State Issues Complaint Against City of Concord for 'Illegal' Furlough Days

From Teamsters Local Union No. 856:

On the heels of a recent protest by employees, the State Public Employment Relations Board issued a complaint Monday alleging that the city unlawfully extended furloughs and salary reductions on City employees.

Nearly 150 city workers, represented by Teamsters Local Union 856, began mandatory furlough days last Friday which have been protested by employees and contested legally by union attorneys.

The State issued a complaint against the City of Concord for mandating furloughs which resulted in cuts to city services. The complaint issued by the State includes charges that the city failed to negotiate with workers, interfered with their rights to representation, refused to meet and confer in violation of Government Code sections 3505 and 3506.5(c), and committed an unfair labor practice under Government Code section 3509(b) and PERB Regulation 32603(c). 

The union workers will attempt to meet with City representatives to resolve the matter but have authorized legal staff to prepare for a trial before the Public Employee Relations Board.