By Bill Cleary
I had heard today that the contract settlement that was reached on June 30 between the City of Gloucester City and the FMBA Local 51 and 251 the unions that represent the Gloucester City firemen has been withdrawn by the union.
Looking for an answer City Solicitor John Kearney was contacted. Kearney writes, \”The president of the Gloucester City firefighters union withdrew the proposed contract so the City has no alternative but to refile the layoff request with Civil Service for permission to lay off 8 firefighters. I expect that request will go out tomorrow.\”
Two weeks ago in my Tips and Snippets column it was reported–The labor contract between the City of Gloucester City and the
firemen’s union represented by Local 51 and Local 251 has not been signed. Come to find out the gossip is true.
On June 30 amid much fanfare both sides released prepared statements that an agreement had been reached after two years of off and on meetings some of which were tumultuous. That verbal contract was reached the day before 8 firefighters were going to be laid off.
To avoid the layoffs the unions consented to no salary increase in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 as well as capping vacation buy back and the elimination of holiday pay. Additionally, sick time buy back will be eliminated for the life of the contract. One of
Wednesday, via an email, City Administrator Jack Lipsett said the City was waiting on the union reps to sign the agreement. The city got a draft of the proposed contract which we promptly responded to. We are awaiting a response.
But Fire Chief Bob Williams, one of the union negotiators said the City has a problem with the wording in the contract. We sent it back to the City. Our attorney, David Fox and City Solicitor John Kearney are meeting to work it out. Asked if it was normal to have a 90 day delay in the signing of the written contract after a verbal agreement is reached? Williams said it seems to be taking longer than previous contracts.
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