County road workers will work 10-hour days from April through November and have insurance for their families for two years after retirement under union contract changes approved by the Mackinac County Road Commission Tuesday, March 30. Commissioners also designated seasonal worker Brett Bednarski as the construction inspector for the Borgstrom Road, Mackinaw Trail, and H-40 road projects.

Contract changes will be reviewed by the employee union.

Employees have been working four 10-hour days from May through October, but the contract change to extend the period reflects the wishes of the employees. Working longer days reduces costs and can be more efficient, Manager Dirk Heckman said, because employees do not have to warm up equipment or set up and remove signs and roadblocks as often.

The current contract states union employees will be covered for two years following their retirement. The new language specifies employees and their spouses and dependents will be covered. The road commission has always covered spouses and dependents, Mr. Heckman said, and the change is to clarify the commission's intent.

As for Mr. Bednarski, the Michigan Department of Transportation requires a construction inspector for competitively bid, federally-funded projects, Mr. Heckman explained to commissioners, before they approved his recommendation.

Mr. Bednarski has experience in construction inspection, Mr. Heckman said, and can receive additional training as necessary. He will work a minimum of 40 hours a week at $13.25 an hour, Mr. Heckman said.