Mediator Recommends Shasta County Settlement

Monday, September 08, 2008

Two Year Proposal Recomended

The State of California Mediator assigned to resolve the impasse between the Union and Shasta County has recommended a two year proposal for both sides to consider and approve.

The parties have been at impasse for several months with the Union holding back on a planned public relations campaign pending progress in mediation.  Progress was made but not to a traditional Tentative Agreement that could be supported by the bargaining teams.  Instead, recognizing that the parties were not able to “close the gap” in their respective positions, the Mediator constructed a settlement proposal for both sides to consider.  The idea being if Union members approved the proposal, the County would follow with its own approval.

The Mediator requested that details of her proposal not be made public so information meetings are being held to present the proposal directly to the members.  A meeting was held in Burney and at the Redding Union Office on September 3rd.  Another informnation meeting will be held at the Redding Union Office on September 8th.  Secret ballot voting will occur in Burney and Redding on September 15th.

The Shasta County General Unit is the Union’s largest bargaining unit representing almost 1,000 employees.  Particular points of contention in the ongoing dispute have included COLA increases and how retiree medical insurance is paid for.  Results of the vote will be posted after the 15th.