Two large city of Muskegon labor contracts extended setting up critical negotations at the end of 2013 | MLive.com#incart_river#incart_river#incart_river#incart_river#incart_river

Two large city of Muskegon labor contracts extended setting up critical negotations at the end of 2013 | MLive.com
The city of Muskegon and its two major labor unions represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 517M have decided to put off issues of pay, benefits and contract provisions for a year.
But that sets up a consolidation of city contracts coming due at the end of 2013. This time next year the city will face some critical labor negotiations.
The Muskegon City Commission unanimously approved a one-year contract extension with the SEIU Local 517M for both the city clerical and public works employees.
The contract extensions continue current salaries, benefits and contract language through Dec. 31, 2013, according to City Manager Bryon Mazade.
“From our standpoint, we have decided not to negotiate a new contract at this time,” Mazade said. “We are avoiding the time, effort and cost of negotiating a new contract.”