A Message from the General Manager
A MESSAGE FROM THE RMLD GM REGARDING THE FEBRUARY 15, 2019, LETTER FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
RE: SICK-LEAVE POLICIES AND PAYOUTS AT MUNICIPAL LIGHT PLANTS
In reference to the financial oversight recommendations in the report: along with the governance and financial oversight by the RMLD Board of Commissioners and the Citizens Advisory Board (members from each of the 4 towns RMLD serves), the Town of Reading has full visual control over all expenditures of the RMLD, at all times. The Town of Reading handles all cash transactions including Accounts Payables done weekly, and Payroll done bi-weekly. Reviews by the Town can be done at any time since the all transactions, as stated, are in their control. The RMLD prides itself on its transparency. Unused sick buyback liability is found on the RMLD financials. The RMLD financials are presented a minimum of 8 times per year at open public meeting sessions of the Board of Commissioners and the Citizens Advisory Board. The RMLD financials can be found on our website and are included in the RMLD Annual Report. The Town of Reading has appointed a municipal Select-member as a Liaison who does attend the RMLD Board of Commissioners meetings. The RMLD undergoes a comprehensive independent audit annually which is presented to the Audit Committee comprised of RMLD Board of Commissioners, Citizens Advisory Board members, and various Town of Reading Officials.
In reference to the unlimited sick leave buyback: it has been in place for RMLD employees since 1991. I was hired as the GM in 2013 and I am the only employee without any sick leave buyback benefits. The prior GM was employed by the RMLD for more than 25 years, his sick leave buy-back is addressed in the report. Ninety percent of the RMLD employees are unionized. Out of a full staff of 80 positions, only 6 are non-union including myself, the 26 management positions are IBEW union as well as the balance of labor employees in AFSCME. Changes cannot be made to employee sick leave buyback provisions unilaterally by the RMLD. It is important to remember that the sick leave buyback benefit is governed by collective bargaining agreements between three unions representing 90 percent of the RMLD employees. The Commonwealth’s bargaining law, G.L. c.150E governs that process.
The RMLD is proud of the changes made during prior contract negotiations to reduce the unlimited sick buy-back to 90 days (2004), 60 days (2007) and now 30 days (2004 & 2016 - not mentioned in the report) for new hires. Since my hire in 2013, I have consistently proposed the elimination of unlimited sick leave buyback across all bargaining groups. The RMLD is currently at the bargaining table with all three unions.
Coleen M. O’Brien
General Manager
Reading Municipal Light Department
230 Ash Street
Reading, MA 01867