Sisters and Brothers,
The city presented their “last, best, and final” offer to the Local’s bargaining team at the final mediation meeting on September 15, 2014. The bargaining team, in consultation with the mediator, decided to present the city's offer to the membership. This accomplished two things: (1) we remain in the process and (2) we present the offer to the membership for their approval / disapproval and keep the membership actively involved in the process.
What happens next?
If the members approve the city's offer, it will be placed on council agenda for final approval and then signed by both parties. The collective bargaining agreement would then take effect.
If the members reject the city's offer, there are several scenarios that can occur: (1) both parties would proceed to fact finding, as outlined in our impasse procedure, (2) both parties would return to the table and resume negotiations, taking into account that the city's offer was rejected, or (3) we skip fact finding and proceed to referendum.
It is important to keep in mind the fact that we anticipated the city's stance on wages and insurance and started preparing months ago for the possibility of ending up at referendum before we began the negotiations.
Because we are making great strides in our internal communications and political outreach programs, as well as with our stewards program, we are in a better position to protect the wages, benefits and workplace protections we have earned through the years. These strides have encouraged more members to become involved and help advance our cause in the community.
Looking ahead, we still have a lot to accomplish either in future negotiations or in the referendum. With the support and participation of the membership, we will be successful. Your time, talent and ideas are always welcome at the Hall.
Fraternally,
Joe Tellez
Download:
CBA2014_instation_vote.pdf
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