Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement between the Sheriff’s Office Employees Association and Orange County shifted somewhat Wednesday. Previously the biggest hurdle was inclusion of a “Just Cause” provision in the proposed new contract. A new barrier maybe whether retiree benefits should be included in a new agreement.
The Association says retirement benefits come with the job and should be included in a new contract. County Judge Brint Carlton disagrees pointing out the terms of the contract only cover active employees in the Sheriff’s Office. Carlton commented, “We had a little bit of progress, but we’re still kind of getting held up on some issues on the differences between employees and retirees. Hopefully we’ll have some more luck on ironing that out next week.”
The deputies in the Association are expected to meet next Tuesday evening to review the county’s latest counter offer. The two parties are scheduled to have their next collective bargaining session on Wednesday at 9:00 AM in the Commissioners Courtroom.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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