LABOR COUNSEL
As Labor Counsel for the Town of Belmont, we submit the following summary of major activities during 2005:
SEIU
The Town continued bargaining with the Union over the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Labor Counsel drafted, reviewed and revised the proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding between the parties. Labor Counsel additionally consulted with the Town, advised the Board, and performed legal research regarding proposed new terms to these contracts and negotiation strategies. Labor Counsel coordinated the execution and delivery of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Labor Counsel also participated in discussions with the Union regarding the successor contract.
AFSCME
The Town continued bargaining with the Union over the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Labor Counsel drafted, reviewed and revised the proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding between the parties. Labor Counsel additionally consulted with the Town, advised the Board, and performed legal research regarding proposed new terms to these contracts and negotiation strategies.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Town continued bargaining with the Superior Officers' Association over the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Labor Counsel drafted, reviewed and revised proposed revisions to the Collective Bargaining Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding between the parties. Labor Counsel additionally consulted with the Town and performed legal research regarding proposed new terms to these contracts and negotiation strategies. Labor Counsel additionally provided advice to the Town regarding a variety of staffing, personnel and litigation issues.
We represented the Town with respect to a by-pass appeal filed with the Massachusetts Civil Service Commission by Gerard M. Greeley on May 21, 2004. Officer Greeley alleged that the Town made a provisional appointment, effectively by-passing him for the position of lieutenant when an active list existed. We represented the Town at the hearing in this matter, which was held on November 21, 2005. The matter is currently pending before the Civil Service Commission.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
We consulted throughout the year with the Town regarding general School Department matters, including providing advice and consultation regarding the school insurance settlement.
MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT
We consulted throughout the year with the Municipal Light Board and the Light Department Manager regarding general personnel matters.
GENERAL MATTERS
In general, we were called upon by the Town, Diane Jenkins, and the various department heads to provide advice and guidance in the labor and employment area. The exceptional effort put forth by all of those involved in the bargaining process resulted in the resolution of very complex impact bargaining issues that had the potential to create significant discord in the Town's labor relations. We additionally provided advice and support regarding the annual Town audit letter, the Town's responsibilities to make health insurance payments for retirees, grievance procedures, and other labor and employment related matters. We are pleased to report that labor relations in the Town of Belmont remain in a very healthy state.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert B. Crowe, Esq., Christine M. Griffin, Esq.
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