Scranton and DPW union agree on new five-year contract

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A five-year contract agreement has been reached between the City of Scranton and the union that represents its Department of Public Works employees.

Union members from Local Lodge 2305 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers approved the new contract March 23.

According to a news release from the City of Scranton, the agreement will run through 2029. Other takeaways from the contract include:

The City will have greater flexibility to deploy DPW staff to ensure the City’s needs are being met, particularly during weather-related emergencies. Special 12-hour flex shifts may be required for events, such as snow emergencies or flooding. The City can also implement mandatory shifts as it deems necessary to ensure round-the-clock response to weather-related and other emergency events.Enhanced disciplinary measures for abuse of sick time.Eligible employees will receive a one-time lump sum payment for 2025, as well as incremental wage increases that average approximately 3% per year thereafter.Employee cost sharing for employee health care will increase.Regarding the removal of mandatory residency for City employees, DPW employees are now required to live in Lackawanna County or within 25 air miles of Scranton City Hall.