On Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, the Norfolk City Council adopted Ordinance No. 49415...
On Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, the Norfolk City Council adopted Ordinance No. 49415, declining a request of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association to authorize collective bargaining for Norfolk employees. The same Ordinance amended relevant sections of the City Code to strengthen the previously established Employee Relations Committee (ERC) process, and to establish a formal role for unions and other professional associations in this process.
With the adoption of this Ordinance, City Council voted to formalize an enhanced ERC process, including the creation of at least four committees representing fire, police, operations department employees such as Public Works and Utilities, and general employees of the City of Norfolk. Additionally, the City Manager is now required to submit a formal, annual report to City Council, outlining the specific details of the ERC committee meetings, along with any findings and recommendations, concurrent with the submission of the annual operating and capital budget.
The emphasis on strengthening employee relations includes actively encouraging employee engagement and fostering a culture of active participation to include the ability to have union or professional association membership dues automatically deducted from their paychecks, if so desired.
Recognizing the challenges that local governments encounter and the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between the interests of employees, taxpayers, and the overall financial health of the community, the City’s administration made the recommendation against collective bargaining due to:
- the financial strain on government resources and services;
- constraints on operational adjustments by establishing fixed terms for employment conditions;
- reducing the flexibility of response to critical needs;
- an increased tax burden.
This action of City Council reaffirms the ideal that the interests of the local community and the City’s workforce are best served by local decision makers and not by external arbitration.
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