http://slochamber.org/cm/Govt_Affairs/binding-arbitration.html

Twenty two cities in California currently have some form of binding arbitration, but only 13 cities, including San Luis Obispo, have used it. Already, some cities are regretting the decision to put binding arbitration on the table.

In June 2010, voters in the City of Vallejo passed Measure A which repealed the binding interest arbitration requirement from the City’s charter.

In November 2010, voters in the City of Stockton passed Measure H which repealed the binding interest arbitration requirement for firefighters. Also in November voters in the City of San Jose passed Measure V, which amended the city’s binding interest arbitration provision to require arbitration decisions to be based primarily on the city’s ability to pay and prohibit any decision from creating an unfunded liability.

I’m always surprised that articles about the prevailing wage issue don’t mention this. On one hand, cities that are pursuing charter status wish to reduce the impact of prevailing wage requirements with private sector unions, yet they open themselves up to the possibility of BIA with their police and fire unions.

There’s a well-organized, well-connected promotional campaign for city charters now. Obviously too many cities in California will have charters on the June 2014 ballot for the unions to stop them all. The unions will have to get voters to repeal this section of the California Constitution. Just collect another $43 million like they have to oppose Proposition 32, and they’ll get the repeal.

P.S. – this charter business is getting out of control for the unions! Here’s another one: at its meeting tomorrow (October 2, 2012), the Murrieta City Council will discuss asking their citizens to enact a charter.

http://www3.murrieta.org/sirepub/agdocs.aspx?doctype=agenda&itemid=29020