Frederick’s Mayor Supports Bill To Allow Municipal Employees To Form Collective Bargaining Unit

The legislation has been before the City Council.Frederick Mayor Michael O’ConnorFrederick, Md (KM) Legislation being considered by the Frederick City Council would allow local municipal employees to form a collective bargaining unit. It would negotiate a contract with the City covering such issues as salaries and benefits.In a recent appearance on WFMD’s “Morning News Express,” Mayor Michael O’Connor noted that police officers have collective bargaining rights, and other employees should have that same opportunity. He was asked about how much  it would  cost  the city. “We’re going to have to pay our employees either way. It’s all about paying people a fair and honest wage,” he said. “Our Police Department bargains for their pay and their benefits. Our Police Department is not overpaid.”But the Mayor says the city will work hard with the employees’ bargaining unit to come up with a fair contract for its employees.  “We would absolutely work to the same degree that we do now in working with our FOP {Fraternal Order of Police} to get a contract that meets the needs of all persons involved,”; he said.If the City Council passes this ordinance, the employees would get the right to form a collective bargaining unit. The employees would not have to if they don’t want to. The bargaining unit could be part of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 3 which represents public service employees in Maryland.A Council Committee has tabled the bill until its language can be updated.”The unions are the reasons why most employees enjoy most of the things that they have,”:: says Mayor O’Connor. “Paid time off, and health insurance and holiday pay. and all kinds of things that workers today take for granted: 40 hour weeks. Nobody works a 40-hour week if you’re working. But at least on paper. It’s what it says.”If the legislation passes, municipal workers would not be allowed to strike. But they could set up informational pickets outside of their work sites.By Kevin McManus