Norwood Labor Negotiations Stalled Awaiting State Free Cash Certification-July 31, 1984

Contract negotiations between the town of Norwood and its municipal labor unions are at a virtual standstill while officials await state certification of the town’s available surplus, or “free cash,” to cover upcoming wage settlements.

Contracts for police, fire, public works, and municipal light department employees expired on June 30, while agreements for several school bargaining units are set to expire over the summer. Officials emphasize that progress depends entirely on how much leftover funds from the previous fiscal year will be certified by the state Bureau of Accounts, a figure expected in August or September. Generally speaking, negotiations are continuing, but no real progress is being made simply because of the fact the town’s financial picture is cloudy, stated Town Manager John J. Carroll.

Finance Commission Chairman Norman E. Rickard noted that while the town has enjoyed $2 million or more in free cash in recent years, he doubted the figure would reach that level this time around, reminding officials that any granted pay raises must be funded through free cash. Selectmen Chairman Walter J. Dempsey echoed that sentiment, noting there was not a great deal of merit in serious negotiations if there’s not enough in the bank available. Dempsey also pointed out that previous funding sources—such as settlement funds from a litigation dispute against Boston Edison Co. used to finance a 7.5 percent raise the prior year—were entirely exhausted, and that $3.8 million in restricted funds, including $1.5 million from the sale of the former Aaron Guild School and $1.3 million from the sale of the Norwood Civic Center, cannot legally be spent on municipal salaries. Meanwhile, a special town meeting was scheduled for September 24 to consider nearly $5 million in renovations to Norwood High School, pushed back from September 17 due to the state primary election.

Despite the financial holding pattern, union leaders reported that talks remained civil. Patrolman Elaine M. Kougias, president of the police union, acknowledged that they understand the necessity of waiting for the free cash figures, adding, They can’t agree to give us anything until they know what they have available… we’re still actively negotiating with the town. We haven’t come to any impasse, a view shared by Town Manager John J. Carroll, who noted no rancor or bitterness had entered the discussions. However, negotiations with teachers represented by the Norwood Teachers Association were proceeding very slowly and heading toward mediation, according to negotiator Richard King, whose contract expires August 31, while Fire Capt. Michael C. Abely, president of the firefighters union, described their talks as sort of stalled at this point.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger