Boardman trustees, firefighters go to binding arbitration

BOARDMAN — Boardman Township trustees and the township firefighters’ union soon will head to binding arbitration after the two parties were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract through collective bargaining or fact-finding.

Both sides said the biggest issue is wages.

Negotiations have been going on since the old contract, which started in March 2011, expired at the end of February.

“The compelling reason to go to conciliation is the township’s refusal to accept the fact-finder’s position on wages,” said Atty. Dennis Haines, who represents the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1176.

Fact-finder Michelle Miller-Kotula determined the township should give wage increases of $1,250 per year, saying “This particular bargaining unit has taken wage freezes for several years to support the Employer’s past financial position. By taking such freezes, the Employer has been able to reduce its expenditures. Furthermore, the evidence proves that the Union has previously changed its salary structure in en effort to save money for the Employer ... The Union also has changed provision in its health care to save money for the Employer. It is therefore my recommendation for these wages increases to be adopted based on the foregoing reasons.”

Trustees, however, said the township is not in a financial position to follow that recommendation.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com