Insurance Ploy Riles North Adams Council Meeting
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Mayor John Barrett III, however, objected to the way they had gone about it — by submitting correspondence that was read in open meeting.
"It appears to be a way around the mayor's office and negotiations and you can't do it," he told the council at Tuesday's meeting. "There's a right way and a wrong way."
Christopher Caproni, president of the North Adams Teachers Association, insisted it was the proper forum because it was the City Council "and we are employees of the city."
The exchange between Caproni and the mayor began to get heated and Chairman Alan Marden cut it short with his gavel, quickly calling for a motion to adjourn.
At issue is whether the unions followed proper form by approaching the council to adopt a law that would change the negotiating rules for health insurance coverage. The council has no authority over negotiations, that rests with the mayor.
In a letter submitted to the City Council and signed by the leaders of the city's seven bargaining units, the unions claim that the city could save up to $1.5 million by adopting part of section 19.
The 2007 law opens up the Group Insurance Commission, which covers some 300,000 state workers to employees of municipalities and districts. It is part of the Municipal Partnership Act and created as a way to help municipalities handle rising insurance costs.
The letter was not on the agenda but Councilor Clark Billings moved to suspend the rules to allow discussion.
"I don't know a thing about this but they have to have an agreement by Oct. 1," he said. "Maybe the mayor would like to comment on this. There's nothing before us and it takes two meetings for something like that and time is of the essence.
"If we are going to respond to this request I think we better start tonight."
Barrett said the council doesn't have the authority to enter into any negotiations and that suspending the rules would be improper. "This is typical of what has happened here. They should have followed proper procedure."
Councilor Gailanne Cariddi also cautioned about suspending the rules for a matter that did not have an order, concerned that it would set a precedent.
Billings withdrew his motion saying he had accomplished what he wanted in getting a comment from the mayor.
Caproni and Cindy Polinsky, regional representative for the Massachusetts Teachers Association, reiterated their reasons for the council to adopt the state law in open forum.
"This is a pressing issue for North Adams," said Caproni. "All the North Adams unions are on board with this. We're looking to collaboratively working together to try and solve the the insurance issues that not only the employees face but the state faces."
Pilonsky said the parties don't reach agreement then "we're back to where we started. We think that this could be a win-win situation."
An analysis by Boston Benefits Partners had found that joining the GIC could be good for the city and employees, she said, describing it as a "win-win situation."
The mayor, however, said talks had only started in early summer and this was a situation not to be rushed into.
"GIC is not the way to go for every community. If it is as good as they say it is, why have only six [municipalities] joined it and some of them are not happy," he said. "Saying it will save the city and employees $1.5 million is absurd."
Insurance is a "budget breaker," said Barrett, and the city has been looking at ways to reduce costs. But he questioned the wisdom of locking into a three-year plan with GIC without knowing all the details.
He also questioned whether all the unions — not just their leaders - were on board. "Once they found out it's not Blue Cross it's New England Health, I think a lot of members will think twice."
Afterwards, Caproni said union members are aware of the plans and that a number of informational meetings had been held.
The letter was signed by Caproni; Debra Alves, president of the North Adams Teaching Assistants Association United Steelworkers 1235; John Hinkell, steward of Teamsters Local 404; Brian Kelly, president of North Adams Police Association 382; Peter Robare, president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1281; Jeanne Lapine, president of the North Adams Paraprofessionals Association and Gordon Tower, president of AFL-CIO 204, State Council 93.
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