State Rep. Winslow Proposes Public Sector Negotiation Changes

State Rep. Daniel Winslow has put forward a bill that would extend MBTA management rights to cover the government's negotiations with all public sector employees.

Winslow (R-Norfolk) said this measure would change the way governments negotiate with their employee unions.

"The current procedure, with state and local governments, is that everything is bargain-able," he said. "Managers have to bargain for every management tool."

He said the move, if passed, would improve the state's fiscal health.

"It's saved millions for the MBTA," he said. "If we expand it, we could save hundreds of millions."

Winslow said the state would be able to save on overtime with the new rules.

"With overtime, the highest-paid [Massport] parking lot attendant makes $90,000," he said. "With the new management rights, the state would have the right to bring in part-time help instead of using overtime."

"That would help with unemployment, too," he added.

Winslow said the matter had gotten a good deal of attention because of the collective bargaining controversy going on in Wisconsin. However, he said, the original MBTA reforms were written and passed by Democrats.

According to Winslow, the bill has been filed with the legislature, and has been referred to the state House of Representatives committee on public service.