Lower Merion Worker's Association Gets New Contract Approved

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — Lower Merion Township employees in the Lower Merion Worker's Association have a new contract.

The township's board of commissioners last week voted 12-2 to approve a new 4-year contract for the union.

Under the contract, union wages will increase by 4.75 percent in 2023, then 3.5 percent in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

As for health benefits, the township will move the base year to 2023 with a rolling 10 percent cap.
Pension contributions are also affected by the new contract.

Employees hired before Jan. 1, 2003 will make the following pension contributions from their salary based on years of employment:

• 0 to 4.99 years — 4 percent
• 5 to 9.99 years — 4 percent
• 10 to 24.99 years — 3 percent
• Over 25 years — 2 percent

Then, after Jan. 1, 2024, the years of credited service used to determine the pension contribution rate will be frozen and the following salary pension contributions will be in effect:

• 0 to 9.99 years — 5 percent in 2024, 2025, and 2026
• 10 to 24.99 years — 4 percent in 2024, 5 percent in 2025 and 2026
• Over 25 years — 3 percent in 2024, 4 percent in 2025, and 5 percent in 2026

All employees hired on or after January 1, 2003, will be required to contribute 5 percent of salary to the pension plan.

The contract also includes new time off and legal holiday guidelines, such as the inclusion of Juneteenth as a legal holiday for all members of the Worker's Association.

Full details of the contract are available online here.