Clark County firefighter arbitration opens

Clark County and the local firefighters union went into the first day of arbitration Monday to resolve deadlocked labor talks.

The second hearing will be today, and a third session, if necessary, will take place Nov. 8.

The International Association of Firefighters Local 1908 declared an impasse in bargaining in August after the county rejected what union leaders described as $9.7 million in concessions.

County officials contend that union representatives exaggerated the proposed savings.

Union representatives haven't disclosed their proposal, but argue that it would lead to more substantial savings to taxpayers.

Union and county leaders didn't respond to e-mailed questions about how arbitration went the first day.

Both sides have indicated a willingness to publicize their last and final offers at the end of the final hearing.

When the hearings conclude, Norman Brand, a San Francisco attorney acting as the arbitrator, must choose one of the offers within 10 days.

There is no compromise in arbitration. One offer is selected and one rejected.

When bargaining began in March, county officials made it clear they would take a tougher stance with the firefighters union than in past labor negotiations when the economy was robust.

Firefighters now face the possibility of having their wages and benefits rolled back for the first time ever.