City and union negotiators have reached a tentative contract agreement that presumably would delay contractual pay raises and avoid furloughs for members of Long Beach's largest employee union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
IAM spokeswoman Janet Schabow was tight-lipped in a brief conversation today, only divulging that the agreement had been reached Wednesday. However, she said IAM members still must approve the amended contract, which would then go to the City Council for approval. Schabow said the council will hear the details of the contract in closed session next Tuesday.
Time is running out for a deal to be reached. The IAM has postponed pay raises twice since the new fiscal year began Oct. 1 to give negotiations more time. Without pay concessions by the IAM, City Manager Pat West has said the IAM members will have to take 15 days of furloughs over the next year. The union represents 3,800 city workers.
I'm still digging on this story and I'll hopefully have more about it online by the end of the day and in Friday's Press-Telegram.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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