Assembly Votes Down Raise For AWWU Union Workers

The union workers requested a 10 to 15 percent increase—which would have come to about $3 an hour per person—over the next three years.

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By Alexis Fernandez

Story Created: Aug 31, 2011 at 10:05 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2011 at 10:05 AM AKDT

The Anchorage Assembly voted seven to four Tuesday night to not increase the wages for 135 Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility workers.

Retired Superior Court Judge Douglas Serdahely sided with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 367 and said they were underpaid compared to other workers in the same field at other utilities.

The union workers requested a 10 to 15 percent increase—which would have come to about $3 an hour per person—over the next three years. The city proposed a 5 percent increase over the next three years.

“We have no intention of going to his assembly and making any kind of threats,” said union spokesman and attorney Charles Dunnagan who called the request a “reasonable deal.”

If the contract had passed, it wouldn’t have affected the city budget but it would have affected how much consumers pay in their water bill. Assembly Chair Debbie Ossiander said there is already a projected 6 to 8 percent increase that is expected to go into effect, and passage of the contract would have increased wages even more.

She said the real concern is a potential strike from the union workers.

“It’s a big concern. These employees are really in charge of everybody's water—our septic systems…it’s a public health issue,” Ossiander said.

If the workers decide to strike, the city could file a court order that would require workers to return to their jobs.

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gee money said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 4:42 PM

the raise would put the averge salary at 83,000 were private sector doing same thing is about 67,000 I say if they strike fire them at that wage plenty of people to take up the slack and yes qualified not only union people are qualified to do this work!!!

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Andrew said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 4:27 PM

No raise for any city employee nor politician while the recession last

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just curious said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 12:20 PM

What is the current hourly rate for these employees and what is their current benefit package ?

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akcoyote said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 11:35 AM

And people wonder why the average Joe has such low regard for unions.

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