9.2. SR 02-22-1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

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TO: SUBJECT: MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL ~ PAT KLAERS, CITY ADMINISTRA~~ FEBRUARY 19, 1993 1993 POLICE UNION NEGOTIATIONS FROM: DATE: It is now time to begin negotiations between the City and the Elk River Police Union for wages and benefits for the police officers for 1993-94. The past four Union contracts have been two year contracts, but due to the state of the economy and unexpected actions by the State Legislature, the City may now be in the situation where a one year contract is more appropriate. . Under ideal conditions, the Union contract is negotiated and completed before the calendar year begins. This was the case for the three contracts prior to the last agreement (1991-92). The last contract and this upcoming contract will not be approved until after the contract calendar year begins. This is a common occurrence for many metropolitan communities as the negotiation process is typically a very long, drawn out ordeal. Additionally, with the State Legislature consistently cutting City financial aids after municipal budgets have been approved, and with the current State Legislature talking about wage freezes, it is acceptable to not have the Police Union contract completed prior to the calendar year beginning. Another reason why the Elk River Police contracts in the 1980's were completed before the calendar year began, was because the negotiation process was very easy. The City desired to change its image of being a "police training ground" and the City offered wages and benefits to the Police Union employees that exceeded what was offered to the other non-union City employees. This was done in an effort to have the police officers base wages become more comparable to the metropolitan area. The City achieved this objective. The City Council's approach and philosophy with Union negotiations has been to "close the gap" between Elk River wages and the wages offered in the metropolitan area. The City has accomplished this on a base wage status, but not in a total wage and benefit package. The Elk River base wages for the police officers are within 3% of the metropolitan norm. . Today the Elk River wages and benefits are very comparable to what is offered in the metropolitan area with the exception of the longevity benefit. (The 1991-92 contract is attached for your reference). Last year problems developed over this longevity issue and negotiations became very personal and public (see attached articles). 720 Dodge Avenue N.W., Elk River, Minnesota 55330 (612) 441-7420