Sarnia City Council will hold off on a decision regarding post-retirement benefits until future contract negotiations.
The decision was made unanimously by councillors Monday, who also thanked City Manager Margaret Misek-Evans for putting together the report.
President of Local153 Jim Bigras says he's pleased with council's decision to discuss this issue behind closed doors.
"We feel that's where it should be bargained at not in council chambers and we work through HR, that's who we bargain our collective agreements with," says Bigras.
Bigras speaks on behalf of the four bargaining groups involved. He hopes to have meetings with Human Resources during the summer months, ahead of their contract expiration date of December.
The city currently provides health and dental benefits for employees up to age 65 with at least 25 years of service.
39 of the city's 250 unionized workers will be eligible for early retirement in 2016.
