The reforms proposed by the resolution include allowing arbitrators to come to a decision that includes aspects of each side's demands. | File photo
The reforms proposed by the resolution include allowing arbitrators to come to a decision that includes aspects of each side's demands. | File photo
The Urbana City Council passed a resolution Monday that calls for a series of reforms to the state's arbitration laws.
The resolution is meant to address what city officials described as imbalances in the arbitration process, which they alleged undermines collective bargaining leverage for public employees and creates an unnecessary burden for local governments.
The reforms proposed by the resolution include allowing arbitrators to come to a decision that includes aspects of each side's demands, requiring arbitrators to base their decisions based on the affordability of the solution for the specific governments involved, and to remove an arbitrator's power to overturn hiring and firing decisions of police and fire personnel.
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