Council sends AFSCME contract back to union after sharp debate over dispatcher pay
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Summary
Following lengthy finance committee debate, the city council voted to reject the AFSCME memorandum of agreement as presented and sent it back to the administration and the union for further negotiation, citing concerns about pay inequities for dispatchers.
The Fall River City Council voted on Nov. 25 to reject and return the proposed memorandum of agreement with AFSCME Council 93, Local 3177 to the administration and the union for further negotiation after a broad finance committee discussion about pay equity and fiscal impacts.
Councilors voiced particular concern that MIH/EMS dispatchers — represented in a different bargaining unit — either already earn or would receive pay steps that leave police and fire dispatchers at a relative disadvantage. Councilor (Seat 8) said she "cannot support the increased inequities" that would result if one group of dispatchers received higher increases than others performing similar duties. Several councilors asked whether a memorandum of understanding or side letter could be used to bring police dispatchers' pay in line without disrupting the entire package.
City staff presented the fiscal impact for fiscal year 2026 by fund: roughly $145,000 to the general fund and about $110,000 to EMS for year one (staff stated all three years are broken out in the fiscal impact statement). Staff also said retroactive pay to July 1 is included in the cost estimates. Union and staff representatives noted the AFSCME bargaining unit voted to approve the package and that the contract had been through their ratification process.
After debate the council took a roll-call vote to reject the agreement as submitted and send it back to the administration and the union for revision. The motion carried; councilors who led the discussion asked administration to return with alternatives and cost comparisons, including options to equalize dispatcher pay and to consider side letters or MOU mechanisms.
What happens next: The council’s vote sends the package back to bargaining so that city negotiators and AFSCME can consider amendments responsive to the council’s direction. Staff committed to provide detailed comparisons and cost options for council review before the item returns.