Some employees in Grades 4-7 covered by the 2024-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement should see an increase in their paychecks dated October 9, 2026 thanks to the new top steps implemented on Sept. 19. Employees in Rate Schedule Codes (RSCs) P7, K7, and C7 will now progress to the following top steps:
• Grade 4 Top Step J, an increase of $1,196 annually
• Grade 5 Top Step L, an increase of $1,125 annually
• Grade 6 Top Step M, an increase of $1,062 annually
• Grade 7 Top Step M, an increase of $1,004 annually
The Industrial Relations Department has identified about 1,125 employees currently in the top steps of these grades who will move to one of these new top steps.
This change does not apply only to employees who are currently in the top steps. Any employee who is currently in these grades, is converted to a career position in these grades, or is hired directly into one of these grades will also benefit from these changes.
As negotiated, the new top steps are attainable after an employee completes 36 weeks in the current step of the respective grade. Any time spent in the current top step, including time in that step prior to implementation, will count towards the step waiting period calculation for advancement to the new top step.
This means an employee who is currently in the top step for Grades 4-7 and has been in that top step for at least 36 weeks on September 18, 2026, has moved to the new top step in their grade on September 19, 2026.
For these employees, with the most recent COLA of $1,414, the additional step, and the 1.5% pay increase due on November 14, 2026, will result in an overall increase of approximately $3,500 in their annual pay in just over two months. Depending on the grade, this equates to annual salary increases of between 4.5% and 5.1%.
This is the power a great union contract makes. As the APWU moves into negotiations in 2027, we will be prepared to negotiate an economic package that benefits all those we represent. Reclaiming more top steps will remain a continued demand in negotiations.
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