“I'm pleased to report that coalition bargaining has been adopted in Dracut with our selectmen voting unanimously for it,” states Andy Powell, a fire captain and chairman of the town's insurance advisory committee. “There are many individuals and groups that helped achieve this landmark, and I'll take this opportunity to thank the Association for its support of our efforts here.”

Recently, Melrose officials joined with union representatives in support of Section 19. Final adoption of coalition bargaining for Melrose is contingent upon enactment of a home rule petition that would allow the city to contribute slightly more to the HMO premiums of their retirees than employees.

Editor's Note: Melrose's home rule petition is unique in that it is not mandated by Section 19. Since the coalition bargaining law requires that the city's contribution to the HMO premium be the same for all enrollees (retirees, employees and survivors), the home rule petition, allowing for different rates, became necessary.

In Tewksbury, its Board of Selectmen voted to adopt Section 19. As we went to press, the town's unions will be voting to complete the process and implement coalition bargaining there.

“There's growing interest in coalition bargaining from local retiree organizations, for example the Quincy Retiree Association,” according to our Insurance Coordinator Cheryl Stillman. “What we're seeing in Dracut, Melrose and Tewksbury is representative of developments throughout the Commonwealth.”

Upon adopting the coalition bargaining law, municipal officials are negotiating on health insurance plans, with one bargaining committee, which includes a retiree, designated by our Association, and representatives from each of the local unions. “It's an innovative approach since retirees are sitting at the same negotiation table with the unions and city officials, hammering out their insurance plans,” continued Stillman.