IUPA represents deputies and sergeant bargaining unit employees engaged in law enforcement. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) expired on September 30, 2018. However, in 2017, Article 19, Wages, was “reopened” for negotiations related to a cost of living adjustment (“COLA”). Negotiations regarding Article 19 have not resulted in an agreement, and IUPA’s representative has declared an impasse.
The parties agree that the only issue at impasse is a wage reopener for a COLA. BSO recommends that the bargaining unit members receive a 2.5% COLA retroactive to October 1, 2017, and an additional .5% COLA retroactive to March 31, 2018. While IUPA agrees with these two components of BSO’s recommendation, IUPA also recommends that all bargaining unit members who have completed 20 years of service receive an additional 2% increase, retroactive to March 30, 2018.
Section 447.403, Florida Statutes, provides the process to resolve impasses for public employers. Specifically, the statute provides that the legislative body (here, the Board) conduct a public hearing at which the parties to the impasse are required to explain their positions with respect to the items at impasse. Thereafter, the legislative body shall take such action as it deems to be in the public interest, including the interest of the public employees involved, to resolve all disputed impasse issues.
The procedures for the impasse hearing, which were agreed to by the parties, are as follows: Each side will be allowed up to 30 minutes to explain its position with respect to the items at impasse. IUPA shall make its presentation first, followed by BSO. Some of each party’s allotted 30 minutes may be reserved for rebuttal. The Board may address questions to the presenters and shall subsequently deliberate to take appropriate action to resolve the disputed impasse issue.
Each party submitted its written recommendations to resolve the impasse issue on November 5, 2018, and will submit additional material and exhibits on November 20, 2018. All materials distributed by the parties will be distributed to the Board upon receipt. |