The raises Fort Dodge maintenance and clerical workers may get in their next contract will be a major topic of negotiations that began Thursday morning.

Leaders of United Steel Workers Local 11-502 asked for a 4 percent raise in each year of a proposed three-year contract.

City leaders offered a 2 percent raise in each year of a three-year contract.

They also proposed that union employees pay $50 a month for their family health care coverage.

''We feel this is a rather modest amount,'' Jim Vollmer, the city's human resources director, told union representatives.

Currently, the employees represented by the United Steel Workers don't pay anything for family health care premiums. They do pay deductibles and co-payments for care under the program.

The contract talks began in a friendly manner, with union local President Shawn Mortiz noting that the workers have ''no pressing issues'' to discuss. He said the union hasn't filed any grievances in a long time.

''You have a good local here - all good, dependable workers,'' Moritz said.

City Manager David Fierke complimented the union members.

''I would agree with Shawn; it's a good union,'' Fierke said. ''It's a pleasure working with you.''

The talks launched Thursday will produce a labor agreement to replace a contract that will expire June 30, 2010.

The remainder of the negotiations will be conducted privately.

The union represents 63 people. Most of them are employed in the Public Works Department. The union also includes clerks in the utility billing office, Police Department clerks, parks maintenance workers and plant operators at the John W. Pray Water Facility.

Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net