10/19/2004 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 10/19/2004 make a decision. They can live with that, but this has gone way past a labor dispute. .~,~. Members have been harassed, threatened with termination, and threatened with retaliation. Currently, they have approximately 12 outstanding grievances. It seems now to be city policy to make them grieve everything rather than try to reach a solution. The Fire Chief has taken a stance that, if anything is not specifically listed in the collective bargaining agreement, then it belongs to management rights. That is not correct. But even agreements reached through collective bargaining are not being honored. They will be happy to let a third party decide those issues. For some reason the administration has found it necessary to operate by means of threats and force. This administration has found it necessary to demand respect but not give respect. Fire fighters not supporting the proposed bond issue for the new station have been threatened, and they have been threatened because of bumper stickers in support of presidential candidate John Kerry. Grievances cost both the union and the city money. With regard to the contract, it appears things are finally coming to a close. Last week he saw what he personally believes to be the most harmful and detrimental thing ever done by this city. Through negotiations they agreed to an employee health care committee. The city has been pushing to begin the process of the committee even though all bargaining unit cycles are not complete. Have been pushed to begin the process and when finally agreed, the city notified people the union invited that they cannot participate unless the city agrees. This is an employee committee with employee advisors and facilitators. How is it that the city is advising or facilitating when the actions of the city so far have been to hinder and interfere? It doesn't make sense to bargain in good faith, agree to changes, push and demand that the committee begin meeting and then stand in the way of that committee. Mr. Dubelko has told the committee they have the right to invite whoever they want. He is not sure if they should file another grievance or an unfair labor practice for bargaining in bad faith. What he would like is an apology. That goes a long way and paves the way for better relationships. If they were to make a mistake or didn't have the right to request a meeting, then they would apologize for their actions and promise not to try and repeat the actions. Once again, they hear that 5pringvale is looking at another deficit, which will most likely have to be fixed by the General Fund. Will city services be cut because of this never-ending annual shortfall? In an effort to save money, he suggests that Council stop hiring outside counsel to represent the city. Regarding grievances, allow SERB to make a ruling of probable cause or not with regards to all three pending unfair labor practices. That should be a good indicator of the validity of the grievances and whether these grievances should proceed. Lastly, sell Springvale and cut our losses. All the fire fighters are asking for is that the city honor its signed agreements-no threats, no harassment. Law Director Dubelko advised Council that they should not comment on unresolved contracts. There is a process in place sanctioned by SERB to resolve contract differences. Secondly, with respect to pending grievances, those are in the pipeline and will be heard by an arbitrator. He wouldn't want Council comments to find their way to the arbitrator for purposes of deciding those issues. He recommends no comments on those two issues. 9