Ernie says the talks are finally moving forward. The catalyst is, apparently, 3 representatives from the mayor's office who invited themselves to get involved in the negotiations. It seems to have coaxed the owners to talk turkey ... so to speak. It's obvious the city wants to avert a strike at all costs. There are 2 more meetings scheduled (to include the mayor's guys) in the next 2 weeks and Ernie is hopeful that an agreement will be reached.
today was a month after the city guy has been involved.... how did todays meeting go ????
Quote from: yabba on December 06, 2018, 11:51:51 PM
today was a month after the city guy has been involved.... how did todays meeting go ????
Talked to Ernie and unfortunately we're not gaining much ground. The "city guy," Bob Lynn, is still involved and acting a mediator. In the same capacity, this guy saw to fruition contracts for the teachers union and DC37.
Also ... and unprecedented ... the now head of OPT, Kevin Moran, showed up at yesterday's meeting to put a little more pressure on both sides to come to an agreement. He will be at the next meeting as well. (He's the guy who took over Eric Goldstein's position.)
The city is well aware that the contractors would like nothing better than for us to go on strike to try to force the city to reinstate the $390/week pass-along for the matrons so they can settle their contract with the city. Thus their lack any sense of urgency to settle ours.
The city wants to avoid a strike at all cost and, even more so, the union. Hopefully, between Lynn and Moran, they will be successful in motivating both sides to come to an agreement. Lynn stated that he wanted it to be wrapped up within the next 2 to 3 weeks, though it's really up to the 2 sides, not him. I'm hoping his optimism is warranted.