Negotiations between the city and firefighters over a proposed three-year collective-bargaining agreement have stalled due to a disagreement over healthcare insurance.
The city wants to give firefighters the right to reopen wage talks if their out-of-pocket healthcare costs rise too high. Firefighters rejected that idea in a 29-0 vote, saying that any increase in wages might not match skyrocketing medical insurance deductibles.
Due to the standoff, the Ohio State Employment Relations Board will appoint an arbitrator, who will serve as final judge in the negotiations. A decision is expected within 60 days, according to North Royalton Law Director Tom Kelly.