AFSCME contract negotiations

Presented data showing AFSCME wages lost ~20% buying power since 2011 and asked council to support contracts that keep up with inflation.

AFSCME Local 369 president said members are working second jobs and selling plasma, challenged the city's market data, and criticized the effort to eliminate the full-time union president position.

A water treatment plant worker said stalled AFSCME negotiations have left wages 14% behind inflation and 29% behind housing costs over five years, and warned the city risks pushing its workforce out.

A city forestry arborist described understaffing, turnover, and uncompetitive wages that leave job openings unfilled.

Said workers can't afford the city's $2,200 average rent and warned he'll return with detailed pay comparisons if no fair offer comes by June 1.