Borough and Board of Education Using Same Labor Counsel – 9/7/2011

Posted by Bob on September 7, 2011 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment

During the midst of Hurricane Irene’s aftermath, the Naugatuck Board of Education approved a measure which will engage the law firm of Siegel, O’Connor, O’Donnell and Beck, P.C. (“Siegel O’Connor”), to provide representation on all labor relation and contractual matters.  This change allows one (1) firm to represent both the municipal government and the board of education in all labor negotiations that occur between the two (2) entities, and the ten (10) collective bargaining units (7 – municipal and 3 – Board of Education) representing public employees in Naugatuck.

Siegel O’Connor has represented the Borough in legal matters relating to labor relations for approximately five (5) years spanning three (3) different administrations.  Primarily through representation from Attorney Nicholas J. Grello, Siegel O’Connor has helped the Borough negotiate both short and long term savings in collective bargaining agreements.  In addition, Attorney Grello has worked closely with Borough Director of Human Resources Jeannette Deschesnes to make all aspects of Borough employment more professional and modern.

I commend the members of the Board of Education for their careful thought and diligence in making this decision, which likely will result in savings to taxpayers.  The collective willingness of Board of Education members to explore cost-saving partnerships and collaboration with municipal government is a creative and prudent policy to confront difficult economic times that we all face.