After many months of frustrating negotiations between Local 237 and the city concerning the additional 1 percent productivity wage increase that was part of the 2003-2005 contract, on Sept. 14 Local 237 has filed an improper practice charge alleging that the city failed to negotiate in good faith.

This matter will be presented by the union’s counsel, Barry J. Peek, to the New York City Office of Collective Bargaining for a final decision. The collective bargaining agreement between Local 237 and the city, covering the 2002 to 2005 contract period, provided for an additional 1 percent increase in the wages of Local 237 members based upon a showing that the city can save money in other areas.

The Local 237 negotiating team, led by President Haynes and Citywide negotiator Gregory Floyd, met with the city on numerous occasions in an attempt to reach a final settlement of this matter.

During these negotiations, Local 237 proposed different programs whereby the city could save enough money to finance the 1 percent wage increase. For example, the city could realize significant financial savings by replacing private employees with Local 237 members. The city simply refused to even discuss these proposals.

The city also refused the union's request for the city to provide important financial information to the Local 237 negotiating team.

Local 237 strongly believes that its members have increased productivity for the city over the last few years by producing more with a smaller work force. According to President Haynes, “Our members have worked hard for this and certainly deserve the 1 percent productivity increase that is called for in the contract.”

Since the city has refused to conduct meaningful negotiations with Local 237 over this issue, the union has turned to the Office of Collective Bargaining for its assistance. In this way, Local 237 will continue its fight for fair and just wage increases for its members.