UFCW Contract Update
I am sure you have all seen signs around town on settling the UFCW contract. EVERYONE is eager to get this completed, no one more than I. The Borough has tried to respond to the concerns the Union expressed while also seeking a compromise that is beneficial for the taxpayers/residents of Bradley Beach- given the Borough's budgetary/financial constraints.
The balancing act in any negotiation is a fair financial offer without negative impacts to resident’s services and tax rates over the 3-year horizon.
Earlier this year there was an impasse declared by both parties. A mediator was then brought in to help resolve that impasse. The mediator was not successful, and he recommended a hearing with PERC (Public Employment Relations Commission). This “fact-finding” approach will hopefully lead to a settlement. This is an independent third-party familiar with settlements around the state who recommends to both parties a reasonable settlement of the negotiations. This meeting is scheduled for the second week in August, when all parties are available.
After the mediator’s declaration of a continued impasse in the process, I met twice with Mr. Ross, Mr. Brooks (both Union representatives), the 3-member negotiating committee; and the Borough Administrator to seek clarity in what the Union demands were and to ask for a counteroffer to the previous offers made by the bargaining unit. We received a counteroffer on May 22nd, well after the PERC process was set in motion. The counteroffer was appreciated and a few concessions were brought forward; but still was not aligned to our view of a fair financial balance.
We all appreciate our Public Works employees, Administrative staff, and Dispatchers. Bradley Beach would not be the community it is without them. I hope we can conclude this shortly.
Our Shuttle Service in Bradley Beach is back- F R E E!!
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