Mechanics vote to join Teamsters; city flags potential short-term operational impacts

Assistant City Manager Theo told the council the fleet mechanics voted 5–0 in a representation election to join the existing bargaining unit represented by the Teamsters, and the result will be certified by the board after a 10-day objection period. "As of this morning, CERB reached out and the fleet team voted 5–0 in favor of joining the existing bargaining unit," Theo said.

The presentation reviewed a yearlong timeline of meetings, an unfair-labor-practice (ULP) filing that led to a probable-cause determination and the decision to postpone mediation until after the election. Outside counsel reviewed the city’s informational mailings to employees, staff said, and town‑hall and mediation steps were undertaken to ensure fairness.

City and labor staff emphasized that the issue now shifts to operational details. Staff said the existing service‑worker contract differs from the mechanics’ current pay, certification, overtime and job-structure practices, which creates short‑term risks unless negotiators agree on interim arrangements. "If they join the existing contract as is, wages of the mechanics go down," Theo said, adding that off‑hours call assignments and specialty certifications could require different handling if immediate contract terms are applied.

Council members pressed staff on resident service continuity and asked whether memorandums of understanding (MOUs) or contract reopening could bridge the gaps. Outside counsel noted both are legally possible; staff flagged MOUs as a more surgical tool, while reopening a contract would expose broader terms to negotiation. Council heard that the city has contingency plans and spare equipment for safety forces but acknowledged some risk of slower after‑hours vehicle repairs until parties reach agreement.

Theo told the council staff would return with updates on mediation, certification and bargaining. "We have consistently acted in good faith," he said, "and we'll go to the table when we're asked." The board’s certification meeting is expected in April if no objections are filed.

Next steps recorded in the meeting: the 10‑day objection window before formal certification, follow-up negotiations to resolve operational carve‑outs (overtime procedures, lead mechanic role and tool/education allowances), and periodic reports back to council about mediation or unresolved ULP matters.