 percent in 2027, and 3.25 percent in 2028.

A modified wage schedule for new employees that includes three additional steps between the current first and second steps with no impact on current employees.

A modified wage schedule for Dispatch employees, which makes their starting wages competitive with the market.

Expanded residency to include residency within a 50-mile radius of the intersection of Essington Rd. and Jefferson St. in Joliet.

Resolution of the union’s pending holiday pay grievance in exchange for clarifying CBA language on holiday pay compensation and the City agreeing to pay backpay of one hour per hour worked for the impacted Public Utilities employees.

New or revised language on various operational issues including the process for filling vacancies, disciplinary procedures, and a vacation forfeiture date.

Abrego's City Council memo goes on to explain, "it is recommended that the Mayor and the City Council approve the attached Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of the Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the City of Joliet and AFSCME, Local 440."