Lexington City Council members have been briefed on the city’s collective bargaining process. The bargaining, in closed door negotiations between the administration and unions for police, fire, and corrections, came under review this week.
Current negotiations focus on collective bargaining for police. Dave Barberie, from the city’s Law Department, said there are two agreements for each group of employees. Barberie said there’s what he called “a natural tension” where, quote, “employers normally look to put as little as possible in an agreement and unions look to put as much as possible.”
Collective bargaining is used to define pay and benefits for employees in police, fire, and corrections. Council Member James Brown noted some citizens view collective bargaining as a way to address concerns. “Because a lot of folks feel like that we’re not voicing or speaking on issues or as a council to try to address some of the concerns that they brought forth. But I think we’re all trying to be cautious of the process, but at the same time, be responsive to the folks that we represent,” said Brown.
Since collective bargaining began about 16 years ago in Lexington, Dave Barberie said final agreements have always been reached. He was asked what would happen if council rejected an agreement. Barberie said the issue would go back before negotiators to try and work it out.
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