Governor offers his services in Frontier talks

Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998 | 11:31 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY - Gov. Bob Miller says he's delighted by the resumption of contract talks between the Frontier Hotel and striking workers, and he stands ready to dispatch a state official to take part in the negotiations.

The governor sent fax messages to hotel and union officials Tuesday, saying the conflict has divided the community and "hurt our economy and negatively affects every citizen."

The Frontier responded with a fax thanking the governor for his interest, but blaming the slow negotiations on the unions.

"The Frontier has always been ready and willing to negotiate," the release said. "However, the union did not ask to negotiate for 2.5 years."

Negotiations began June 3, the first time in two years both sides had bargained. Talks have been suspended until Frontier management reviews the un ions' proposals. The unions rejected management's first offer and no time has been set to resume discussions.

"The Frontier Hotel will not take 2.5 years to contact the union," the statement said.

However, Miller said he's willing to help speed things up by providing a mediator.

"It is imperative that everyone stay at the table, bargaining in good faith, until common ground is identified and a solution is achieved," the governor said.

"In order to do what I can to help keep the momentum toward agreement, I want to restate my readiness to send the state's labor commissioner or another appropriate individual to sit as an observer - or, if necessary, to personally participate in the discussions," he said.

The messages were sent to Tom Elardi, general manager of the Frontier; Jim Arnold, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Workers Local 226; Joe Leone, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 995; Mike Russell, business representative of Operating Engineers Local 501; and Walt Elliott, president of the Bartenders Local 165.