DSP 6-29 update

CWA Local 13101 Bargaining Update
June 29, 2026

Last week, your bargaining team met with the State once again to continue negotiations for a successor agreement. Unfortunately, we left that session with the same concerns we've had throughout this process.

Time and again, we have presented the issues that matter most to you, including compensation, recruitment, retention, staffing, morale, and working conditions. Rather than engaging in meaningful discussions to address these concerns, the State continues to insist that it knows what is in the best interest of the bargaining unit while dismissing the concerns raised by the employees who perform this critical work every day.

Compensation remains one of the Union's highest priorities. We firmly believe that 911 professionals are an essential part of public safety. The work you perform directly impacts officer safety, public safety, and the citizens of Delaware. Your professionalism, dedication, and willingness to answer the call every day deserve to be recognized with fair and competitive compensation.

The State continues to express concerns about attendance and staffing shortages. We have repeatedly explained that these issues are directly connected to wages, recruitment, retention, and overall employee morale. Unfortunately, those concerns continue to be dismissed rather than addressed.

From the Union's perspective, the negotiations have not reflected the type of meaningful give and take that collective bargaining is intended to provide. Instead, it often feels as though the State has arrived with predetermined positions and is telling employees what they believe is best, rather than working collaboratively to reach a fair agreement.

At this point, we are nearing the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement, and it does not appear likely that a tentative agreement will be reached before the contract expires.

If that occurs, nothing changes immediately for you. The terms and conditions of your current contract will remain in effect while negotiations continue. You will continue working under the existing agreement until a new contract is negotiated and ratified.

The Union is currently evaluating all available options, including the possibility of requesting mediation if negotiations continue to stall. No final decision has been made, but we will keep the membership informed every step of the way.

We understand that this process can be frustrating, but your bargaining team remains committed to fighting for a contract that recognizes the value of the work you perform every day. We appreciate your continued patience, professionalism, and solidarity as we move forward together.

As always, thank you for your continued support. We will provide another update as soon as there is meaningful progress to report.