Council endorses Watson's employee relations policy

After hearing from representatives for firefighters and police, considerable discussion and a variety of motions, the Yuma City Council endorsed the current communication policy for the administration's dealings with the city's employees.

But some council members felt there should still be room for more discussion with employees about a proposed meet-and-greet process that would further formalize the relationship between the city's administration and its employees with a memorandum of understanding.
 
"I don't think the communication policy solves all the issues," said Councilman Cody Beeson before casting a yes vote for the motion to endorse that policy. He added that he thinks there is potential for blending the two approaches to labor relations.

Councilman Ross Hieb agreed that while the communication policy adopted by City Administrator Mark Watson a year ago has made considerable progress in addressing employee concerns, "we haven't finished the process."
 
On the other hand, he said, he's heard from only a few employees and both Fire Chief Jack McArthur and Police Chief Robby Robinson have said they think the current policy is working. Therefore he, too, cast a yes vote for the motion.
 
After the motion was approved, Councilman Paul Johnson offered another motion to continue the issue to the Jan. 21 council meeting, and directing Watson to continue meeting with employee representatives in an effort to reach a compromise between the two labor relations policies and perhaps find some common ground.

"I don't see them as mutually exclusive," Johnson said.
 
His motion failed 4-3.

The point was made that the council's endorsement of the current communication policy doesn't preclude continued discussion with employees.
 
Watson explained that his communication policy invites input from employees through an annual employee issues forum and an open door. Already, he noted, a number of changes have been implemented as a result of feedback received, such as revising the policies for medical leave, use of personal vehicles for work, tuition reimbursement and promotions.

Watson said he has appreciated hearing from Eric Eagan, president of the Fraternal Order of Police in Yuma, and Mike Caltabiano, president of United Yuma Fire Fighters Association, about the concerns of "the rank and file" employees. However, he said there is less need for a formalized labor relations contract today.
 
"The days of arbitrary and capricious administrators are gone."