Police, City Prepare for Mediation in Contract Dispute

– Allison Goldsberry

After again failing to reach an agreement during contract negotiations, the city and the police unions prepare for mediation.

A joint labor management council will oversee the mediation sessions.  Both sides are hopeful they can reach an agreement without going into arbitration, which has happened the past two times.

“I’m always hopeful that we can work something out…both sides need to be receptive,” said Medford Police Patrolmen’s Association President Harold MacGilvray.

“We too are hopeful that an agreement can be reached through the mediation process,” said Mayoral Aide Richard Lee.

Contract negotiations between the city and the police have been contentious since 2001.  The last two mediation sessions fell apart and the dispute went to arbitration, which ruled in favor of the police.

The city says it is offering the police the same as other unions but the police say they’re not getting the same deal.