The Mayor has withdrawn his wage offer. It was an insult to begin with -- 1.5% the first year of the contract, with 2% bonuses for the second and third years (if the City says it has the money). All the AFSCME local presidents and Michigan Council 25 officials recognize that the Mayor is not bargaining in good faith. Contract negotiations are stalled. Now Archer claims the city is broke, despite millions in casino taxes.

           

AFSCME Local 207 has held rallies protesting the City’s bad faith bargaining. But now things are more serious-- all 18 Local Presidents are united in calling on city workers to “voice your discontent, displeasure and disappointment.”

           

Now is the time for all Local 207 members to come demand real bargaining for a real contract! This will be a chance to march with other city workers who are just as angry as we are over the way we’re treated.

Take advantage of this opportunity to move things forward. Make this rally a priority. Be there!

 

 

 

 

City workers have an historic chance to stand for affirmative action, integration and equality. On Tuesday October 23, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals will hear the University of Michigan affirmative action cases. If the court rules against U of M, affirmative action will be ended in all higher education in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky. The loss of affirmative action in California and Texas has led to huge reductions in the number of black and latina/o students in the top universities. Subsequent attempts to raise black and latina/o enrollment have failed because affirmative action is the only effective desegregation plan for higher education.

           

There’s a good chance that the US Supreme Court will use the U of M case to decide the fate of affirmative action nation-wide.

           

Over 20,000 petition signatures have been collected in support of affirmative action. To help circulate the petition or to sign it -- call the union office: 965-1601. To sign it online go to bamn.com. Stewards should also have petitions.

           

A big rally/march is being held to coincide with the hearing of the case at 2pm on Oct. 23.

           

Local 207 is organizing transportation to this historic rally. Huge numbers of determined people rallying outside the Cincinnati Federal Court will show the judges that there is massive support for affirmative action, integration and equality, and herald the emergence of a long-needed new civil rights movement.

           

Don’t you miss your chance to effect history in a positive way. People from the east to west coasts are planning to come. The rally is sponsored by the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action & Integration and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN), and Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. Over 22 labor organizations are helping build the rally, including the UAW International. The NAACP National Youth, College & Young Adult Division are also helping. The Detroit Metro AFL-CIO, and colleges from Howard to Penn State to Michigan to Eastern are sending contingents. High school students will be there too.

           

AFSCME Council 25 officials have signaled that they are going to participate. A large showing by AFSCME will do lot to help build up AFSCME’s image with a new generation.

           

To cover transportation costs we are asking for $25 for the round trip to Cincinnati. You’ll have to take a vacation day. We will be leaving the union hall (600. W. Lafayette) at 6am sharp Tuesday October 23, and returning about 10pm that night. Dress warmly.

           

To come, contact the union office: 965-1601, or ask your steward for the application.