Miami Beach and CWA union shake hands on a tentative agreement

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/28/1845819/miami-beach-and-cwa-union-shake.html

Posted on Tuesday, 09.28.10

Communications Workers of America has come to a tentative contract agreement with city administrators -- again. The union represents more than 400 city employees, such as code enforcement officers and lifeguards.


9/20/10--Richard McKinnon president of communications workers of America local 3178 speaks to the city of Miami Beach commission during the second budget hearing at City Hall in Miami Beach.
CHRIS CUTRO / FOR THE MIAMI HERALD


BY DAVID SMILEY
[e-mail]

For the second time this year, Miami Beach has come to a handshake agreement with its largest union.

And if the two sides can approve a final contract this time, it would pacify a number of employees nervous about losing their jobs and tie up the remaining loose end of a newly approved budget.

The Communications Workers of America and the city came to a tentative agreement Sept. 24, and already there is one sign that this compact may be more successful than the last.

Unlike the previous understanding reached July 16, Friday's agreement bears the signature of Richard McKinnon, president of the local CWA chapter.

``We expect this will be ratified, or at least be put to a vote by members this week,'' City Manager Jorge Gonzalez said.

The city and union have been at odds for more than a year.

Facing a $29 million budget shortfall heading into September, Miami Beach looked to secure millions in concessions from its unions. The city says it reaped about $13 million in savings between 2010 and 2011 through contracts with its other four unions, and needed roughly $2 million over the same period with CWA, which represents more than 400 general employees, such as code enforcement officers and lifeguards.

FULL story at link.