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HR reports multiple stalled labor talks, warns of retroactive pay risk
Summary
City HR told the council that several union contracts have expired or will soon expire and that wage negotiations delayed beyond contract dates can create costly retroactive-pay obligations for the city and unions.
HR staff told the council that several labor contracts are at various stages — some settled, others still in negotiation — and that delay increases the likelihood of retroactive wage payments if new agreements include raises.
The staff member said middle managers have been settled for three years, while crews represented by CSEA, certain skilled trades and the fire chiefs are still in negotiation; fire chiefs’ contracts are set to expire in June. The staff member also noted the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) contract will expire Dec. 31, 2027.
Councilors pressed whether the delays stem from bargaining positions or dollar-amount disputes. HR said the biggest sticking point for many units is general wage increases or adjustments to pay grades; when contracts lapse, employees continue working under the previous contract but potential negotiated increases typically carry retroactive pay obligations. "The retroactive piece is painful to not only the union members but us as well," the staff member said.
HR characterized the bargaining timeline as delayed by unions’ requests to caucus and restarting negotiations in the fall, and said the city generally negotiates when unions are ready to meet. No specific offers, motions, or final agreements were recorded during the briefing.
Next steps: HR will continue bargaining and reported it is preparing for upcoming expiration dates; councilors were advised of the retroactive-pay exposure if talks do not conclude before new wage terms are agreed.
