May 1, 2009

Talks between city and unions today were cooperative, mayor says

Ward said he is trying to reach a deal for givebacks from the unions.

In talks Friday, he said, the atmosphere was “very amiable” and cooperative.

Though no deals were struck, the mayor said, the concession talks will continue.

“They have ideas. We have ideas,” Ward said.

After union officials have a chance to talk things over with members, the mayor said, they’ll meet with the city again. He said he’s not sure of the timetable.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why didn't you make these concessions before your announcement for Mayor. Seems to me lack of leadership.

Anonymous said...

Cooperative? Hell they are Ward's buddies - of course they would be cooperative. Stop the game playing Mayor. We are on to you.

positive input said...

At least efforts are being made on both sides to understand that while none of us created the problem, we need to work together to provide a resolution to the problem - forget the anti-union, anti - city employee mindset and deal with the reality of the situation to reach a resolve which addresses the needs of the city, the employees and the taxpayers - oh, by the way, I am not a republican; like you couldn't tell?

CHARACTER said...

8:07 - AND THANK GOD THAT WARD HAS THE VISION TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THE DECISION THAT "YOU ARE NOT."

Anonymous said...

The question really is if they were productive?

???????????? said...

5:46 - that is why they call it"negotiations", when it is over will be the determinate factor.

Anonymous said...

Yes we did create this problem due to the ineffectiveness of this government to live within its means. When things were goign well, both dem and rep (the majority) spent, spent, spent... Very few had the foresight to look ahead and say "You know, this isn't going to last forever." Now they are in the hot seat begging for concessions. If FAIRNESS and I stress FAIRNESS was negotiated properly we wouldn't be in this situation. What happened to saving for a rainy day? Wait....they got thier hands in that pot too. With so many people feeling the pinch of this economy and I don't know what planet the City is on but mostly everyone I talk to has a moderate to severe deductible, like as in $1,000 plus a year, how dare they have the nerve to quabble over what a $10 generic do-pay or something liek that? That's insanity, contractually negotiated or not.

Anonymous said...

WOULD LOVED TO BE AT THAT MEETING THE UNION TELLING WARD WHAT TO DO. THEY TALKED ABOUT THE NEXT FUND RAISER.

loser said...

6:47 - now you can add that zero for two (o for 2) to your pot of losses.

Anonymous said...

I thought it was interesting to see two members of two different municipal unions were named by Artie to lead his campaign team. How telling, and how sad.....

???????? said...

9:09 - you might think it sad but ward keeps getting elected so looks like they are doing their jobs.

Anonymous said...

7:24

And their job is to get him elected and reelected????

What do they do for the city, who is paying them?

amazing said...

they aren't on city time and don't receive a pay for their help

Anonymous said...

Ward is the dough boy.

Anonymous said...

But are they doing their city job?

Don't tell me Mira doesn't spend time talking to the mayor during the day!

Anonymous said...

Cooperative, but not productive!