Contracts Approved for Majority of Kent Union Employees

The majority of Kent's public union employees can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they have in place and won't immediately be subject to next month.

approved contracts with the five of the city's six unions Wednesday night that will see no change in pay or health care contributions for employees in the first year. In the second contract year employees will get a 1 percent raise with a 2 percent raise in the final contract year. Employee health care contributions will rise in the final two contract years.

Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala — a lifetime resident — said this year's contract negotiations were the best he's seen.

"I think it’s very commendable how (the employees) stepped up to the plate and recognized the situation," Fiala said. "Everybody was working with everybody."

Contracts were approved for Kent's three Fraternal Order of Police unions representing police officers, dispatchers and civilian employees, the Kent Firefighters Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. The city's Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, representing police supervisors, is expected to finalize its contract in time for council to vote on it Nov. 2.

Councilwoman Heidi Shaffer said she appreciated the moderation that was expressed on both sides during contract talks.

"This is an example that public employee collective bargaining works," she said.