by Aaron Hanson, President

Memo:

From: Aaron Hanson

To: Union membership

April 12^th, 200

Today, the City filed a petition with the Commission of Industrial Relations to resolve our current contract dispute.

Despite the misinformation spread about the media by the politicians, the final offer that the City presented to us was unacceptable.

In essence, the city expected you to accept the following

They expected you to drastically decrease your healthcare benefits while simultaneously expecting you to pay a monthly premium.

They expected you to pay a monthly healthcare  premium without offering your dependants any substantive wellness benefits such as well baby checks for our children or  coverage for annual female exams.

They wanted to severely decrease your pension benefit while simultaneously expecting you to pay more of a pension contribution. (the City had reported the increase to be only a 1/2% increase when in fact it was a 1.75% increase resulting in a 16.3% total pension contribution)

They wanted to decrease your pension benefit in the early years of your retirement without offering a livable cost of living adjustment in the latter years of your retirement.

They offered you a wage increase that would have been virtually consumed by your increased healthcare and pension contribution costs.

In our opinion, the City simply wanted too much and was not interested in finding mutually beneficial solutions to the problems both sides face.

On Wednesday April 9th, the City's offer was presented to the Executive Board for their consideration and was unanimously rejected by all board members in attendance.

Your negotiating team was committed to finding a mutually agreeable resolution.  We offered to pay a health care premium as well as place needed checks and balances on the current pension benefit that would have resulted in a reduction of overly high pensions and a healthier pension system overall.  We were willing to be innovative but at the same time very careful not to enter into agreements that could have unintended consequences in your later years.  Pension changes are a 30 to 50 year commitment. 

The City was the one that decided to take this matter to court. We do not believe we are at impasse.  However, we are prepared to assertively and professionally move forward through this legal process and are dedicated to achieving the best possible result for you and your families.

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