New Lower Merion Worker's Union Contract Vote Coming Wednesday

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — The union representing Lower Merion Township workers will likely have its new contract approved Wednesday night by the township board of commissioners.

A special board of commissioners meeting is planned for 8 p.m. Wednesday, during which the commissioners will be presented the contract by the township's Administrative and Human Resources Committee.

The Lower Merion Township Worker's Association voted 104 to 53 recently to ratify the new, four-year contract.

"Our [Worker's Association] worked diligently through multiple bargaining sessions with our staff and the Board of Commissioners to craft an agreement that improves the lives of their employee union members while helping to maintain the financial condition of the Township," township Manager Ernie McNeely wrote in a briefing. "The proposed settlement is positive for both the Township and our employees."

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.

Wednesday's meeting allows for in-person and virtual attendance, and will be LMTV, available on Comcast Cable Channel 7, Verizon FiOS Channel 37, online here.

The meeting will be held in the second floor boardroom of the Lower Merion Township Administration Building, 75 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore.