×

Steubenville contract talks at a standstill

STEUBENVILLE — Contract talks for the city’s largest bargaining unit are at a standstill until attorneys either figure out how to conduct negotiations without breaking social distancing guidelines or the governor lifts his ban on public gatherings.

For now, the 89 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees City of Steubenville Local 2015 are working under their old contract, which expired March 31.

Local 2015 President Jim Raymond said they filed for a contract extension because of the coronavirus pandemic gripping the nation, which as of Monday afternoon had sickened more than 4,400 Ohioans and killed 142. “We were actually going in to meet, we’d started negotiating (and) ended up having to stop,” he said.

City Manager Jim Mavromatis said attorneys for the city and union were trying to figure out a way to conduct talks without them all being in the same room. “It’s a matter of social distancing,” Mavromatis said. “I think the last (negotiating session) I was at there were 12 people.”

Raymond said the attorneys “were looking for different avenues for us to go down and negotiate, but at this point in time I don’t see how that’s possible.”

“They were trying to come up with something,” Raymond said. “My understanding is they’re holding off to see if (pandemic concerns) break to the point where we can meet (in the same room.)”

Mavromatis expects the COVID-19 pandemic to leave its mark on the talks: Since Gov. Mike DeWine ordered the closing of all non-essential businesses throughout the state, nearly 470,000 Ohioans have filed unemployment claims. While they don’t know yet how many of those claims were filed locally, it’s no secret workers have lost jobs and businesses have lost revenue.

City officials are bracing for a big dip in tax revenues, though at this point Mavromatis said it’s too soon to say how badly Steubenville will be hurt. He’s figuring it will be between 60 and 90 days before they get a read on how the closings and job losses will impact city coffers.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today