City, union close to deal on work rules

April 8, 2005

BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter

After two years without a contract, City Hall and organized labor could be on the verge of an agreement about the work-rule changes and furlough days that Mayor Daley says he needs to save $20 million a year.

"If everything went right, we could finish it next week. We've gotten more done in the past two or three meetings than we have in the past 1-1/2 years," said a union leader who asked to remain unnamed.

"We'll be able to help the city on some things they want and there are things we need help on in return. Nobody's signed off on anything. Attorneys have to tweak everything. But we'll get this done soon if we keep going like we're going."

Budget Director John Harris could not be reached for comment on Thursday's apparently productive bargaining session. Last month, he warned of increased privatization unless union leaders agree to cost-saving work-rule changes.

"We are prepared to offer an economic package that is equal to our historic practice of paying prevailing wages, but we expect some substantial work-rule changes that will ensure a day's work for a day's pay and greater efficiency for each tax dollar," he said.

"We've asked other employees to make sacrifices during these difficult economic times. The best chance for them to preserve their work as city employees is to agree to work-rule changes that make them more competitive with the private sector."

With the exception of police officers and firefighters, unionized city employees have been working without a contract since the old one expired on June 30, 2003.