HomeMy WebLinkAbout091123 - Public Comment in Meeting Susan O'Brien re: Kudos to HR & CA 9u(014C
) CC
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August 28, 2023 Sugko V NrYh
To the Commissioners:
Last week the UFCW 3000 Union contract was signed. I want to commend all who had a part
in this process.
This is my 8th experience in being on the negotiating team and this recent contract negotiation
was a night-and-day difference from all past union negotiations.
The county was represented by Sarah Melancon, HR director, and Mark McCauley, County
Administrator.
What stood out in particular:
1) Our first negotiations meeting began with a statement read by the HR director
regarding the fundamental purpose of Public Employment is to provide the highest level of
services to the citizens of Jefferson County and this will be the overarching guidance in the
negotiating process. Value and fairness to employees being a part of this purpose.
2) Our concerns were listened to with careful attention to the details— solutions were
then proposed that addressed and solved the concerns of both sides.
The process went smoothly and was much more streamlined and efficient than past
negotiations. The final agreements were beneficial and fair to both the employees and county.
The contract supports the goal of "highest level of services" to the citizens of our county.
As a result, the message we received as employees of the county is that we are valued and
appreciated. I have to say this is a first!
Also a first: each of us on the negotiating team was asked to sign the final contract.
Thank you for changing the structure of the negotiations.
Thank you for hiring Sarah Melancon as HR director.
And thank you for valuing the public employees of Jefferson County.
Sincerely,
° )6-2;j2" --j
Susan O'Brien
She/her pronouns
Public Employee
Jefferson County Public Health