Athens-Clarke County commissioners meet tonight to discuss a resolution that would allow the fire department to collectively bargain with the city for things such as wages, hours and working conditions. State law prohibits most public employees from engaging in collective bargaining, but there is an exception for firefighters. The International Association of Firefighters has had a presence in Athens for around 15 years, but they have not been recognized by the ACC government.
The resolution and an accompanying ordinance would, if passed set up a process for local officials to bargain with the firefighters' union. The meeting is set for 5:30pm at City Hall.