Collective bargaining continues to be a great challenge for our local union negotiators.  Local presidents and delegates continue to report frustration in delays, cancelled meetings, busy schedules of arbitrators and salary cap considerations.  A process that has never been easy has now been become even more arduous and complex.   

Many municipal negotiators will try to convince us that everything must be on the table and givebacks in benefits are inevitable.  We as labor negotiators sitting across the table must be just as resolute and convinced that health benefits are hard earned reward for placing our personal health in jeopardy on a daily basis.  Our ability to argue our case and our commitment to financing our argument as well as our willingness to wait as long as it takes to insure a positive outcome can, have and will sustain our collective bargaining agreements.

We as individual locals must be willing to fight as intellectually and professionally as possible to defeat an enemy that grows bolder and less sympathetic to our profession daily.  Just because legislators and government officials are campaigning publicly that we are unaffordable does not make it so.  What it does do, however, is make our jobs that much more difficult and underscores the importance of dedicated and informed union (FMBA) representatives.

The difference of 1% per year in a four-year contract for a membership of 100 is worth $ 1,000,000.00 when pension and life expectancy are factored in.  Consider the size of your bargaining unit and do the math.  Our local presidents and delegates and executive board members are charged with negotiating contract worth millions of dollars.  This is not a job for the least among us, rather, the brightest and best informed and most dedicated among us. 

Union leadership (FMBA officials), should not be left to those with nothing better to do or to those who can yell the loudest or complain the most.  FMBA leaders are negotiating sophisticated contracts with absolute vital significance to each and every one of our members’ lives.  FMBA leaders should be treated with the respect and compensation and support that they’re positions and duties demand.  If they fall short of what is required to be successful then replace them with somebody who can deliver.  Reward commitment and have no time for pretense.

I have witnessed outstanding leadership and commitment at the bargaining table and watched locals be rewarded for patience and the willingness to fight, sometimes against all odds.

Protecting health benefits and longevity and negotiating more than pattern settlements are not done by luck or with mirrors.  Benefits and successful salary negotiations is accomplished with hard work, patience and the resolve to do what is prudent despite criticism.  Union leadership is a noble calling and a damn difficult job.  Do not compromise your ability to earn a fair wage and be represented by the absolute sharpest among us.  While you contemplate who you want negotiating these million dollar contracts, remember you will get what you pay for and pay for what you get.

The most appropriate item you can spend union dues on is the negotiation for and protection of your collective bargaining unit.  Do not be penny-wise or you will no doubt be dollar foolish.  These tough times call for tough negotiations and tough, well prepared union negotiators.   Support your cause and your cause will be supported.