FMEF Negotiations Update - December 9, 2021

Dear FMEF member,

Your FMEF Bargaining Team met with representatives from the City on Dec. 8, 2021, just a few hours after a lengthy City Council meeting the previous night.

The City increased its wage proposal by almost a full percentage point. While this represents progress, the offer does not reflect the wages you and your families deserve. The City continues to reject a no layoff/furlough clause.

Another bargaining session is scheduled for Dec. 15.

The Council’s decision Tuesday night to cut the City’s budget by another 2.5%—despite millions of dollars in federal aid—is another example of gross mismanagement. The move came even after Acting City Manager Steve Danley reported that City sales tax revenue came in $1.6 million higher than projected and property tax revenue is expected to exceed expectations as well.

We asked City staff for details on how the budget cuts would be implemented but that has yet to be worked out. We will update you as soon as we have the information.

The meeting ran past 1 a.m. Wednesday morning. I want to thank FMEF members for attending the meeting and rising to speak on behalf of coworkers. This fight for fairness and equity isn’t over. In fact, we’re just getting started.

In Solidarity,

Veronica Rodarte
Sr. Labor Relations Representative

Publication Date: December 9, 2021