El Monte : Contract Talks Break Down
After several months of salary negotiations, the City Council on Tuesday reached an impasse with unions representing firefighters and police lieutenants and captains.
The impasse came after the bargaining units rejected the city’s latest contract offers, which officials say have been restricted by budget considerations.
According to a firefighters’ representative, the city’s offer would take away benefits, including some holidays, and would not cover an increase of $40-a-month in firefighters’ medical insurance.
Two years ago, officials said, negotiations went smoothly with all three groups.
Meanwhile, two other bargaining units, the El Monte Police Officers Assn. and Service Employees International Union, Local 347, representing general employees, have agreed to continue talks.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
