This story appeares in the Derry News

Four unions head back to the bargaining table

Eric Parry

DERRY | Four of the town's unions are moving ahead with negotiations after having previously declared an impasse. The Fire Department's two unions, who represent firefighters and fire supervisors, are back at the bargaining table after declaring an impasse two months ago. The union representing support staff has met with the town and are expected to file for a fact finding report soon, according to Human Resources Director Larry Budreau.

"We're pleased because the table is the best place to be," Budreau said while declining to comment on any specific elements of the contracts.

Contracts for all town employees | 250 of the town's 257 employees are unionized | expired on July 1. At that time, town officials were optimistic that the contracts would be resolved soon.

Budreau said the town is also negotiating with the police supervisors union without a mediator. Last month, the Town Council approved a one-year contract for the Derry Police Patrolman's Association that included a 2.5 percent across-the-board pay increase. The two sides also reached agreement regarding health insurance benefits and a clothing allowance.

But the unions representing the public works employees and professional administrative workers are still at an impasse. The next step is for them to assign a mediator to help with negotiations, according to Budreau.

Without new contracts, employees will continue to work under the terms of the contracts that expired in July. As a result, any increased costs in health insurance or other areas will be borne by the town instead of the employees. Employees will work without any salary or benefit increases.

None of the unions has a strike provision in its contract, so members would be breaking the law if they decided to walk off the job.