Cleveland City Council Approves New Labor Contract for 952 Municipal Workers
Cleveland City Council has passed an emergency ordinance to finalize a new three-year labor contract for approximately 952 municipal workers represented by the Association of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME Local 100). The agreement, passed under File No. 663-2026, establishes compensation and working terms for city employees covering the period from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2028.
What's in the file
The ordinance ratifies a collective bargaining agreement reached at the bargaining table to avoid impasse procedures. The contract includes a 3% base wage increase for each year of the three-year term.
According to the 663-2026-A File, the agreement also includes targeted hourly adjustments for specific roles to assist with recruitment and retention. The 663-2026 FPletter also notes an amendment to the Pay Band (Section 8) of Ordinance 194-2021, increasing maximum rates by one-half (1/2) percent to account for rounding during implementation.
Key wage adjustments include:
- Building and Planning: Additional hourly increases for Residential Building Inspectors (I, II, and III), Residential Plan Examiners, Assistant Plan Examiners, Elevator Inspectors, and Interim Building/Mechanical Inspectors.
- Clerical and Data: Increases for Senior Data Conversion Operators, Principal Clerks, Senior Clerks, and Junior Clerks.
- Airport and Public Safety: Additional pay for Airport Terminal Operations Agents and ARFF Paramedics.
- Public Utilities: Increased start and top rates for Customer Service Representatives/Customer Account Associates, as well as adjustments for House Connection Inspectors, Meter Techs, and Meter Readers.
- Environmental/Grant-Funded: New pay scales for Environmental Compliance/Enforcement/Monitoring Specialists 1, 2, and 3, which are fully funded by air quality grants.
| Position | Additional Hourly Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Community Development Rehab Inspector | $2.00/hr. |
| Residential Building Inspectors I, II and III | $1.80/hr. |
| Residential Plan Examiner | $1.43/hr. |
| Assistant Plan Examiner | $.80/hr. |
| Elevator Inspector | $1.00/hr. in 2027 |
| Building/Mechanical Inspector Interim | $1.00/hr. in 2027 |
| Senior Data Conversion Operator | $1.00/hr. in 2027 |
| Principal Clerk | $1.00/hr. in 2027 |
| Senior Clerk | $.75/hr. in 2027 |
| Junior Clerk | $.50/hr. in 2027 |
| Airport Terminal Operations Agents | $1.09/hr. in 2027 |
Who may be affected
- AFSCME Local 100 Members: Approximately 952 city employees.
- Airport Personnel: Specifically Terminal Operations Agents and ARFF Paramedics.
- Public Utilities Staff: Including Customer Service Representatives, House Connection Inspectors, Meter Techs, and Meter Readers.
- Building and Planning Departments: Including various inspectors and examiners.
- Public Safety Management: Noted in relation to Senior Data Conversion Operator staffing.
Status and timeline
- April 22, 2026: A tentative agreement was reached between the City and AFSCME Local 100.
- May 6, 2026: The contract was ratified by the union membership.
- May 15, 2026: The ordinance was introduced to City Council.
- May 18, 2026: The legislation was requested to be addressed under suspension.
Residents can verify the details of this agreement and the specific wage adjustments by reviewing the official record at Cleveland City Council.
Key facts
- Workers covered
- 952
- Contract term
- 3 years
- Annual base wage increase
- 3%
Source record
- File
- 663-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- May 14, 2026
Official documents
- 663-2026-A File- Ratify CBA collective bargaining agreement with Afscme Local 100 and amend payband section 8
- 663-2026 FPletter-Ratify CBA collective bargaining agreement with Afscme Local 100 and amend payband section 8
- 663-2026-FOR PASSAGE-Ratify CBA collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 100 and amend payband section 8
- 663-2026 FINAL VERSION-CITY RECORD MAY 29, 2026 PG.47