Billings city officials and the union representing hundreds of municipal employees have tentatively agreed on a new contract, averting a threatened strike.
The Teamsters Union Local 190, which represents workers in road maintenance, emergency services, MET Transit, the airport, garbage collection and other city services, had previously rejected a “last, best and final offer” from management. The union rank and file had also approved a strike – if no better offer was reached by the time the current collective agreement expires on June 30.
Days of mediation talks followed. The city announced the pact Thursday morning but did not provide details of the new three-year contract.
People also read…
City Manager Chris Kukulski is photographed in his office in downtown Billings in November 2023.
AMY LYNN NELSON, Billings Gazette
In a press release, Jim Soumas, secretary-treasurer of the Teamsters, said he appreciated the city’s “willingness to work with us to find a solution.” And City Manager Chris Kukulski thanked the negotiating team and the “staff who serve our community.”
City spokeswoman Victoria Hill said neither side wished to comment further.
Unfortunately for the union, some members of city leadership have received large raises in recent years. At the same time, the originally proposed raises for union members were not enough given the rising cost of living in Billings, Soumas previously told the Gazette.
Kukulski responded that the city began making salary changes for management because the collective bargaining agreements could not be changed before they expired.
Teamsters members will vote on the new contract by July 11, Hill said. After the union ratifies it, a City Council vote would follow.
The City Council approved a raise for Billings Administrator Chris Kukulski in October, bringing his annual salary to $212,627. That’s $6,192 more per year for Kukulski, who is responsible for the city’s roughly 1,100 employees.
Assistant City Manager Kevin Iffland received a raise of about 8% over the past two fiscal years, with his annual salary increasing from $187,073 in 2023 to $202,607 this year.
Salaries for Billings’ other 18 top management positions have also increased over the past two fiscal years, ranging from 3.7% to 19.6%. City department heads and assistant directors now earn between $123,186 and $183,417 per year.
The pact between Billings and the Teamsters prevents a strike by workers at MET Transit, road maintenance and other services.
SHUN GRAVES, Billings Gazette
