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As AO-37 Vote Nears, Final Work Session 'Frustrates' Union LeadersHoneman proposes non-binding resolution to delay labor ordinance vote until OctoberRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - The fight over changes to the way the city bargains with unions is supposed to end with a vote on Tuesday March 26, but some assembly members want more time to consider the ordinance. At a work session Friday between the Anchorage Assembly and municipal attornies, Assemblyman Paul Honeman presented AR-77, a resolution asking the mayor to delay a vote on AO-37 until October. "Kick the tires and take it for a test drive and see if we're comfortable with the way it's worded and if not, let's make those changes," Honeman said. He argued that the mayor had six months to draft the original, adding, “give us the same amount of time." Honeman’s resolution also calls for a task force to look at the issue of rewriting the municipal language AO-37 seeks to overhaul. Honeman said that's what former Mayor Tom Fink did back in the 1980s when the issue last came up. Unions are supporting Honeman's resolution, especially after getting a look at the third draft of AO-37, called AO-37 S-1. Ostensibly the focus of Friday’s work session, the latest draft of the ordinance was presented in response to hours of public testimony heard by the assembly, as well as concerns union leaders had communicated to Mayor Dan Sullivan and the city attorneys who drafted it. But Friday, many union leaders said the latest version changes very little. Anchorage Fire Department Union President Rod Harris said, "I guess my frustration with it is that we've been having a lot of meetings, and everybody leaves, taking their notes, and then we don't ever hear anything back." If the ordinance passes, Harris said its costs will be felt in the future. "The assembly is giving up a lot of power through this ordinance to the mayor, and the citizens of Anchorage will have to put up with the results of that for a long time." Those who support the AO-37, like Assemblymember Adam Trombley, disagree. He said both sides are making compromises. Even so, Trombley said another version of the ordinance is likely before the fight is over and a final vote is called. |
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kettle said on Saturday, Mar 23 at 6:46 PM
too bad the teamsters don't let the members in on decisions the "bosses" make like the health and welfare debacle going on right now, or where pay raises will go (towards pay, pension or HW) or who to support during up coming elections. And thgey have the nerve to cry and put ads on the radio about the mayor? Some nerve, the hall be be empty soon and members will be pushing for right to work at this rate.
116784332ALASKAN said on Saturday, Mar 23 at 2:31 PM
This will never be Obama land. Public Service Unions Bad Idea
116775192Willard said on Saturday, Mar 23 at 12:52 PM
What if the next mayor and assembly is labor friendly? This could really backfire. Is it really ok too deny any citizen the right too speak?
116769885Tony said on Saturday, Mar 23 at 11:04 AM
There are two sides to every issue, and usually a middle ground that is a fair resolution. When you seek to remove any chance of fairness by dictating terms in legislation, who else to lead the fight against tyranny but the labor unions? Unions are not perfect, and all unions are not equal-I know this, but I will stand with them all because that is the basic tenant of unionism. When you treat your workers fairly and negotiate in good faith-you get good sustainable contracts. The Mayor may eventually win this current battle, but the loser will be the City of Anchorage-not the unions. This action is already costing taxpayers money directly, and you are also paying in less than optimum services from a lowered morale workforce that feels under attack and unappreciated. Say what you like about the unions, but skilled labor is not cheap anywhere. And the "cheaper" labor you want to replace us with, will not be skilled. If you blindly support this tactic to bust up the unions, you will lose.
116764701Anonymous said on Saturday, Mar 23 at 8:32 AM
vote honeman out we do not need these unions to run or city into the ground with over paid pension and wages!!!!
116756831James said on Friday, Mar 22 at 11:55 PM
Boo-Hoo how do you think the rest of us feel when the union flourishes and the average citizen has to pay for your luxuries and comforts. This is not ObamaLand you live on!!!
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