MRDD A lack of progress means no further talks are set

If the board does not want to move, there is no sense meeting, MEADD said.
AUSTINTOWN -- No further contract talks are scheduled between the Mahoning County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities and the union representing its professional staff after no progress was made in a negotiating session Wednesday.
The afternoon session between MRDD board and the union, Mahoning Education Association of Developmental Disabilities, was also attended by Federal Mediator Thomas Connelly.
Larry Duck, superintendent of the Mahoning County Board of MRDD, said the board provided a proposal to MEADD on Sept. 9 and has previously exchanged other proposals with MEADD's bargaining team. He said the MRDD board met with MEADD on Sept. 15, 16, and 22 waiting for a response to the board's most recent proposal, and received no response.
Not ready to give response
Duck said Connelly told the MRDD board team at 3 p.m. Wednesday that the MEADD team was not prepared to give a response at this time.
"The MRDD board is extremely disappointed that no response was received from MEADD's team after three sessions. We are further disappointed that MEADD has issued a new strike notice effective 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 6."
However, MEADD spokeswoman Mary Jo Nagy said MEADD has made proposals to the MRDD board. But, she said, the board has refused to move off its position, which she called "regressive."
"It takes two to negotiate and its takes compromise on both sides. That is not happening [with the MRDD board], she said.
If the board calls a meeting with the federal mediator, MEADD will be there.
But, Nagy said, if the board does not want to move off its position, there is no sense in meeting.
Duck said the MRDD board wants an agreement that will enable it to operate its programs, which are for children and adults with developmental disabilities, in a fiscally responsible manner.
"The board will not engage in deficit spending to resolve the labor issues. That would only lead to a financial crisis in the future and jeopardize services to MRDD consumers and families," he said.