Words have power. Meanings of words are important. Definitions can vary, however, and that can create interesting legal tangles. As an example, recall the statement in 1998 by then-President Bill Clinton, "It depends upon what the meaning of the word 'is' is."
There can be legal risk in adopting policy by ordinance
Navigating issues within the 'meet-and-confer' labor model
There are different ways Texas municipalities and cities can manage labor relations with local public employees. In this regard, size matters. The larger the community, the greater the possibility that police and firefighting employees have representation by unions and collective bargaining. Most Texas municipalities, though, have populations that allow them to manage these relationships in a less adversarial manner called meet and confer.
