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Contract Talks Bring Tentative Agreement

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By KLINT LOWRY

The Suncoast News

Published: December 27, 2008

PORT RICHEY - One group of unionized city workers got an early Christmas gift on Tuesday, a break in contract negotiations that have worn on since April.

The city has reached a tentative agreement with the Communication Workers of America, the union that represents employees in the city's Public Works and Utilities departments, as well as many other city hall workers.

A news release issued Tuesday by the City Clerk's office stated that a bargaining session that morning had been "extremely productive" in reaching the agreement.

Since being named assistant city manager, Ellen Posivach had been heading the negotiations for the city. Posivach, promoted by city council to the job of interim city manager Monday night, could not be reached for comment on what took place at Tuesday's bargaining session to finally seal the deal with the union.
Major components of the agreement include a 3 percent merit pay increase, retroactive to Oct. 1, the start of the city's 2009 fiscal year. It also calls for city funding for mandatory safety footwear and uniforms for utilities and public works employees.

There also will be no mandatory commercial driver's license requirements for city workers, except for those in positions for which such a license is required by law.

The agreement will clear the way for the city to switch to a four-day workweek for employees, something that had been slated to start at the beginning of the current fiscal year.

As a cost-savings measure city hall will be closed Fridays, with expanded hours Monday through Thursdays. The exact hours of operation have yet to be determined.

Departments that provide vital city services will work a staggered schedule. An individual worker in those departments may work only four days a week but the department will operate throughout the week.

The agreement must still be ratified by bargaining unit members and approved by city council. Council most likely will get a chance to do so at its next meeting, scheduled for Jan. 13.

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