One of the “public comment” speakers during Wednesday evening’s (Feb 4th) Danville City Council meeting was Danville Firefighters Local 429 president Easton Hoskins. He expressed disappointment that although the firefighters approved a new contract in December, it has not yet come before the full City Council for approval. Hoskins says it’s a fair deal for both parties, and that it was a smooth negotiation process.
AUDIO: Our voting process took five days, which closed on December 19th. The agreement was ratified by the members. I know it was removed from the January 6th meeting due to some of the Council members had not received a copy of the contract to review for vote, which is very understandable. But our membership was looking to see it on the next agenda, and it did not show up; as well as tonight’s agenda. And it was not presented tonight as well.
Danville Firefighters Local 429 president Easton Hoskins addresses the Danville City Council.
Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr said after the meeting that the root of this delay was a server problem, and he expects a vote at one of the next two full Council meetings.
AUDIO: Our server failed to send the contract in a timely manner to the aldermen for review. I like to make sure they have plenty of time to review it, and that hadn’t happened yet. We should have a vote soon, definitely by the first Council meeting next month at the latest.
Hoskins said before he left for the night that he believes the collective bargaining process will continue to work as intended.
