When county or city employees are represented by a union, the
agency must negotiate with that union regarding their pay and
benefits, working hours, and working conditions.
Typically, the most effective role elected officials can play in
the labor relations process is to set key financial and other
parameters for the negotiating team.
Salary, healthcare, pensions, leaves and other employment
benefits are typically viewed by employees as an important
component of the compensation package they receive for their
work.
As local officials engage in conversations with their
constituents, their bargaining representatives and each other
about public pension issues, it can be helpful to have a working
understanding of what key terms and concepts mean.
The City Managers Department of the League of California Cities
and County Administrative Officers Association of California have
adopted guidelines for determining chief executive compensation
for local agencies.
