Workers strike looms amid negotiations over collective bargaining agreement in Vandalia

VANDALIA — The city of Vandalia says its public works employees have set a strike date amid ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

According to a release sent out Friday morning, the union representative for the city’s 18 public works employees filed a notice of an intent to strike beginning May 17.

>> VIDEO: At least 20 railcars derail from train on Clark County railroad

City officials said in the negotiations, they offered an average salary increases of 5.96 percent in 2022, 2.55 percent in 2023 and 2.27 percent in 2024 for the city’s public works technicians, mechanics and office manager in the Public Works Division.

The proposal was recommended the state-appointed neutral fact-finder requested by the union. It was approved by the Vandalia City Council.

The union representative rejected the offer and countered, asking for an average wage increase of 24.05 percent in 2022, 6.28 percent in 2023 and 5.46 percent in 2024, according to a release.

>> Drone company chooses Miami Valley for new testing site

The city called the counter offer “inconsistent” with other salaries negotiated with city employees in other departments. In the Dayton area, the State Employment Relations Board annual wage report indicated that the average public sector negotiated wage increases for 2022 and 2023 were 2.33 percent and 2.37 percent respectively.

City officials said if an agreement is not reached and the workers strike, they have developed a plan to ensure services, such as utilities and trash collection, for Vandalia residents.

©2022 Cox Media Group