Negotiations with the City

      On July 14, the Union and the City met again to discuss the terms of a new economic agreement. No agreement was reached at this meeting.

      The Union has remained steady on demanding parity with the settlements the City has recently reached with uniform and non-uniform unions. We believe that all City workers are entitled to fair increases. This is our bottom line.

      Our list of Demands for a new economic agreement was presented in October 2007. The past economic contract expired on March 2008. The Bargaining Committee, composed by the Presidents of the 56 Locals at DC 37, discussed and analyzed many proposals from different Local before establishing a list of demands with new proposals as well as proposals from past negotiations.

      The list of demands supported by the Bargaining Committee includes:

• A three-year agreement
• Fair and Equitable raises
• Restoring benefit modifications from the 2002-2005 agreement
• Equity money for unit bargaining
• Additional money for welfare fund contributions

      The dramatic downturn of the market during late December 2007 and January 2008, and the overall economic reports for productivity and unemployment for the last quarter of 2007 have shifted the nature of the economic negotiations. However, the Union is committed to get the best contract for our members. We will keep you informed.