City of Derby News Release
Derby Reconsiders Recognizing Unions
October 25, 2012
In 1987, the Derby City Council voted to bring the city under the Public Employer-Employee Relations Act (PEERA). This November, the Council will reconsider that decision. The Council scheduled a public hearing on the matter on November 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Derby City Hall, 611 Mulberry Rd.
Currently, Derby is one of only 11 cities in Kansas that choose to meet and confer with recognized employee organizations. Since 2005, the City has met and conferred with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #16 and is operating under an agreement that expires December 31, 2012. For seven months, the parties have been engaged in discussions for an agreement to begin thereafter.
Last week, Derby firefighters informed the City that they have organized as the International Association of Firefighters Local #4888. This group is not yet recognized as an employee organization by the state or the city.
“This decision made 25 years ago is not necessarily the best way to operate going forward," said Kathy Sexton, city manager. "Today's city council can change it and should consider whether Derby taxpayers are best served by the current system."
Most cities in Kansas (98%) are not covered by PEERA (616 out of 627 incorporated cities) and so do not meet and confer with employee organizations on wages, benefits and other matters. In 1971, the state legislature passed PEERA to empower cities and counties to meet and confer with employee organizations, but only if they choose to do so.
Read the October 23, 2012 City Council Staff Report.
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