PHOENIX, AZ – Attorney General Kris Mayes has called on Arizona’s cities and towns to foster constructive relationships with public employee unions following the Arizona Supreme Court’s recent decision in Gilmore v. Gallego. In a letter issued this week, Mayes emphasized the importance of balancing compliance with state law and maintaining positive employer-employee relations.
“I encourage cities and towns to work productively with employee unions to find solutions that foster strong relationships while ensuring compliance with Arizona’s laws,” Mayes said.
The court’s ruling raised concerns about specific provisions related to release time for public employees but did not prohibit all such arrangements. Mayes underscored the need for public entities and unions to consult legal counsel to address any questions and ensure their agreements align with Arizona law.
The Attorney General highlighted the decision’s implications for future cases, noting that the ruling provides a framework for addressing labor concerns without undermining the collaborative efforts between public employers and unions.
“While the Gilmore ruling addresses specific concerns, it is critical that public entities and unions continue to prioritize constitutional compliance while upholding their commitment to Arizona’s workforce,” Mayes said.
Mayes urged cities and towns to seek legal guidance to navigate labor agreements, ensuring they adhere to state law while supporting productive and sustainable employer-employee relationships.
