Labor pact clears way to hiring / By Martha Knight

A special meeting of the Port Allegany Borough Council Wednesday night cleared the way for two vacancies on the borough crew to be filled promptly.

Council members voted unanimously to approve the three-year contract with Local 1319 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which represents non-uniformed employees.

The three-year agreement takes effect January 1. But portions of the contract will take effect immediately, according to a letter of agreement also endorsed by the borough council, allowing some language tweaks in the contract to amend the current agreement.

That provision was wanted by the borough council so that the new employees will come aboard under the terms of the new contract.

Shop steward Mike Kio attended the meeting, and signed the contract on behalf of the local.

The new contract calls for a three percent raise for 2015, resulting in hourly wages of $16.48 for a new hire, $18.92  for class C after probation, several other class steps, through $23.41 for the crew leader.

In 2016 and 17 there will be 3.5 percent pay increases.

Over the life of the pact participating employees will pay 10 percent, then 12 percent, then 14 percent of the cost of the group hospitalization plan.

Council members agreed to hold preliminary discussions of applications for the borough manager position, in conjunction with planned special meetings next week already scheduled for budget preparation.

A number of applications have been received for the position soon to be vacated by Richard Kallenborn. Council members plan to decide which applicants will be interviewed, and then will schedule interviews with the best qualified candidates.

Kallenborn agreed to assist council in the winnowing sessions. Council member Kate Kysor said she, for one, would like to know in more detail what the duties of the borough manager are.