CLINTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Highway workers in DeWitt County are advocating for a new contract with the county board following their recent authorization of a strike.

Members say they’ve been negotiating since last November with no budge on the wage increase they’re seeking.

The county reports that employees are requesting a pay increase ranging from 12.5% to 14.5%, dependent on the position. Union representatives claim this raise would align their pay with the state average, which they currently fall short of.

“The issue really revolves around wages,” said County Board Chair Joe Witte.

So far, DeWitt County and highway maintenance workers don’t see eye to eye.

“We’re years behind on our pay scale, ” said highway maintenance worker Rob Wickenhauser.

Wickenhauser, a three-year employee, noted that the department’s wages for highway maintenance are significantly below the state average of $28.77.

Wickenhauser said all of the other county employees are at or above the state average.

“Our wages trail by nearly $5,” Wickenhauser stated. “We aim to match the current industry wage.”

But the county said this type of jump is just too much at once.

Witte said they already gave highway maintenance a 5% increase in December of last year.

Witte commented, “We, as county board members, are entrusted with a fiduciary duty to our county’s citizens. Sanctioning such a high raise would be irresponsible.”

Workers also say they want backpay in that 12.5% and 14.5% raise from December 2024.

Wickenhauser elaborated, “We handle various tasks such as road maintenance, snow plowing, and installing drainage systems. Our roles require CDL licenses and pesticide application skills. The job is multifaceted.”

Wickenhauser said so far, negotiations have not been promising. AFSCME accused the county of violating state labor law during negotiations, first by claiming its very first proposal was its quote “final offer” and then by openly threatening to fire any employee on strike.

“We deny those allegations,” Witte said.

He said the Illinois Labor Relations Board sent the county a letter, and they’re now drafting their response, which is due by September 5th.

Despite this claim, both sides say they are hopeful a deal can be reached without a strike.

“Our goal is still to, at the negotiating table, come to an agreement,” Witte said. “And that’s what we’re focused on.”

While both sides said they will meet twice early next month to negotiate, they would not confirm which days those meetings would take place.