Assembly Won’t Vote on Controversial Labor Ordinance Until March 26

Body postpones vote to consider union leaders’ concerns

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By Matthew F. Smith

Story Created: Mar 13, 2013 at 7:22 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Mar 13, 2013 at 7:22 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Two more weeks: That’s how much time the Anchorage Assembly said it needed before it’s ready to vote on Mayor Sullivan’s ordinance AO-37, which would change the way the city negotiates with unions.

The final vote on AO-37 was supposed to be Tuesday night, after the assembly heard from 300 people during 20 hours of public testimony. Public comment has ended, but the assembly is still taking written testimony.

According to Assembly Chair Ernie Hall, the two week gap before the vote is to address several concerns that have been raised by union leaders.

“[Tuesday night] we are going to postpone action on AO-37 until the 26th, which is going to give us another two weeks to receive written testimony, to give individuals in the community opportunity to contact their assembly members,” Hall said.

Union leaders are still waiting to hear back from the mayor’s office on an offer they made last week to extend their current contracts for a year if the ordinance is tabled.

Mayor Sullivan’s office originally told KTVA they would have a response Tuesday; they then said they’ll have an official comment on the union offer Wednesday.

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