Open Labor Negotiations

By Matt Grocott

We need to open the doors on labor negotiations between the city council and the city's employee groups, from the city manager on down. Why should these negotiations, that impact the greatest portion of the city's budget, happen out of site of the public's eye?

I look at the situation this way: if you were going to buy a home, would you allow your real estate agent to meet behind closed doors, negotiate on your behalf with the bank, meet with the seller's agent, inform the seller of all that is going on, and tell you nothing until the price and all the other details are settled? Probably not. Essentially, these are the circumstances by which you come to pay for the salary and benefits of our public employees.

This is not the first time I have raised this issue. When I raised it in the past, one concession was won: the City used to put all labor contracts on the Consent Calendar; contracts were approved along with other "routine" items; there was no staff report and no discussion; the public was left in the dark. Today, contracts are treated as a separate agenda item and a staff report is given before the council votes. It at least offers an opportunity for the public to be informed.

The concession was nice to receive but insignificant relative to the public's ability to offer input. I believe it is time to be bold and open the doors to labor negotiations. What we pay our employees is the largest portion of our city budget. Shouldn't the public be able to see how the council performs when we decide on the most significant part of our budget? I believe they should.

The last time I raised this issue, my voice was the only one. This time, I am raising it as a campaign issue so we can speak with many voices, loud and clear. Let's open the doors!