posted 06/14/10 12:10 PM | updated 06/15/10 10:09 AM
Featured Post! | Views: 418 | Comments : 2 | General & Breaking News

City Negotiations with Ketchum Fire Fighters' Union at an Impasse

By City of Ketchum
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The City’s first negotiations with a union representing Ketchum’s nine fulltime firefighters have come to a halt.  City negotiators tentatively agreed to 23 of 32 demands from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).   However, citing a stalemate on the remaining issues, the City Council has unanimously rejected the IAFF contract proposal as it stands.  No new talks are scheduled. 

All discussions of employee issues and labor negotiations occur during executive session following Council meetings, as specified by law. 

Fire Chief Mike Elle, who is not a member of the union, said, “It’s important to note, that regardless of any issues with the Union over a contract, the fire fighting staff continue to do a terrific job protecting the lives and property of our citizens.”  Asst. Chief Robbie Englehart, who has administrative duties, is also not a member of the union.

Unresolved concerns include the following demands from the Union:

  • Exemption from Ketchum’s city wide conversion to an “at-will” employment policy
  • Large increases in benefits relating to comp-time accrual
  • Changes to the City’s nepotism policy
  • Preferential treatment for senior firefighters in the case of layoffs 

Negotiations began months ago between City and Union representatives.  Unresolved issues then went before a special Fact Finding Commission in accordance with Idaho statute.  The Commission was divided in its findings, agreeing with the City on some issues and Union on others. 

“City representatives have negotiated in good faith from the beginning,” according to Council Chair Larry Helzel.  “We carefully considered the unresolved demands and cannot agree to them.  It would not be fair to taxpayers in these tough economic times.” 

“Due to the risks they face, our Police and Fire Fighters already receive greater benefits than other City departments.  However, the IAFF proposals would create an even larger gap between fire fighters and other hard working employees,” said Helzel.   

The City Council remains committed to continuing the City’s employee conversion to “At Will” status, which is in accordance with Idaho law.  Employment under “at will” status still leaves employees with all protections provided by law in cases of alleged wrongful termination. 

“No one is arguing with their right to organize, we just disagree with the union demands,” according to Mayor Randy Hall.  “First, we cannot afford them.  Second, if we could, I would extend those benefits to all hard-working Ketchum employees, and not just one select group.”  

The City has notified the IAFF of its position.  No further talks are scheduled. 

Contacts:

Gary Marks, City of Ketchum

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We love you guys but come on...
Everyone loves our firefighters and what they do for the community but it is decidedly untimely to be asking for more when everyone in the community is suffering economically. Good job by the councilors to hold the budgetary line.
Comment by Ketchum Citizen
June 15, 2010
( 0 votes )
70 percent success rate
Life is full of tough disputes but a 70 percent success rate aint too shabby.
Comment by Mick Garcia
June 15, 2010
( 0 votes )
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