Well, I'm back from the press conference at AFSCME DC 47. I'd write up the details, but the good folks over at Philly Clout already beat me to the punch. Here's the crux of the message delivered by DC 47:
DC 47 President Cathy Scott says the union – which represent 3,372 employees – would accept a one year deal like the Fraternal Order of Police got last week, if they can get the same terms as police.
She said they want raises like the cops and they want the city to pay $1108 per worker into their healthcare fund. Currently the city pays $976, Scott said. But she said with rising costs, they’ll need $1108. And Scott pointed out that they are asking for less than police got – $1165.
Scott said DC 47 has offered to join the committee Mayor Nutter is establishing to examine city healthcare costs. But she said they weren’t interested in merging their healthcare fund with the other three city union heath funds.
I swear that DN reporter Chris Brennan was still inside the building when I left, so he must of used some kind of ESP to make the blog post happen. Or he has a telephone. Either way, it's just more proof that print reporters can still kick blogger butt-- even on our turf.
Since Clout has already covered the news angle, I guess all that is left for me is analysis. The press conference was interesting because it was one of the few times that any of the parties involved in negotiations have spoken publicly. Scott said that her statement was a response to things said by Mayor Nutter when the contract for the FOP was awarded. DC 47 was the only union to call a strike vote and demand a contract extension, so it's not too surprising that they're the ones breaking the silence. I wonder if their unwillingness to play by the rules laid out by Mayor Nutter will have any ramifications at the bargaining table.
The other interesting little tidbit was Scott's description of the proposals that have been offered by city negotiators. She called them "draconian." As mentioned above, Scott rejected the idea of merging the health funds and putting those dollars under city control. She also said that the city has offered no pay increases and called for drastic changes to the pension plan. According to her, the city wants to switch from a defined benefit pension plan (which guarantees a certain level of benefits) to a defined contribution plan, which would be closer to a 401(k).
Those are some tough proposals and I bet we won't see any of them in the final contract. The city is just talking tough. Instead, I think we're much more likely to see a deal closer to what the police got. No major changes, but enough time to give the administration breathing room.
Comments (6)
I loved the post! really enjoyed it, If you need a hand with your SEO just let me know
Posted by build backlinks | November 13, 2011 1:44 PM
Great post really enjoyed it mate :) If you ever need some help with SEO let me know
Posted by using duplicate content | November 23, 2011 10:32 AM
I loved the post! really enjoyed it, If you need a hand with your SEO just let me know
Posted by lil wyane new song | November 27, 2011 9:54 AM
I loved the post! really enjoyed it, If you need a hand with your SEO just let me know
Posted by lil wayne hyfr | November 27, 2011 12:12 PM
Hello, I read your new stuff like every week. Your writing style is witty, keep up the good work!
Posted by best car | January 18, 2012 12:54 PM
If some one needs to be updated with most recent technologies then he must be go to see this website and be up to date daily.
Posted by cheap car-insurance | January 19, 2012 8:31 AM