The union representing employees of the Waldoboro Public Works and the Waldoboro Police Departments has put a hold on a complaint filed against the town for alleged violations of labor relations law.
The complaint, filed Dec. 30 with the Maine Labor Relations Board, stems from a Waldoboro Board of Selectmen decision to expand the number of employees required to pay into their health insurance. Some employees affected by the decision are members of the union. The union is currently in negations with the town over contracts for those employees.
On Dec. 30, the union filed a complaint with the Maine Labor Relations Board alleging that the change of health insurance policy violates labor relations law. The complaint also alleges that in early September the town failed to meet with negotiators in timely matter.
On Jan. 12, the union placed the complaint in abeyance. This means the complaint will be suspended for an indefinite period, unless the union decides to reopen the complaint.
During an interview on Jan. 23, Town Manager John Spear said the union’s decision was based on the fact that negotiators for the town and the union are “hopefully close to a tentative agreement.”
Spear hopes that negotiators will be able to bring an agreement before the Waldoboro Board of Selectmen at their Feb. 14 meeting. Then both the selectmen and the union must approve the agreement.
The selectmen are expected to discuss the union negotiations in an executive session at their Jan. 24 meeting.