REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Council Policy on Labor Negotiations Protocol
Report
BACKGROUND
The Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) for two of the City's six bargaining units are due to expire at the end of this fiscal year, with the remaining four expiring next fiscal year. The MOU is an agreement between the City and employee bargaining unit that specifies wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment. Both the City and the bargaining units have an obligation under applicable laws to negotiate in good faith. State law and City policy provide a basic framework for these labor negotiations, but no guidance is provided regarding communications between the City Council and the bargaining units during actual negotiations. Many cities have found such guidance helpful in promoting fairness and integrity in the contract negotiation process.
EXISTING POLICY
Collective bargaining is governed by the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (Gov't Code ??3500 et seq.); Chapter 3, Article 9 of the City's Administrative Policy Manual on Employer-Employee Relations; and Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 2.24, Employer-Employee Relations Code.
SMC section 2.24.250, Designation of Municipal Employee Relations Officer - The City Council by adoption of a resolution shall designate a municipal employee relations officer who shall be the City's principal representative in all matters of employer-employee relations with authority to meet and confer in good faith on matters within the scope of representation, including wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. The municipal employee relations officer so designated is authorized to delegate these duties and responsibilities.
Council Policy 7.3.5 Municipal Employee Relations Officer - The City Council of the City of Sunnyvale hereby designates the City Manager as the Municipal Employee Relations Officer pursuant to Section 2.24.25, Chapter 5 of Title II of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code,...
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