Contract Negotiations – 7/15/2010

Posted by Bob on July 15, 2010 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment

Multiple news articles have been printed this week with regard to certain contract negotiations.    I have and will continue to keep any comments I may have about particular specifics quiet while the negotiating process is ongoing.  My silence should not be inferred as a lack of an opinion; but as basic respect for all parties involved in the process.

When running for office, I stated that I would not negotiate contracts through the newspaper.  As mayor, I am the lead negotiator for the Borough team when dealing with seven (7) collective bargaining units and numerous non-union contract employees.  I have the utmost respect for all those with whom I negotiate.   Discussions concerning the particulars of each and every agreement are inherently complex, and the results have an impact on taxpayers and employees alike.  Each party, whether it is an entire collective bargaining unit or one (1) individual employee, deserves to have negotiations discussed at the table rather than in the press.

Our administration values transparency and works with members of all local media to attain all documentation available under the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”).  The law recognizes, however, that contract negotiations deserve privacy until the final product is ultimately presented and voted-upon by the legislative body.  Any information not protected by FOIA is made available to the media.  Any other documentation will be provided at the conclusion of negotiations.