All labor agreements expired June 30, 1991 and were unsettled throughout much of the 1992 fiscal year. Recently, both the Police and AFSCME agreements have been settled, but negotiations with the Fire Department continue. The Firefighters are now seeking arbitration.
Over the 1992 fiscal year, the time incurred on a weekly basis for the part-time Fire reservists has increased to the point enabling them to enter the union. Essentially, the once part-time reservists may become full-time personnel. They are currently paid $5.00 per hour, but are seeking increases in compensation and a fringe benefit package as part of the settlement. Should the reservists' system negotiated by the Receiver be eliminated, a substantial General Fund operating benefit will be lost.