Mayor Mike Bell says he needs union concessions and we've been told the mayor will try forcing those concessions. He's going to do it by filing nine ordinances with city council, declaring exigent circumstance, which is a way of essentially stating there's an emergency.
If council approves, the mayor could impose nearly $9 million in concessions, forcing the unions to pay 10 percent more into their pensions and 20 percent more for their health care.
Deputy mayor Steve Herwat tells us that with a $48 million deficit to balance, labor unions need to pitch in. So without the $9 million in requested givebacks, the mayor is getting tough with the unions and moving to unilaterally impose those conessions.
The labor unions could challenge this declaration of exigent circumstances to try and stop it. But that means an alternative in lieu of concessions. That alternative: drastic layoffs. For example, 100 police officers is $3.1 million. That gives you an idea of the extent these cuts would have to take.
Council finance chairman George Sarantou hopes he doesn't have to vote to impose concessions and believes the mayor and the unions should get together before the ordinace comes to a vote.
The labor unions say if council approves this move, the unions will challenge it in court. Otherwise, layoffs, even eliminating certain government departments is looming as Toledo tries to avoid state takeover.
Many local union leaders didn't know about the city's move until we told them. They're weren't surprised, but nonetheless, city workers aren't jumping for joy.
Police union president Dan Wagner says the mayor is making a bad move. Wagner says he hasn't had a chance to talk to Mayor Bell about concessions, but promises the union will go to court if the city declares exigent circumstances, costing the taxpayers legal fees.
We talked to the firefighters union president on the phone. He said the administration's timing surprised him.
Alan Cox, president of AFSCME, local 2058 says it's simply posturing. "I realize it will be a legal battle, probably. This is really turning into a major chess match."
With the administration claiming it may lay off 100 police officers, Wagner says he doesn't want this to get ugly.
But his union already accepted a wage freeze this year, and they'll need to see proof the city needs officers to give a little more. "If there is a true need, our membership will analyze it. Decide whether or not they're willing to come forth and give concessions to prevent layoffs."
A member of the administration says they're trying to set up a meeting with the unions next week.
The local AFSCME unions told me they'll also consider a lawsuit aiming to stop the city from declaring exigent circumstances. But that step only happens if council approves these ordinances.
