I’m not knowledgeable about union contract negotiations, so a question. Does the firefighters union have to hire a legal firm to represent them every time there is a contract to negotiate? Does the city law director have no experience in labor contract negotiations?
The union typically does have outside representation, covered either by the local union chapter or the state chapter of the union and yes, this done during every negotiation. Does the city law director have no experience in labor contract negotiations? I can't answer this question. I can say that in 2022, when the city and the IAFF were in fact-finding in front of the State Employee Relations Board, the city's law director did not represent the city.
You hit a crucial point on the head. A City has to balance salary & benefits against what the General Fund can bear. In this day & age you have to pay Very competitively while General Funds are under pressure in many municipalities.
I’m not knowledgeable about union contract negotiations, so a question. Does the firefighters union have to hire a legal firm to represent them every time there is a contract to negotiate? Does the city law director have no experience in labor contract negotiations?
The union typically does have outside representation, covered either by the local union chapter or the state chapter of the union and yes, this done during every negotiation. Does the city law director have no experience in labor contract negotiations? I can't answer this question. I can say that in 2022, when the city and the IAFF were in fact-finding in front of the State Employee Relations Board, the city's law director did not represent the city.
Excellent article Bill.
Thanks Steve!
You hit a crucial point on the head. A City has to balance salary & benefits against what the General Fund can bear. In this day & age you have to pay Very competitively while General Funds are under pressure in many municipalities.