A state arbitrator has sided with the Clinton Fire Department in two of the three issues presented in the contract dispute with the city.
The issue started in April when the council rejected a contracted proposed that had been negotiated with the Fire Department Union. That proposal was for a two year contract with a four percent raise over a two year period with the employees contributing to the health insurance premiums. The council approved a one year contract with a one percent raise and the union later rejected that deal.
The union sought arbitration with the Iowa Public Employee Relations Board. That hearing was held July 8th and the ruling filed on Wednesday.
The arbitrator the hearing was over wages, insurance and maternity leave.
Both sides presented their offers and reasons. The Fire Department sought a 2-percent raise for the current year, some insurance adjustments and agreed to pay for some for some the premiums and sought a clarified maternity leave policy.
The city proposed a one percent raise with some adjustment in health insurance and employee contributions and a status quo maternity leave.
The arbitrator noted that the union had been sensitive and responsive to the city’s financial difficulties in recent contracts and the 2 percent increase is modes.
The arbitrator also sided with the union on health insurance which will still include some employee contribution but different specifics and a cap on contributions.
The arbitrator did side with the city in making not changes in the maternity leave. The change was proposed by the union after a female firefighter field a lawsuit against the city after she became pregnant but it was ruled the city did not discriminate against her and there was no policy in the contract government treatment.
You can read the ruling here
