ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — Officials in Ithaca hope a new role will improve negotiations with unions.

Common Council has approved the creation of a labor liaison. Alderperson Cynthia Brock believes it’s an important position.

“We recognize that as part of these negotiations, council will in some cases need to make financial decisions of how to balance the needs of our organization, as well as the need to adequately serve and meet the demands of our labor negotiations,” Brock said. “Having that liaison coming back to council, keeping us informed of pending issues that will be coming up, I think will really advance our ability to be proactive in these processes.”

In November, several city employees voiced their dissatisfaction with wages.