By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

No changes will be made in the new employment contract for members of the Hays Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 513.

The city and the union had been at an impasse on the 2016-2018 employment contract since June 3 and a subsequent mediation was unsuccessful.

During a hearing at Thursday night’s city commission meeting, representatives of both sides presented their concerns.

Representing the union was Harold Schlectweg, Wichita, who said employees wanted formal input each year into how much they pay and how much the city contributes for health insurance. City Manager Toby Dougherty reminded commissioners they had already determined the $9,500 cap per employee would not change for the next three years.

Following the hearing, city commissioners voted unanimously to keep the 2016-2018 employment contract as is. Local 513 represents employees in Public Works, Parks and Utilities.