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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.156 2008-2010DOMINIC YAGONG Council Member Council District I May 19, 2010 Mr. Darren Shimaoka, Chair Hilo Chapter of HFFA 2305 South Beretania Street Room 202 Honolulu, HI 96820 Aloha Darren Shimaoka, Hawaii County Council County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Htlo, Hawaii 96720 Sensing the Interests of the People of Our Island Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Email: dvagong@co.hawan hi us Phone: (808) 961 -8264 Fax. (808) 961 -8912 -L r v 0 However, in reading HRS Chapter 89, it states: "(e) In addition to a collective bargaining agreement under subsection (d), each employer may negotiate, independently of one another, supplemental agreements that apply to their respective employees; provided that any supplemental agreement reached between the employer and the exclusive representative shall not extend beyond the term of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and shall not require ratification by employees in the bargaining unit." r i The consideration of Mayor Kenoi's proposed 2010 -2011 operating budget is underway and it will certainly be a tremendous challenge. The budgetary shortfall that we are facing has brought forward a budget by Mayor Kenoi which includes significant cuts as well as proposed real property tax increases. I am sure that you are aware that I have been advocating a process that would allow your members the opportunity to vote to consider delaying the 5% pay increase ($962,588.00) and ERS related cost ($189,630.00) to the fiscal year July 1, 2011- June 30, 2012. I request this with a heavy heart. However, the unprecedented economic times dictates this request. In trying to have this process take place, I was advised that Mayor Kenoi would have to collaborate with Governor Lingle and make a formal request to your bargaining unit. Since then, I was advised that the proper process would be for the Mayor to work directly with the union and provide a supplemental agreement proposal for your consideration. My interpretation of section (e) is that it really does not allow the Mayor to present a supplemental agreement proposal because the proposed terms would extend pass the term of the collective bargaining agreement and my request would require ratification by your union members. This section essentially ties the hands of the Mayor and disallows for the consideration of my proposal of delaying the pay increase and related ERS cost through the supplemental agreement process. Comm. No. 7I I 1 Ref. To: ( c_ Ref. Dote MAY 19 2010 Mr. Shimaoka May 19, 2010 Page 2 I believe that Mayor Kenoi was correct in stating that County employees must be part of the "shared sacrifice" in addressing the severe revenue shortfall facing the County of Hawai`i. As you know Mayor Kenoi implemented a two -day a month furlough for every Hawai`i County employee. I also agree with his assertion that Police Officers and Firefighters must be exempt from the furloughs to insure continued public safety. However, my hope is that your union members find it in their hearts to join their fellow County workers in the shared sacrifice. I humbly request that the Fire Fighters' Union consider allowing its members to vote on forgoing the $1,152,218.00 payment which is scheduled to be included in the 2010 -2011 fiscal budget. The delay would be for one year, and payments shall be paid and included in the 2011 -2012 budget. Although County government cannot officially make this request through an approved collective bargaining process, it does not preclude your union from taking it upon yourselves to allow a vote to take place. If your members allow for this delay it would profoundly impact our deliberation on the budget. More importantly, this gesture would resonate so positively with the general public especially during a time of difficult economic challenges. The Mayor has had to make very difficult decisions regarding this year's budget and the Hawai` i County Council faces a tough mountain to climb. The Fire Fighter's support of delaying payments budgeted for 2010 -2011 would be significant and extremely helpful. I am requesting the same consideration of the Hawaii County Police Officers. Please keep in mind that June 7, 2010 will be the last day that the Council can deliberate and amend the Mayor's budget. I apologize for this tight time frame, but I am hopeful that your union will give its Hawai`i County members the opportunity to vote prior to this date so that we can be informed of a decision. I would like to close by saying thank you for considering this personal request as I feel strongly about allowing this process to proceed. I know that I speak for the Hawai'i County Council and the people of our County when I say that we are very proud of the Hawai'i County Fire Department. Thank you once again for your consideration and I look forward to your response. Wannest Aloha, Dominc Yagon Council Membe DYlbc cc: J Yoshimoto. Chair Members of the Hawai'i County Council