If you live in Mt. Lebanon, you may have heard the term “collective bargaining agreement” thrown around in recent discussions about local government and employee relations. But what exactly does this term mean, and what impact does it have on the community?

A collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is a legally binding contract between an employer, usually a government entity, and a labor union representing its employees. In the case of Mt. Lebanon, this means that the municipality negotiates with the Mt. Lebanon Police Association and the Mt. Lebanon Firefighters Association to come to an agreement on working conditions, wages, benefits, and other employment terms.

The negotiation process can take months and involves discussions between the employer and the union, with both sides presenting proposals and counter-proposals until an agreement is reached. Once the CBA is finalized, it is voted on by both the union members and the municipality`s governing body, usually the city council or board of commissioners.

So, why does this matter to residents of Mt. Lebanon? One of the key reasons is that the CBA directly affects the quality and availability of essential services like police and fire protection. The agreement sets the terms for how much these workers are paid, their work schedules, and other important factors that influence their ability to do their jobs effectively. If a CBA is not reached, it can lead to strikes or other forms of work stoppages, which can disrupt public services and cause inconvenience or danger to residents.

Another important factor to consider is the financial impact of CBAs on local budgets. Salaries and benefits make up a significant share of government spending, and the terms of the CBA can affect the cost of these expenses. Negotiating a favorable agreement can help control costs and ensure that the municipality can afford to provide vital services without excessive tax increases.

Overall, the collective bargaining agreement is an important factor in the relationship between local government, employees, and residents in Mt. Lebanon. By understanding the negotiation process and the factors that go into creating these agreements, residents can be better informed about the decisions being made by their elected officials and the impact on the community as a whole.