Originally posted Sept 14, 2013

YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL DECIDE WHETHER WE GET A PAY RAISE OR ANOTHER PAY CUT.

WE NEED EVERYONE TO SHOW UP ON THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING THIS

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 6PM AT 8401 W. MONROE STREET, PEORIA AZ

AFSCME’s Labor Update

After months of meeting with the City and most of our proposals being rejected we reached a dead lock. The City then withdrew a negotiator and was replaced with the Deputy City Manager then provided a facilitator towards the end of negotiations which we felt was working as a mediator on the city’s behalf and did not assist in reaching a mutual agreement.

We refused the offer of mediation due to its high cost and non-binding results which would mean that once an agreement is reached, its result could still be declined by City Council. We chose to go directly to City Council to plead our case.

City Council makes the ultimate choice on what our raises will be, so we need everyone to attend the Council meeting on September 17, at 6:00pm. It is crucial for you to attend and show that you support what your team has been fighting for. This is your chance to fight for yourself, your family and your co-workers.

City’s last offer of 3.5 percent raise or $850.00 dollar one lump sum for topped out employees would not contribute to a fair livable wage. We believe percentages are unfair and everyone should receive the same amount. Our final counter offer was for a $1.50 an hour raise for all AFSCME covered employees and that the pay should be retroactive. City advised that they have the ability to pay but are not interested in doing so.

AFSCME was the first to volunteer to work with the City during the economic hardship by agreeing to forgo raises until a later date. We took on more duties to combined job classifications. We invented new methods of performing duties in order to help the City save money. This prevented layoffs and furloughs. Even though the City diminished some of its resources (employees) we were able to obtain the highest Customer Service ratings we’ve received by our citizens. Outside research groups that have done studies have shown that Peoria is the highest rated throughout the country.

We recognize that we have the best employees but to continue to expect us to live below fair living wages is unacceptable.

98% SATISFCATION RATE FROM OUR RESIDENT, 0% RESPECT!

*MORE INFORMATION TO COME THIS MONDAY SEPTEMBER 16 ON THE CITY COUNSEL MEETING*