AgdaPkt 2018-02-12 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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ANALYSIS Staff requested a statement of qualifications and pricing structure from five firms providing public sector labor relations services in the Bay Area. Four responses were received, and based on qualifications, two were selected for further consideration. A staff committee comprised of the City Manager, Assistant City Manager/Administrative Services Director, Assistant City Attorney and Human Resources Manager conducted interviews of the two firms. Based on this review, staff recommends that the City enter into an agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore. Liebert Cassidy Whitmore is a law firm with thirty-seven years of experience in labor relations and employment law, specializing in California public agencies. In addition to providing legal services, the firm provides comprehensive management and supervisor training for public agencies throughout California. The firm’s labor relations practice includes cities, counties and special districts throughout the state with a proven record of accomplishment of successful and legally compliant negotiations. The proposed agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore provides for a team approach, with Associate Attorney Kelly Tuffo serving as the City’s lead negotiator. Ms. Tuffo has worked with the City over the past five years as a lead negotiator for several employee groups, and has demonstrated her ability to provide sound and strategic labor relations expertise. Moreover, her collaborative approach to bargaining and ability to maintain a foundation of professionalism and mutual respect serves the goals and values of the City. Ms. Tuffo has extensive experience negotiating labor agreements on behalf of public agencies. She has negotiated agreements with public safety (police and fire) bargaining groups and groups representing a variety of non-public safety disciplines. The schedule for negotiations includes approximately six months for each group with the goal of timely completion prior to MOU expiration. Below is a summary of the groups and timeline for negotiations: Organizations Approximate Number of Members Current MOU Expiration Date Anticipated Negotiations Start Date POA 75 September 1, 2018 March 2018 PSA 14 September 1, 2018 March 2018 RCMEA 90 October 1, 2018 April 2018 COA 6 October 1, 2018 April 2018 IAFF 77 January 1, 2019 July 2018 SEIU 250 February 1, 2019 August 2018 The proposed agreement is dated January 24, 2018 to cover billable hours related to preparation for negotiations. These tasks were performed prior to approval of the full agreement in order to ensure that negotiations would begin on schedule. The cost for work time prior to agreement approval is estimated to be less than $2,000. In the event that the City Council does not approve the agreement and directs staff to recommend 6.1.A. - Page 2