Luna agreed noting that the council cannot “send mixed signals” during negotiations.“I’m not comfortable with it,” and although councilmembers shouldn’t be involved in negotiations, they also must retain the right to meet with an employee(s), said Procter. “If they want to give me some facts and figures that’s fine, but I won’t respond to it…I think people should still have access to me. For them to be shutout I don’t agree with it.”Negotiations are more than dealing with employees and their associations, said Krause, but other contact can endanger the city’s position in negotiations.“If an employee has a complaint and they don’t have any avenue to go through except the council, they can still do even in time of negotiation,” such as a complaint of sexual harassment, noted Luna.Six years ago Councilman Rick Cook said he got into trouble for “teasing someone about buying a new car…then I heard that I said that they didn’t need a raise.”Even employees at times have a “disconnect” from the union representing them, said Procter, a reason not to preclude contact with staffers.Ultimately the council voted 4-1 for the guidelines, with Procter casting the lone nay vote.
Split vote on proposed City Council/Labor Discussions guidelines
January 19, 2005
Santa Paula City Council
The City Council split on a labor negotiation related issue when one member did not endorse proposed guidelines for council/labor discussions at the January 3 meeting.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe City Council split on a labor negotiation related issue when one member did not endorse proposed guidelines for council/labor discussions at the January 3 meeting. Proposed by City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz the guidelines “clearly outline the role of individual councilmembers in dealings with employee bargaining units, their representatives and employees representing the bargaining unit,” according to the staff report. “The policy allows for an exchange of ideas while respecting the collective bargaining process and the role of the council as the decision-making body in labor negotiations.”Councilman Luna asked why the policy was being considered and Bobkiewicz noted that the city is “going into a heavy period of labor negotiations…I thought it important that council have one voice.” Luna noted that negotiation rules already govern contact with councilmembers.“In short, the thrust of it is that councilmembers are not individuals,” said Councilman Procter.Sometimes “lines and roles become blurred, not only to the employee but also the city,” said Bobkiewicz, but the proposed policy does not preclude freedom of dialogue with employees.“It’s just a way to keep us from getting tripped up during negotiations, speak as one voice through the negotiator,” said Mayor Mary Ann Krause. Chance discussion between elected officials and members of bargaining units can find their way into negotiations, she added.“To me it’s just a way of keeping the communications clean,” and not lead to perceptions as council negotiation, said Councilman Gabino Aguirre.
