City of Louisville public works employees have ratified their first union contract, marking a significant milestone nearly two years after organizing with the UWUA. The three-year agreement, approved in September and retroactive to January 1, delivers wage gains, job protections, and standardized working conditions that establish fairness and stability for the 13-member bargaining unit — now part of UWUA Local G-555.
Negotiating committee members Bob Clapper, John Stubblefield, and Chad Striat led the talks with support from Senior National Representative Frank Meznarich and Local G-555 board members. Clapper, a 26-year city employee who helped lead the organizing effort, retired with pride after ratification. “It took almost two years, but I’m proud to have ended my career helping secure this first contract,” he said.
The agreement includes a 4% raise in the first year, followed by 2% increases in each of the next two years, along with a lump-sum payment and a wage-match clause ensuring parity with other city departments. It also standardizes overtime and on-call procedures — now guaranteeing a three-hour minimum — and raises pay differentials for licenses and certifications.
Stubblefield, a wastewater treatment operator, said the contract provides “continuity and contractual guarantees” regardless of leadership changes at City Hall. Local G-555 Vice President Paul Talboo credited the mediator for helping the parties reach agreement and expressed optimism for “a productive working relationship” going forward.
The Louisville workers now join the ranks of Local G-555, gaining the strength and resources of an established UWUA local.