Finance panel backs Steelworkers pay contract

Finance Sub-Committee · Meeting of October 28, 2026

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH — The North Attleborough Finance Sub-Committee voted 4-0 to recommend funding for a new three-year contract with the United Steelworkers union and a separate appropriation for crosswalk safety repairs. The USW agreement costs the town $71,210.48 in its first year, split between salary reserve and enterprise funds, rising to roughly $164,000 annually once fully phased in; it introduces longevity payments up to $1,000 for 30-year employees and guarantees a 9 percent raise over three years. A member identified as Cameron questioned whether the contract allowed employees to "game the system" by timing retirements around pay steps; the Town Manager said no such loophole was found.

The committee also voted 4-0 to appropriate $38,734.50 in ride-share fee revenue toward a $73,200 repair bill for crosswalk beacons, school zone flashers and speed radar signs, with officials noting recurring push-button failures "from use, or borderline abuse."

In the full story:

• Approval of September 30 Minutes
• Measure 2027-025: United Steelworkers Memorandum of Agreement
• Measure 2027-032: Ride-Share Fee Funding for Crosswalk and Signal Repairs
• Adjournment
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 1,930 words

Source: the Finance Sub-Committee meeting of October 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript. It was corrected where it differed.