Emergency service contract negotiations are ongoing with county
Contract negotiations are ongoing between the county and 250 members of the Service Employees International Union after their contract expired Dec. 31.
John Listisen, SEIU local 688 business manager and lead negotiator, said the main sticking point that has prevented the signing of a new contract is the county's desire to enact a two-tier wage system.
Listisen explained that the county wants new hires at the 911 center, sheriff's deputies, Children and Youth professionals and others to earn 20 percent less than the current starting rates for the first two years of their employment and 10 percent less the third and fourth years.
Listisen said this practice would be particularly dangerous in the emergency services department. New hires there now earn about $25 per hour, he said.
“With the two-tiered system, the union believes it would be very difficult for the county to hire qualified, trained individuals,” Listisen said.
Christopher Gabriel, an attorney for the county, is serving as the government's lead negotiator on the contract.
Gabriel said that negotiations were already moving toward a starting salary that's less of a decrease than 20 percent.
He said they were cognizant of problems that a too-low rate could cause, but are hoping to lower costs for taxpayers.
This is an excerpt — pick up Sunday's Butler Eagle or subscribe to butlereagle.com to read more about negotiations and find out what other counties pay.
