LAKE STATION | Leaf pickup, road striping and other public works needs don't come to a grinding halt on Saturdays, said Mayor Keith Soderquist.

Soderquist said under his plan, public works employees spread out their work week over a six-day period including Saturdays, he said.

The sixth day recently received the union stamp of approval following negotiations with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3379, he said.

"We've been in negotiations with the union for several weeks and we got what we wanted. The big one was getting a six-day work crew," he said.

Soderquist said the sixth day of services began earlier this year after he was sworn in as mayor.

"It's pretty powerful. I don't know of any other cities doing it. I see it as a trend," he said.

He said under the system, some Public Works employees work Monday through Friday while others work Tuesday through Saturday. No overtime is received for working on Saturdays.

He said the beauty of the plan is that residents receive an extra day of services, which will soon include garbage pickup. The city is taking over the garbage collection starting in October.

The union also approved restructuring of wages, he said.

Under the changes, individuals with more seniority and more abilities receive more money.