On Tuesday, Universal negotiations took place with the county side of the bargaining table showing some signs of softening their hard lined stance on getting their way on some basic issues.
The County has made some language offers, which will basically be status quo. This is a good sign as they are beginning to sort through some of the minor issues, and begin to focus on the major issues of wages and benefits. The final offers for Interest Arbitration are due on June 1st.
While the offers made in Interest Arbitration don’t necessarily apply to the rest of us immediately, they will set the table for the rest of our negotiations. Most importantly will be what the wages package will be and what if any health care changes will also be asked for by the sheriff’s locals involved in this arbitration.
The County isn’t happy that an arbitration is occurring before the general contract has been settled. Maybe they should have tried harder to negotiate in good faith earlier? The next date for contract negotiations will be after the final offers have been submitted to the arbitrator. Stay tuned for updates!