http://freep.com/article/20091021/NE...ontracts-nixed
Bing spokesman says negotiations possible
BY ZLATI MEYER
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
After months of threats and talk of impending financial doom for the city, Detroit officials have terminated the contracts of about a third of the city's 51 unions.
But so far, all that means is that unions will have to collect dues on their own.
Edward Cardenas, Mayor Dave Bing's spokesman, said Tuesday evening that 16 of the 34 bargaining units that hadn't yet reached agreements with the administration were sent letters Oct. 9, explaining that the city would no longer take union dues out of those employees' paychecks. That would take effect 10 days after the letters were sent.
However, Cardenas said, Bing's team remains willing to negotiate with those union groups. Seventeen other unions already have concluded contract talks with the city.
Detroit, expecting a $300-million deficit, has reduced hours on bus lines, laid off more than 400 workers and required employees to take furloughs.
The city's actions come as Bing faces re-election next month and as spending cuts loom for the state government and other municipalities across Michigan.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 207 is among the Detroit unions still in talks with the city, union president John Riehl said late Tuesday.
"It's a kind of an antiunion tactic they use to try to pressure us to accept a concessions contract," he said. "It's not working. They're not moving their position, so it's difficult to get any kind of settlement."
Now, unions will mail bills directly to members, according to Riehl. The added step makes collecting dues more difficult.
Back on Oct. 6, Bing threatened to end all city contracts and force concessions on the unions if agreements weren't reached within 30 days.
Riehl, however, questioned that cutoff date. "I don't understand what his deadline is," he said. "They have no connection to reality."
Cardenas wouldn't comment about the timetable.
Contact ZLATI MEYER: 313-223-4439 or meyer@freepress.com
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