RTM Votes Against Union Contracts

Two contracts with the unions representing Town Hall employees and town firefighters were strongly voted down by the Representative Town Meeting on Monday night.

Both contracts, along with seven others representing town employees, expired on June 30, 2010, and several amendments were being negotiated for the renewed contracts. The new agreement for the Town Hall employees was voted down 25 to 10, with one abstention.

The Town Hall employees' union stipulated a total 7.4 percent salary increase for its 89 represented individuals over the duration of the new agreement, from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2013. Year by year, this would mean a 0 percent salary increase from July 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2010; a 1.5 percent salary increase from Jan. 1, 2011; a 2.5 percent salary increase from Aug. 1, 2011; and a 3.25 percent salary increase from July 1, 2012. Employees would also have to double their medical co-pays as of July 1, 2011, and contribute 10 percent to their health insurance premiums, with no cap.

The post-retirement benefits outlined in the new contract were much debated during Monday's RTM meeting. Under the agreement, town employees have the option of setting up a 401K/403b retirement plan, instead of vesting rights in the pension system.

"It came as no surprise tht this post-retirement clause would be an issue," said Rep. Tom McCarthy, R-8, adding that the change from defined benefits to defined contribution is "long overdue."

"I'm not in favor of it [the contract]," said Rep. Ed Bateson, R-3. "I had a problem with the post-retirement benefits. By the grace of God, we got through Madoff, but 10 years, 20 years out, we're at the mercy of the market and that makes me uncomfortable."

First Selectman Ken Flatto discussed the merits of the 401K/403b option versus that of the pension. Flatto said that the cost to the town and taxpayers may be much higher with the defined contribution option. "What we are hoping to do if the contract gets approved, is to set up the 401K plan, attract new employees into that plan, and do analysis," said Flatto. "Because this is an evolving process."

Flatto speculated that, out of 89 individuals covered by the union, about one or two a year would take the 401K plan, with a voluntary option.

"I believe that we need to address issues about pension obligation cost and post-retirement health benefit costs," he said.

David Becker, R-1, said that Flatto is "failing to take the long-term approach."

The RTM members proceeded with the roll-call vote on the Town Hall employees contract without hearing members of the public speak. All unresolved issues of the rejected agreement will be renegotiated before an arbitration hearing.

The contract with the union representing the town's firefighters fared much the same as the Town Hall employees' contract, with 22 votes against it trumping the 12 votes for it, and 2 abstentions.

The firefighters' contract outlines a 0 percent salary increase from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011; a 2 percent salary increase from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012; and a 2.75 percent salary increase from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. The minimum manpower for any shift would also increase fom 16 firefighters to 17 firefighters, and the annual number of sick days available was slashed from 30 to 12. The town also cut the maximum amount of pensions for fully vested firemen from 80 percent of their salary to 75 percent of their salary.

Each RTM member who spoke about the proposed contract alluded to the service that the firefighters provide to the town. Joe Gall, D-5, said that, due to the rescue efforts of the fire department, he survived a debilatating heart attack.

Lou Zuckerman, a member of the public, pledged his respect for firefighters, though he voiced his disagreement with the proposed contract, and urged RTM members to vote against it.

"There's tons of people I know, private sector people, who work very hard," Zuckerman said. "The public employees will be guaranteed and private employees will be taxed. There's a rebalancing of society that needs to happen now."

The contract would also double co-pays for the firefighters and, as of July 1, 2012, their contribution to their health benefits would increase from $31 a week to $36 a week.

Fire Chief Richard Felner gave an impassioned plea of support for the contract, citing his long experience in the fire department. "I think it's a fair contract," he said.

After the motion was overturned, he expressed disappointment with the ruling.
"I think we take good care of our citizens and they give it their all. You pay for what you get," he said.