CR 08-048 Dispatcher Contract
May 20, 2008
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Council Report 2008-048
APPROVE 2008/2009 DISPATCHER CONTRACT
Proposed Action
Staff recommends that the Council approve the following motion: Move approval of the 200812009
Contract with L.E.L.S. LOCAL #143 representing Hopkins' Dispatchers and Public Service Officers.
This action will ratify the 2008/2009 contract with the Dispatchers and PSOs.
Overview
The contract calls for a 3% wage increase effective January 1, 2008 and a 3% wage increase effective
January 1, 2009. The contract also provides for an increase in the City's contribution for insurance of
$13.00/month for 2008. The increase will apply for employees with family, Single +1, or Single + Children
group health insurance. The City's contribution for employees with single coverage is being increased to
match that of the other unions. .
Primarv Issues to Consider
. What other economic issues are included in the new contract?
. How does this agreement fit in with the 2008/09 budget?
. How does this agreement compare to other contract settlements for 2008/09 in terms of wage and
. benefit increases?
Ja . Genellie
sistant City Manager
Financial Impact: $ $18,160 in 2008 Budgeted: Y/N Yes
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.):
Notes:
Source: General Fund
Council Report 2008-048
Page 2
Analvsis of the Issues
What other economic issues are included in the new contract?
. An additional step has been added to the top of the Dispatcher's wage schedule as a market adjustment.
How does this agreement fit in the budget?
The City budgeted 3% for wage increases in 2008. The cost of the insurance increase is within the
budget. The small increase in insurance is due to the City switching insurance providers for 2008.
The City Council has not approved a budget for 2009. The proposed increase in wages, however, is
approximately what the finance department has been using for planning purposes.
How does this agreement compare to other contract settlements for 2008 and 2009. in terms of wage
increases?
2008 settlements for other cities have been coming in at 3% or above. The cities that have settled for
2009 have had increases at or above 3%.
Alternatives
1. Approve the contract. Retroactive pay and benefit increases will be included in the next payroll.
2. Do not approve the contract. Staff would have to renegotiate the contract.
Staff recommends Alternative #1.