Rochelle Approves New Labor Agreement With Electrical Workers Union

ROCHELLE — The Rochelle City Council approved a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers that will run through April 30, 2028. City staff said negotiations focused on maintaining fiscal responsibility while supporting employee retention and operational efficiency at Rochelle Municipal Utilities. The agreement includes updated lineperson wage adjustments tied to certification and completion of a six month probation period, a new seven year longevity pay step in addition to the existing 15 year step, and annual cost of living increases of 3.5 percent. City officials said the changes are intended to improve retention, support workforce stability, and maintain competitiveness within the regional utility labor market.