Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Labor Negotiations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board directs staff to explore outside negotiator for SEIU MOU talks
Summary
The board gave direction for negotiating updates to the memorandum of understanding with SEIU 1021, asking staff to investigate using an outside negotiator and to report back; the existing MOU is set to expire at fiscal-year end but continues until modified.
The Del Norte Solid Waste Management Board instructed staff to investigate options for retaining an outside negotiator or consultant to assist with bargaining a new memorandum of understanding with SEIU Local 1021 and to report back at the next meeting.
Ken Ward summarized the board’s options: he can negotiate directly and bring results back to the board, or the board can designate an ad hoc subcommittee or hire an outside negotiator to lead negotiations. Commissioners expressed support for using an outside consultant to reduce conflicts of interest, improve perceived fairness and take negotiation workload off staff.
Several commissioners suggested contacting local public‑sector negotiators who have served nearby jurisdictions; one commissioner identified Will Folger, human resources manager for the City of Eureka, as an example. Ward said he would contact county human resources and report recommendations at the next meeting. The board noted the MOU is set to expire at the end of the fiscal year but that expired agreements typically continue in effect until modified; staff said any new agreement would be effective the day after the prior expiration.
The board did not vote on a final selection but gave direction to investigate outside representation and return with options and procurement steps; staff were directed to confer with county HR and bring recommendations to the next meeting.
