And another update, or rumor control if you are hearing the whispering voices….. via email from Local President Chris Cassidy to the Mayor, City Commission, and City Manager:
Cathy, I have been informed that you have expressed disappointment with the fact that I did not inform you, at our last monthly meeting, of AFSCME’s intent to file the ULP. Just to be clear, AFSCME has been holding off on filing the ULP in the hopes negotiations would go well thus making it unnecessary. When we last met I did not know what you were going to be proposing at negotiations. When my bargaining team met with yours last week, it became crystal clear that the City had no intention of rectifying the pay and benefit losses AFSCME bargaining unit members suffered as a result of the City’s declaration of financial urgency. Not only did your proposal fail to resolve the inequities our membership is currently experiencing, you actually proposed further cuts to our membership’s pay and benefits. It was that slap in the face, along with the numerous other attempts to take from our membership (such as ceasing longevity payments, contracting out AFSCME positions/work, the changing of full time positions to part time, the promoting of select individuals, etc…) as well as your refusal to sit down and partake in the negotiation process (AFSCME has been trying to meet with you for over seven months now and we still have not been provided any financials) that led AFSCME to file the ULP. I hope this clarifies why the ULP was filed and why you were not given a heads up in our last meeting. Christopher Cassidy President, AFSCME Local 2432