12/14/2024
Dear Coffeyville Residents,
As members of Coffeyville’s workforce and your neighbors, we feel compelled to address an urgent matter that could significantly affect not only city employees but the broader community. Last week, City Manager Ben Brubaker announced a recommendation to remove the City of Coffeyville from the Public Employer-Employee Relations Act (PEERA). This decision, which is set to be voted on by the City Commission next Thursday, would eliminate collective bargaining rights for over 100 city employees, including firefighters, police officers, and utility and water workers. We believe this decision warrants your attention and involvement.
The individuals this decision affects are the backbone of Coffeyville. They are the firefighters who respond when you call for help, the police officers who protect your families, and the utility and water workers who ensure you have heat in the winter and repair water lines in freezing conditions. These are not unskilled jobs but highly trained specialized professions that often come with inherent risks. If these workers lose their collective bargaining rights, they may also lose critical job protections, leaving them as “at-will” employees, vulnerable to termination without cause. Moreover, many of these professionals have dedicated their lives to their fields and would face significant challenges transitioning to new careers if their roles were jeopardized.
Beyond their work, these employees are deeply embedded in our community. They coach youth sports, volunteer for local initiatives, and even run small businesses. Their contributions go far beyond their day-to-day jobs, and any instability they face could ripple through our entire community.
The city manager’s letter outlining this recommendation cites concerns about inefficiency, rigidity, and costs associated with union contracts. While we acknowledge there is always room for improvement, we firmly believe these concerns could have been addressed through collaborative in-person negotiations and discussions with union representatives. Unfortunately, this recommendation was announced with only nine days’ notice before the vote, leaving no time for meaningful dialogue or input from employees or the public. This suddenness has caught all of us off guard and risks eroding the trust between city employees and management. While the city manager has expressed a desire to move away from an “us vs. them” mentality, this rushed and secretive process only reinforces that divide.
The unions representing Coffeyville’s employees strongly oppose this recommendation, especially in the absence of a clear transition plan. No details have been provided on how employee rights, benefits, and workplace protections would be maintained if PEERA is eliminated. Without these guarantees, workers and their families face uncertainty about their future, and the community risks losing the stability that these dedicated professionals provide.
We urge Coffeyville residents to stand with the city employees who serve you every day. This is not just a labor issue; it is a community issue. The outcome of this decision will affect not only the employees but also their families, their ability to contribute to the local economy, and the overall well-being of our city.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Attend the City Commission Meeting: The meeting will take place Thursday December 19th. Your presence and voice can make a difference.
2. Contact Your City Commissioners: Let them know that you value the work of Coffeyville’s employees and urge them to delay the vote until a comprehensive and transparent transition plan is developed.
Coffeyville thrives when we work together. Let’s ensure that any decisions made reflect the best interests of not just a few but the entire community. Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate this critical moment for our city.
Sincerely, Josh Mecom President
