With City and State Budgets in place, members of Local 237’s Citywide Negotiation Committee drew up a list of contract demands that were formally presented to the City on October 1. Local 237’s Negotiation Team and some 50 members attended the session. President Haynes reminded City Labor Commissioner Jim Hanley that City workers are working harder than ever and without a raise in more than a year.

Haynes told City negotiators that Local 237 members expect substantial raises that are above inflation. In response to the Mayor’s call for greater productivity, President Haynes said that the union would be willing to discuss productivity but not give–backs. Local 237 Citywide Director Greg Floyd recognized the City’s financial difficulties but asked the City to respond to the financial burdens on City workers. He then went on to list a number of demands including retroactive raises, job security and a pay scale that rewards long–time employees. Director Floyd made the case for creating an entry level and a three-step pay plan for every city worker.

In addition to economic demands, the union raised the need for greater respect from the City toward members and for the City to better assist members in raising their families as well as providing more education and training for advancement. Haynes told the City, “Members are giving all they can to the City, and it’s time for the City to recognize the realities of workers' lives and help them with their burdens. That means providing onsite childcare and making it easier for members to fulfill their family responsibilities.”

Download the complete October 2003 Contract Action Update PDF, including a Summary of Local 237's Wages, Job Security, Retirement, and other demands.